Private Tour
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come aboard Newport Surfrider for an adventure of a lifetime, one of the nicest RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) boats in Newport Harbor. Captain has over 20 years of experience working on the water and is a certified naturalist. State of the art vessel will do 40+mph to optimize chances of finding marine mammals.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Newport Beach
Our Coast Guard Licensed Captain and Certified Marine Naturalist will welcome you aboard Surfrider. You will get a tour of Newport Harbor. Followed by a fast boat ride out on the Pacific Ocean through Newport, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point in search of the abundant Marine Mammals off our beautiful coast. You will be given a narration by our expert Marine Naturalist about these amazing mammals
What‘s Included
40 mph speed boat with all the latest tech and coast guard safety equipment.
Coast guard licensed captain and certified marine naturalist.
Food and Drink, bring anything you would like (cooler on board for use)
Gratuities, never mandatory however always always greatly appreciated by our crew.
Options
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach
Reviews
67 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don’t pass this trip up! Worth every penny!
michael Z,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip started with great communication on where to meet and park. Justin our guide made the trip relaxed as he was easy going and really knows the area well! We saw so many dolphins along with great scenery of the next level real estate surrounding us. If you’re in Newport Beach this trip is a no brainer and a must! Request Justin if you’re looking for next level knowledge a relaxed trip and want to see the dolphins and whales! 10 out 10
We had a fun experience!...
Jessica J,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fun experience! We saw sea lions, dolphins, and a whale. The kids had a blast and Dustin was great. Highly recommend!
Wonderful experience. We...
Sarah S,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. We loved all the dolphins and sea lions. Perfect length and the guide was very knowledgeable
Dolphins galore!
Han,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Dustin knew where to go to see dolphins. We estomated that there were about 500 dolphins inn the area. They were swimming right by the boat and leaping out of the waters, putting on a show for us. We also saw some sea lions very upclose. The boat is small and very fast, and very comfortable. The size of the boat was an advantage as it let us get very close to the dolphins. A wonderful experience, and we highly recommend it.
Unforgettable Dolphin Adventure!
Eugene C,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! We saw hundreds of dolphins up close, and my wife and kids absolutely loved it. The boat ride was smooth, fast, and fun, and the captain shared great insights along the way. Truly unforgettable family adventure!
Best of all vacation experiences
P5969FTchristopherc,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve got an hour of video surrounded by dolphins!! Probably the most memorable vacation I’ve ever had!! Absolutely amazing!!
A must do!
AngHuber75,Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Dustin (the captain) found many dolphins for us to see and a whale. He was so nice and shared facts with us about people and places in the area. My whole family loved it! Would definitely recommend.
Absolutely AMAZING
April S,Jun 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely AMAZING experience! We got to see dolphins, whales, and sea lions. Dustin was great! Very informative and personable. Would highly recommend! To quote my 9 year old nephew "A 10/10 experience"
Incredible Experience!
dgscow,Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our visit was incredible! You never know what wild life you'll see while boating, but Dustin found a super pod of common dolphins and we saw hundreds (or thousands) of dolphins in every direction! We also saw a few bottlenose dolphins and some sea lions as well. Dustin was also very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. The private tour was so much better than the other larger boats we saw on the water, and our kids, who can get motion sick, seemed to do better on this boat. We would definitely go again!
Great trip! Don’t forget your layers this time of year.
Companion28495886586,Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bumpy and breezy but sunny and fun! Our Captain Dustin was great: pointing out famous boats and houses. No whales but we did get to see sea lions. Great experience to get out on the water and see the coast.
Related Experiences
Operated by Newport Surfrider