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
Standard Cruise
Multiple Departure times: Multiple departure times available for standard tours. Boat accompanies 155 passengers max
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
Reviews
984 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Crew On Board and a very fun time Would recommend
Claire H,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide on boat was so helpful and informative The entire crew was great We didn't get to see any whales but that it was still early But we did get to see pods of dolphins many babies and lots of birds. Captain was always on top of finding activity and heading right for them. Also saw some seals. It was a great Loved it
Whale Watching in Newport Beach
Peggy L,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kayla and Christine were amazing boat operators and tour guides. They were so knowledgeable regarding marine life, and make the excursion both very informative and enjoyable!
Amazing Experience!
Cassidy N,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a wonderful time on our tour today. We paid for the upgrade and were on the Catallac. The boat had lots of seating and our tour was small. It felt like a private tour. Our caption was awesome, she was so knowledgeable about all the animals. We didn’t find any whales but we saw a beautiful pod of dolphins. If you love the ocean and wildlife you can’t go wrong with booking this tour.
Whale watching
Lisa G,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be patient and watch. It was great. Staff were great. We didn't see sharks. But we saw whales, dolphins and sea lions
Choppy Seas . But taken care of
David C,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was amazing. Check in was simple. However bad choppy seas due to high winds and a lack of sea mammals forced the boat to return early. The captain was very apologetic and we were given free tickets with no expiration for a return outing
Good experience on the water
Paige R,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain strives to find the most likely places for the animals to be. He was knowledgeable about the area and continued to look for the elusive creatures. We saw small pods of bottlenose that were really fun to watch, as well as sea lions lounging on the channel marker. He gave us ample time for pictures and to watch the animals in their element.
Went for whale watching tour, came back with dolphin watching experience
Akshara T,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Don’t get your hopes up. You may certainly not see any whales this time of the year. You will definitely see a lot of dolphins on the way.
Book the top deck for a little more money it's worth it!
JOHN C,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Book the top deck with the Captain and the cocktail you got a better view and it's only 25 bucks more. Our female Captain did an excellent job. It was slower season. We didn't see any whales, but we saw a whole pot of maybe 30 porpoises which was cool.
Breath taking!
Richard H,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It didn't say guarantee to see whales, dolphins, or sea lions, but we did! Murrell's inlet in S.C. say guarantee but it's not
10/10 definitely going again
Ryan H,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great time. Even saw 2 fin whales The staff was very welcoming and professional Definitely worth the time even if you don't see any whales
-19% off
From US$31.38Was US$38.75
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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