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Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

star-4.5
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Newport Beach, United States
(14)
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
See More (14)
14

From $34.00

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Check Availability
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon2 to 3 hours  (Approx.)
iconOffered in: English
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
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More questions?
(888) 651-9785

Overview

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signal that humpback, minke, grey, finback or giant blue whales are near. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.
  • Whale watching tour from Newport Beach
  • Keep your eyes open for blue, grey, minke, finback, and humpback whales
  • Knowledgeable captain and crew
  • Multiple departure times available
  • Spot other marine life such as dolphins, seals and more
Add to Cart
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
2.50 fuel surcharge per infant age 3 years and younger due on date of travel. The fuel surcharge and wharfage fees is required by our local supplier and is not within our control.

Departure Point

1: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
2: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Make your way to Newport Harbor for the departure of your whale watching cruise down the coast of Orange County. 

Board the 65-foot (20-meter) boat and meet your experienced captain and crew, all of whom have extensive backgrounds in marine biology. As the boat leaves the harbor, learn about the different types of marine life that frequent the area and what to look for. 

This year-round tour allows the opportunity to see different animals during different seasons. During the winter and spring months, watch for minke whales; one of the world's smallest, they only grow to about 23 feet (7 meters). Winter also brings the humpback whale, which can grow to an impressive 52 feet (16 meters). Both of these whales eat krill and are known to slap their tails on the surface of the water, or 'fluke'. 

Blue whales, the largest mammals in existence today, usually grow to approximately 200 tons (180 metric tons) and 98 feet (30 meters) in length. Watch for these giants during the summer and fall months, in addition to grey whales and finback whales (the second-largest type of whale). 

There are also possibilities to see dolphins, sea lions, and seals on your trip. Feel free to ask any questions of your knowledgeable captain and crew regarding any of the animal life you encounter.

After your time on the Pacific, return to Newport Harbor.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Balboa Pier
This pier provides excellent sightings of the beautiful coastal line along with the crashing waves into the white sandy beaches.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Balboa Fun Zone
Here families and children can enjoy a ride on the Ferris Wheel or test their luck out in the arcade. Three other rides (swings) or available to smaller children as well.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited.
  • Vessel may change depending on availability.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 144 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Davey's Locker

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:
The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:
The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:
The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 144 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach.

Traveler Photos

See More (14)

Traveler Tips

  • "Everyone was wearing a light jacket expecting it to be a little colder than on land, but it was a lot colder." See review
  • "Trip is enjoyable but the boat is a little bit outdated." See review
  • "I would certainly give a higher rating if there are advise/warning on parking." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
267 Reviews
5 stars
160
4 stars
52
3 stars
26
2 stars
14
1 star
15
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 267 reviews
star-1
Uncooperative
Robert_V
, Sep 2020
Made a mistake. Cancelled moments after booking. Company has yet to acknowledge refund. Three attempts so far. I am forced to contact my credit card company to block payment.
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star-2
No whales
Julie_B
, Aug 2020
We didn’t see any whales or dolphins. They gave me coupons to go for another trip at a reduced rate but I am from way out of state and only am here for another day so it does me no good. If you choose to go I would try for your first day of vacation in case you have the same experience. I would have thought they were using recorded migration patterns to find them but it really just seemed like they drove out into the ocean for a hour then turned around and came back.
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star-5
RELAXING AND INFORMATIVE.
John_Z
, Aug 2020
It was nice, relaxing, and very informative. Boat was spacious, clean and very well marked for Social distancing.
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star-4
Great experience
Rajesh_C
, Jun 2020
It was very well organized tour. Specially during COVID-19 situation, proper social distancing and safety norms were followed. Guide was very friendly and knowledgable. We spotted many Dolphines. But no luck with Whales. It was due to odd weather too. It was nice 2 hrs ocean trip. We enjoyed it.
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star-4
Good half day trip.
Christina_F
, Mar 2020
Trip is enjoyable but the boat is a little bit outdated. Crew members were nice and helpful. Will do it again in the future.
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star-4
Whale watching
Elaine_P
, Mar 2020
Had my whale watching for my birthday however we saw a lot of dolphins we saw part of a whale but there was a private boat that was following it so it's scared it so we hardly got to see it but overall the day was just beautiful👍👍
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star-5
Fun in the sun
Tara_S
, Mar 2020
It was a beautiful day with lots of sun shine, and we saw a group of dolphins. There is a bar with drinks and snacks.
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star-3
Not a single whale, but kind of “expected”.
Sightsee492527
, Aug 2019
I would certainly give a higher rating if there are advise/warning on parking. It’s totally unacceptable that the booking process and followed up communication no mention of the parking issues- impossible to find spaces, if lucky enough you need apps...
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star-3
Whales went bye-bye
Mellissa M
, May 2019
It is no one's fault that only one whale peeked part of its back above the water on this trip. That was almost made up for with a bunch of small dolphins swimming alongside the boat. There should be a disclaimer in your advertising that we may not see whales, but that we would enjoy time out on the water anyway.
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star-2
Could have been much better.
LoriF1532
, Apr 2019
It is a shame that this whale watching excursion was not better. It was a beautiful day to be out on the boat. But did not see any dolphins; only saw one grey whale at a distance and a few sea lions. Crew member was good at letting us know about the whale and sea lions. The worst part of the trip were the approximate 12 obnoxious and totally disgusting young adults who were on the boat. They were loud, screaming, yelling, pushing other people aside and the crew did not do anything to stop them. Ruined the entire excursion and probably scared off all the animals!
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Questions?

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Product code: 5481WHALE

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