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
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
865 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Plenty of room to move...
Michael M,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Plenty of room to move around. Skipper was very informative and navigated so all could see the dolfins. Not the best time of year to spot whales but we did see one! Yea!
Good experience
Mohammed D,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Didn’t see any whales but the staff was nice, the boat was also up to date and felt safe so I’d recommend
Disapointed
David H,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
4.00While the crew were very nice we did not see any whales , not even Dolphins. While we realize this is mostly beyond their control we were very disappointed.
Dolphins and more dolphins
Dana M,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great experience had a wonderful time. The captain of the boat gave us both some historical and wonderful information about the dolphins and the sea lions fortunately we didn't see any whales. They had snacks coffee hot chocolate which was nice. Clean bathroom very important and they gave us good recommendations on a place to eat after our tour
Dolphins, Dolphins, Dolphins
Matt W,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very good trip, didn't see whales. They seem to not be in the area, but spent an hour in with dolphins. Been on several other trips but this was the best dolphins watching we have seen
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