Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport Beach & Laguna Beach as backdrop. Year-round whale-watching cruises like this one are rare, so don’t miss this chance to see giant blue, finback, grey, minke and humpback whales. Over half dozen different types of dolphin including giant Risso Dolphin at over 12 feet in length, white sided dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and common dolphin. See super pods of dolphin sometimes numbering over 1000 dolphin strong.
The luxury option includes a spacious yacht with numerous features including 360 degree walk around deck, a lower passenger count and greater speeds for going the distance to see mammals.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. No high heels are allowed.
Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited.
Vessel may change depending on availability.
Arrive at least 1 hour early for all tours- especially during summer months. Parking may be challenging, especially on weekends.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Parking may be challenging during summer months- please arrive early
Free trolley information can be found on the City of Newport Beach website
Parking Fees located at Balboa Pier Municipal Lot
What To Expect
We have the potential of viewing giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, minke whales, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and many more in their natural habitat! With one the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphin of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay. Once you check in to receive your boarding pass and board our vessels, you will have a 15-minute cruise through our beautiful Newport Harbor viewing multi-million-dollar mansions along the harbor coastline as well. Also, during this time, feel free to head to the galley to purchase the beverage of your choice (cocktails, beer, wine, soda or water). Once we hit the open ocean, we will be in search for wildlife of all kinds (sharks included)! Choose a seat inside our galley area or outside for the best views!
Options
Luxury Cruise
Luxury Yacht: Spacious & luxurious yacht with numerous features Including 360 degree walk around deck, with dual bows for ultimate viewing.
Low Passenger Count: Low passenger number (only 37 guests max) for an intimate experience.
Speed: Greater speed for going the distance to see mammals and/or spending more time viewing mammals and less time traveling to them
Standard Cruise
Multiple Departure times: Multiple departure times available for standard tours. Boat accompanies 155 passengers max
Reviews
900 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dolphins
Y8332HFlisac,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was kindda pleasant would do it again we seen tons of dolphins. Weather was Great not to hot or too cold. Very nice calm waves
Whales are not guaranteed.!
Bob D,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00it hit or miss is whether you’re going to actually see any whales or dolphins. I was fortunate. I was able to see two humpback whales that put on quite a show.
Whales viewed!
jennifergH3078OY,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw 3 whales on this adventure! We were skeptical that we would see any, so seeing 3(!) was such a grand adventure! Many thanks to the staff for taking us out and providing such a great time. Sometimes you hit the jackpot! I couldn’t add photos of whales, as I only took video.
Super packed boat, captain didnt put us on fish
diegoayala999,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We went out of our way to try Davey Jones because their limited load boats advertise that they are "available for anyone wanting the full day experience without having a crowded boat. These trips give you ample fishing time and elbow room." We were shoulder to shoulder fishing with no elbow room at all. We were getting snagged by other anglers every single time we dropped our line. In terms of the actual fishing, it was rough. We spent half of a full day trip chasing bonito. The first 3 stops almost nobody on the boat pulled up any fish. I would strongly advise not to book a trip, its not worth it.
Bad experience with TripAdvisor
Passport37815902470,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00very bad experience with TripAdvisor. Misleading advertising and no customer service. Nobody answered the phone. No help from pop up chat.
Fantastic experience! Highly recommend!
Kellie A,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience! We saw so much wildlife!! Hundreds of dolphins (I’ve never seen so many in one place!) thousands of birds and a humpback whale!! The captain followed him to give us the best views while respecting the whale’s space. The views were incredible! Then, as a nice bonus, we saw a Minky whale on our way back to the dock. The attention to our safety and wellbeing was obvious, and the determination to give us the best views and experience with the animals was top notch!
Exciting Tour
Bayclifton,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a fun time. Kayla and Matt were great. We didn’t see any whales but we did see dolphins and it was incredible.
Amazing Experience - Many Dolphins!
Sarah D,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our experience was so excellent! Dani, our captain, and Jill, our guide, made this whale watching cruise unforgettable. We saw ridiculously scenic coastline views, which added to the magic of thr trip. While we only saw bottlenose dolphins (tons of them), the cruise was still spectacular and definitely worth the ticket price. Plus, due to a last minute change on their end we happened to get upgraded to the higher end smaller boat with less people. There were lots of moments of sheer joy (we geeked out pretty hard) at getting to visit the dolphins up close in their natural environment. Others around us expressed feeling similarly. What also set this cruise apart was Dani and Jill. Their extensive knowledge about local marine life and its patterns enriched our experience significantly. They shared fascinating and often hilarious insights (Jill is a character - in all the best ways) about the dolphins and the surrounding ecosystem, which made the cruise both highly entertaining and educational. Their genuine excitement for marine wildlife is so evident and it really made the experience all the more enjoyable and fun. We had a great time, and we can't thank Dani and Jill enough for their dedication to making sure everyone had a memorable adventure. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone looking to get out of their head and spend time soaking up amazing views! Ps. Don't be an idiot like me - remember to wear sunscreen because a boat can't outrun the sun (obviously... 🤦♀️) Pss. Rent the $5 binoculars
Aswome
daniel b,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Unbelievable so informative we will be back we saw a mega pod of dolphins the captain was really good
it's first time we get so...
DON j,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00it's first time we get so close to see the dolphins in such transparent blue ocean. great experience we had.
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Operated by Davey's Locker Whale Watching