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 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!
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
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
953 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Such a great experience!
Cadence S,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Me and my boyfriend went for our anniversary, it was such a fun experience! We saw lots of dolphins! We did have to go back into the harbor pretty early because of the wind, but they ended up giving us all voucher cards to come back for free!! Definitely recommend experiencing this!
Perfect day at sea
travelfromOhio,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time on the water with the team. Jill has a beautiful voice and has taught us so much about the area, whales, and dolphins. And we got to see all and sea lions as well!
Horrible
V2602SPjacobr,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Worst service ever, the boat is filthy I understand it's a fishing boat but to but disgustingly okay with that isn't. DO NOT RECOMMEND RUDE AND INAPPROPRIATE THEY DO NOT CARE TO EXPLAIN OR FOLLOW YOU THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE.
Great tour!
carladJ1215TQ,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great excursion, saw fin whales, dolphins, and sea lions. I took the smaller luxury cruise, was a small, basic boat where you could walk all around the lower deck or go inside.
The Captain and crew were...
Chrissy A,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Captain and crew were very professional and polite. The Captain tried to make the experience enjoyable and memorable. We were able to see 2 fin whales.
Great
Kiara N,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s always a pleasure to have Captain Kayla navigate. Captain Kayla is very knowledgeable and kind. This is my second time whale watching; first was in a luxury and second was in a standard. Never disappoints, thanks!
The staff were so...
Trenisha O,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff were so friendly and informative. There was marine expert on the boat who happily went around with a collagen replica of a whale tooth, which was awesome. The captain was able to show us an adult whale with her baby, and we also saw a group of dolphins enjoying themselves. It was amazing! We had a great time and my 3 year old fell asleep toward the end so she was unable to see the dolphins but the marine expert allowed her to touch the whale tooth.
10/10 Whale Watching
dewf2025,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience! It was a beautiful day, perfect temperature out on the water even though it’s been unseasonably hot lately. Great breeze. Got to see sooo many dolphins swimming with the boat and got some amazing video. Also got to see exactly what the tickets were bought for. WHALES! A mother, her calf, and then another adult close by. Bryce, the captain, was informative and entertaining! 10/10 experience!
Whale watching
Stephen B,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain knew where to go, and excellent at maneuvering boat. Very informative, as well. Crew was very helpful !
Amazing Experience!!!!
Jeffrey P,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience seeing the whales, dolphins, and sea lions!! They were very professional, and the crew what they were doing!!
-7% off
From US$28.80Was US$31.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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