Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

From USD 29.16

4.36

808 reviews

Check availability

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

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

4.36

808 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

541

136

Horrible place
Jana G,
May 1, 2025
- Viator
1.00
I understand you can not just make whales or dolphins come out when we want them too i am not upset about that but I live in Chicago and was only visiting Cali for a few days and thought our last day there this would be cool to do with my son. I spent almost 100 bucks for nothing, absolutely nothing it sucked. Again that is upsetting but I understand we can't make them come out. What I am pissed about is them making us pay all this money and we end up not seeing anything at all and not offering at least half a refund instead they give us stupid vouchers stating your next visit will only be 7 bucks and it never expires when it litterly says expires Nov of this year. Yea ok like I can afford to just fly to Cali at anytime just to use this stupid 7 dollar voucher??? I am so pissed off. Us out of town visitors should get half a refund back. Like I said and I repeat I am not upset the whales or dolphins didn't come out it would have been nice to see them I understand it's a long shot but don't sit there and charge people 100 plus dollars for this stupid expedition and not offer half a refund when we absolutely don't see a dam thing. Never ever will I go back
As well as it could be without finding whales
Maggie S,
Apr 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00
We didn’t find any whales and the weather was cold and miserable, but that was just bad luck, I still encourage others to go
The Whale
Charles H,
Apr 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Well worth it and we got close to a big humpback who put on a show . The boat was not crowded and everyone was able to see . The weather was perfect. The Captain was great in finding use a whale without a lot of boats chasing the same whale.
We saw a baby and mama...
Katelyn P,
Mar 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00
We saw a baby and mama Humpback whale and a couple of dolphins :) The captain and photographer were super sweet. We had a very enjoyable time.
Never again
twyla h,
Mar 15, 2025
- Viator
1.00
The boat was VERY rocky. There were no whales to be seen. Experience as a whole was horrible. Adults nor children in our group enjoyed this outing