Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Overview

Available languages

English

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

4.36

839 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

564

138

Great experience on the...
Roxanne W,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great experience on the water. Saw multiple pods of dolphins. The sea lions were extra. Great adventure.
Whale of a time
James S,
Jun 19, 2025
- Viator
4.00
That whales are wild animals and you can't predict whether they will be seen. In our case on 6-19-25 dolphins were the only sea creature spotted. Still a good trip on the Catallac and Capt. Jack...and crew.
Knowledgeable and...
Melissa A,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Knowledgeable and friendly staff and crew who went the extra mile to ensure we saw a lot of dolphins! The boat was clean and easy to navigate. My husband is a bird-watcher and the staff was eager to help him identify birds.
Whales and dolphins oh my!
Lisa S,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Excellent crew! The captain was was great -- she was entertaining, knew a lot about the marine life and took us right to the whales. We saw 3 humpback whale, hundreds of dolphins and a den of sea lions sunning themselves. One of the best whale watching tours I've been on
Quiet day on the water
Teresa E,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
3.00
It was a boat ride. Saw nothing but a few sleeping sea lions. Those are the breaks! Was difficult to hear the narration as they kept the music playing. Weird.

From USD 36

4.36

839 reviews

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