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
915 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Better in season
Wayne S,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Trip was great but we didn’t see any wildlife. This tour would be better in season for Whales. We left disappointed. Follow up should be a free tour on non capacity tours.
Hundreds of dolphins no whales
T1372MUlisag,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very fortunate to see a pod of 100-200 dolphins who followed the boat for a long time. The indoor viewing and riding area was nice as it was lightly raining when we left. No whales but a good trip anyway
Whale watching and waiting
Sarah D,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We weren’t actually expecting to see a whale(s) on the trip because of the time of the year, being December. We thought we would see some dolphins. But we did see a humpback whale! The guides were fantastic and used their knowledge to “guess” how long the whale would be underwater before it would surface again and where we should keep an eye out. The whale surfaced 4 times before we had to head back. I think everyone had a chance to get a photo.
Very well organized and...
Melissa H,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized and informative. The staff was very pleasant and we had a great experience. Can’t wait to come back!
No whales
Zainab D,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Only went a mile out from shore. Didn’t see any whales. Quite disappointing for the 9 yr old. Plus there was some singing by the guide that got to be annoying.
Unfortunately didn’t see...
Robyn M,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Unfortunately didn’t see any whales. Luckily we did see some rare white tailed dolphins which made the experience for us!
Great boat experience!
Kimberly C,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great watching experience! The crew was very informative and we had a smooth ride. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see whales this time around but the dolphins definitely made it for it! I would definitely come back again.
Nature will always...
Sabrina A,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nature will always nature, you may not see whales and that’s perfectly fine. The crew does their absolute best to make your experience magical and memorable. We had an absolute blast sailing on the water sharing time with family and having conversations with other folks on the boat.
You might not see any...
G R,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00You might not see any whales but you will definitely see some kind of ocean wildlife. We watched a pod of dolphins surf behind the wake of the boat. Pretty cool!
Bait and Switch Experience
Ehood01,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Be aware of bait and switch if thinking of booking the luxury catamaran experience. We paid for the luxury catamaran and upgraded to VIP. Instead of getting the catamaran, we got a large ferry because they “chartered” the catamaran for someone else. The man at the desk was rude and tried to tell us they were the same as if we are stupid. Poor experience, no whale sightings and a rude manager. Go somewhere else.
-30% off
From US$21.70Was US$31.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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