Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

star-4.5442 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
Newport Beach, United States
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
See More
See More
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Whale Watching Cruise
See More
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $34.00

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
0 Adults1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults0 Seniors1 Senior2 Seniors3 Seniors4 Seniors5 Seniors6 Seniors7 Seniors8 Seniors9 Seniors0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon2 to 3 hours  (approx.)
iconOffered in: English

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
Saved to wishlist!

From $34.00

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
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.
  • 400 Main St , 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
    Open in Google Maps

    Our location is inside the historic Balboa Pavilion located in the beautiful Newport Beach, CA. Our vessels depart from these docks as well. Parking is located roughly 100 yards from our location. Best place to park is next to the Balboa Pier.

  • 309 Palm St , 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
    Open in Google Maps

    Our second location is in Unit A of the 309 Palm Street building facing the harbor. Our building is located to the left of the Auto Ferry if you are looking towards the east.

    • This activity will end right where it started.
    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.
    ... MoreLess
    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.
    ... MoreLess
    Duration: 45 minutes
    Admission Ticket Not Included
    Pass By:  
    The Wedge
    Famous surf location
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Crystal Cove State Park
    Marine protected preserve and state park.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Newport Beach Pier
    Historic pier and home to dory fleet.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Balboa Island
    Take in the views as they pass through Newport Harbor.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Crystal Cove State Park
    Whale watching cruises often view mammals off the Crystal Cove Park and marine protected area offshore.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Huntington Beach
    Whales and dolphin are often viewed off the coast of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Pier.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Newport Beach Pier
    Great whale watching takes place in the waters about 1/2 mile off the Newport Pier. Waters get quite deep just off the end of the pier and upwelling brings fish and mammals into feed.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Laguna Beach
    The coastline is often the backdrop when viewing whales and dolphin and if part of the 60 square mile marine protected park .
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Main Beach
    Downtown Laguna, Main Beach is often visible while on a whale watching cruise out of Newport Beach
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Abalone Point
    Beginning of the marine closure protect area offers some of the richest marine life and great whale watching opportunities.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Corona del Mar
    Beautiful coastal town often see in background while viewing mammals on whale watches
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Corona Del Mar State Beach
    Pass by or stop in front of during our whale watches out of Newport Harbor.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Dana Point
    Whale watching cruises can travel down to Dana Point in search of whales and dolphin. Just south of Laguna Beach
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Dana Point Harbor
    Whale watches can travel down to waters off Dana Point harbor to view whales and other marine mammals.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Top of the World
    Often viewed from a distance while watching off Laguna Beach
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Aliso Beach Park
    Good whale watching and dolphin viewing takes place in the deeper waters off Aliso Beach Park in Laguna .
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Victoria Beach
    One of the beaches in Laguna we spot while whale watching in the waters offshore.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Huntington Dog Beach
    Can be spotted along the coast when whale watching off Huntington Beach.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Bolsa Chica State Beach
    One the beaches to north that we travel too on some of our whale watches. The waters from the lagoon provide nutrients and attract marine life.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
    Protected reserve birds from the area offer some unique viewing opportunities in the waters offshore along with good habitat for whales and dolphin.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Sunset Beach
    One of the most northern beaches we see on our whale watches from Newport Beach.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Huntington State Beach
    Long stretch of beautiful white sand beach we cruise just offshore looking for whales and dolphin that travel the area.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Marina Park
    Great park can visit before of after taking a whale watching cruise from Balboa. Long walk or short bike ride too.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Little Corona Beach
    Close to where we exit Newport Bay we often pass in close proximity.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Pelican Hill Golf Club
    Scenic backdrop while we view whales and dolphin in the waters just off the golf club.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    The Spa at Pelican Hill
    Nice option for he perfect day after or before a whale watching cruise. Can be seen from one of our whale watching boats.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Salt Creek Beach
    Just south of Laguna Beach the waters off Salt Creek support whales and dolphin and our cruises travel to this area at times
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Table Rock Beach
    Neat beach and the protected waters offshore provide ideal habitat for whales and dolphins year round.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Laguna Beach Pirate Tower
    Landmark visible from our whale watching cruises when in Laguna Beach.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Catalina Island
    Often seen in the distance on whale watching cruises some of our longer trips travel to Catalina Island.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Avalon
    Main town on Catalina Island. On clear days can see Avalon while whale watching in the channel between Newport Beach and Catalina Island.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Irvine
    Often the buildings of downtown Irvine can be spotted along the coastline while on a whale watch.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    San Juan Capistrano
    At the southern end of our whale watching cruise range can be spotted while whale watching off the coast.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Seal Beach
    Seaside town spot from the distance when whale watching in the northern part of our range from Newport Beach.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Fountain Valley
    Another beachside town that ends at the beach. Can be spotted from the ocean during whale watch.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Fashion Island
    Popular outdoor area can be spotted from waters off the coastline of Newport Beach on whale watches.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
    Neat event taking place onshore. Sometimes can spot when viewing mammals close to shore.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Aliso Viejo
    Spans the upper hills from coastline can be viewed while whale watching offshore.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Laguna Niguel
    Can be spotted along the coastline when whale watching off Laguna.
    ... MoreLess
    Pass By:  
    Laguna Niguel Regional Park
    Great green area is a nice view from the waters off the coast.
    ... MoreLess
    • 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 115 travelers
    • OPERATED BY Davey's Locker Whale Watching
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
    • 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 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 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.

    Traveler Photos

    See More
    See More

    Traveler Tips

    • "Trip is enjoyable but the boat is a little bit outdated." See review
    • "Go for the second morning show you get more action." See review
    • "I would certainly give a higher rating if there are advise/warning on parking." See review

    Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

    Reviews

    4.5
    star-4.5
    442 Reviews
    5 stars
    284
    4 stars
    75
    3 stars
    33
    2 stars
    23
    1 star
    27

    Reviews by Viator travelers

    We perform checks on reviews

    Showing 1-10 of 442 reviews
    star-5
    Summer emotions at the Sea
    Marilina_B
    , Aug 2022
    Amazing Captain Larry and Kayla…. Super friendly! They were so excited about watching what we find yesterday It was amazing!
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    My granddaughter came...
    Christine_P
    , Aug 2022
    My granddaughter came from outta state, and thought this would be a wonderful experience. We loved seeing all the dolphins.
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    We were lucky to see lots...
    Ulrike_W
    , Aug 2022
    We were lucky to see lots of dolphins and even a group of tunas. Great experience! No whales unfortunately.
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    It was amazing I highly...
    Cameron_A
    , Aug 2022
    It was amazing I highly recommend this adventure! So much fun and the service and people were very nice!
    ... MoreLess
    star-3
    Nice experience, but go early in the day
    Alba_T
    , Aug 2022
    It was nice, they had food and drinks available to eat. I would recommend going earlier in the day though, when we went at 4:30pm it was really cold and we ended up unfortunately not seeing anything. We have gone before and actually seen some of the wildlife, though!
    ... MoreLess
    star-3
    Pricey afternoon
    Cynthia_B
    , Jul 2022
    Should call it dolphin and seal watching. Also should warn out of state people who don’t know the area there is no parking available. We brought 2 cars and had to pay $40 each to park in a lot near by.
    ... MoreLess
    star-3
    Should be named Dolphin tour
    Lena_M
    , Jul 2022
    The 2 Gentleman running the cruise were very friendly. They only took us out 5 miles from the land possibly due to time constraints. This particular boat (Catallac)only has inside seating by the bar or exterior seating that accommodates 8 or so. So if you’re not first in line you’ll be standing the entire way. You can purchase drinks and snacks on board. We did see dolphins, and sea lions. Having compared this to a previous experience we had with whale watching I’d spend more and take a longer tour and a bigger boat that’s more comfortable if whale watching is what you’re after.
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    My 15th Son's birthday celebration 💐🙏🇲🇽👑🇱🇷 International Mexico-America Queen
    Palmira_B
    , Jul 2022
    Grea experience!! I will coming back!! Everything was great, the service inside of the boat amazing, they offer coffe, hot chocolate and wine!! I'm an International Mexico-America Queen 👑 Palmira Bustillos.
    ... MoreLess
    star-4
    Fun times
    Jason_L
    , Jul 2022
    Fun time with family. Disappointed we didn’t see any whales. Did see lots of dolphins. All in all definitely with the money.
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Great tour!
    Bryanna_G
    , Jul 2022
    The tour guides were great! The boat was extremely nice. They have drinks and snacks available for purchase as well. We saw hundreds of dolphins and sea lions as well. Will definitely book this again!
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    My Family and I enjoyed...
    Zahira_G
    , Jul 2022
    My Family and I enjoyed the cruise. Although we didn't see whales, we saw dolphins and sea lions which we absolutely loved.
    ... MoreLess
    star-1
    I didn’t get to go on the...
    Lizet_L
    , Jul 2022
    I didn’t get to go on the activity and didn’t get a refund. I canceled within 24 hours and still didn’t get approved for a refund.
    ... MoreLess
    1 traveler found this review helpful
    star-5
    Awesome experience for all ages!
    Lynn_G
    , Jul 2022
    Seeing all the water life and birds... wonderful experience. The crew/staff were helpful and easy to approach.
    ... MoreLess
    star-3
    It was great the. We...
    Karimullah_S
    , Jul 2022
    It was great the. We enjoyed but the only problem was the engine sound, it was too loud my 2 years old son was scared.
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Date Night Post Disneyland w/Kiddos(they stayed with family while we went on a date)
    Alexander_T
    , Jul 2022
    Crew was great, veiw was great, only thing they told us was its better to go early in day casue of wind, but we still saw a pod of common dolphins and sea lions, highly recommend
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Nice scenic tour on the water!
    Stan_B
    , Jul 2022
    Despite not seeing whales, it was still a very fun trip. We got to see two different pods of Dolphins. The stag was very friendly and did a great job! Our two daughters had a blast!
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    No whales but lots of...
    Lynn_P
    , Jul 2022
    No whales but lots of dolphins & sea lions! Fun trip perfect weather ide go again if we come back l loved the adventure
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Fun!
    haley_w
    , Jul 2022
    Beautiful trip, well maintained boat, and plenty of dolphins. The bathrooms were also very large and the bar had plenty
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Lots of fun
    Terence_H
    , Jul 2022
    Very relaxing trip. Well worth the cost. I plan on going out on the boat again later this summer. This morning boat ride was worth every penny that I spent. My wife really enjoyed the ocean trip too. Thanks for everything. Ted
    ... MoreLess
    star-5
    Best adventure ever with dolphins 😇
    Akash_P
    , Jul 2022
    Best thing ever I found, which gives you peace of mind and also you enjoy the nature beauty. I Highly recommend this adventure to do at least once in your life. Really amazing adventure🙌.
    ... MoreLess
    Why you are seeing these recommendations

    Compare Similar Experiences

    Current
    Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
    Likely to Sell Out
    Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
    star-4.5442
    2 to 3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $34.00
    Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
    star-4141
    2 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $37.62
    Likely to Sell Out
    Ultimate Whale and Dolphin Watching in Newport Beach, 6 person maximum
    star-522
    1 hour
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $99.00
    Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach
    star-528
    2 hours 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $375.00
    Likely to Sell Out
    Private VIP Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour with Capt. Nick in Newport Beach
    star-5135
    N/A
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $450.00
    90-Minute Private Newport Harbor Cruise
    star-56
    1 hour 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $499.00
    Why you are seeing these recommendations

    Explore Similar Things to Do

    Catamaran Cruises Nature and Wildlife ToursWater ToursWhale WatchingWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingNewport BeachCatamaran Cruises - CaliforniaNature and Wildlife Tours - CaliforniaWater Tours - CaliforniaWhale Watching - CaliforniaCategory
    Why you are seeing these recommendations