Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
View many varieties of whales which include the giant blue whale which is over 90 feet in length, humpback whales, gray whales, finback whales whales, several types of dolphin, seals, and other neat marine life. Just outside of Newport Bay is the beginning of one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California created to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations. The protected marine sanctuary covers over 15 miles and provides a haven for all marine creatures including whales and dolphin. With such amazing habitat for mammals so close to Newport Bay, whale watching cruises of 2-2.5 hours is all that is needed for viewing these giants. Newport Landing offers multiple whale watching cruises daily and with a 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphins, almost every trip will have viewing opportunities.
*New is a brand new double decker whale watching catamaran with bow seating, upper and lower deck 360 views, and much more.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A maximum of 20 people per booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Select from several whale watching cruise times daily and year-round. Our whale watching & dolphin cruises view giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, several species of dolphin and more.
What‘s Included
Landing and facility fees
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Options
12pm Departure
12:00pm Departure: Tour departs at 12:00pm
2:30pm Departure
Tour departs at 2:30pm
9am Departure
Tour departs at 9am
Mid Day Departures
Mid Day Departure: Tour departs at 1:00pm or 12pm
Reviews
211 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Even though it was foggy...
Donnita V,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Even though it was foggy and we couldn’t find anything, it was a pleasant day in the water. Would do this again if we’re ever back in this area
A Great Family Trip to California
wisconsin46,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved Sherman Library Gardens and Newport Beaches proximity to Huntington Beach for the little kids!! There is a great playground on the beach there! The choices of food in the area are amazing! We didn’t want to rent a car because of the traffic so we Ubered everywhere! It was so easy! Also we flew into John Wayne Airport. It was a breeze compared to LAX!
newport whale watch
Karen G,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00relaxing boat ride out to the ocean. it’s a gamble to see a whale sometimes. we were lucky to see the common dolphins in a large pods. swimming and jumping .
Fun & relaxing. We saw...
Robert S,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun & relaxing. We saw sea lions, dolphins, pelicans and more. The crew was very accommodating and informative. We will definitely go on this excursion again in future trips.
Great for the family
Eren B,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was so much fun, the weather was beautiful. We got to see a humpback whale, a pod of dolphins, sea lions . The ride was great and our Captain Hunter and crew were friendly and very informative. We will be back again.
Whale watching
Jennifer S,,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable and informative staff/ crew. Didn't complain with crying toddler. Lots of dolphins but no whales.
Was a fun experience....
Kathy W,,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a fun experience. Crew was entertaining and knowledgeable. Would recommend and would do again if in area
Such an amazing...
Dawnette T,,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an amazing experience it was mine and my husbands first time whale watching , we didn’t get to see whales but we were able to see so many dolphins that it didn’t matter that we didn’t see a whale such an amazing experience highly recommend.
Very enjoyable! No whales...
Christina A,,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable! No whales but so many dolphins. The crew was friendly and we'll be doing this again!
1K dolphins raced along the boat. Truly amazing
Kathy D,,May 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing and staff very knowledgeable. They have a biologist in board to explain things and we met with a pod of 1K dolphins that swam with us for Miles. Then a feed ball of fish formed and that was soo cool to watch as they fed. Nice bar to get beverages and staff were wonderful. Highly recommend
From US$36.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Newport Landing Whale Watching