Tours/Newport Beach/Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Viator · group up to 115 pax

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

4.4(1,013)Newport Beach1 hour
VIATOR4.4(493)TRIPADVISOR4.4(520)

Description

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.

Tour Options

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
Standard Cruise
  • Multiple Departure times: Multiple departure times available for standard tours. Boat accompanies 155 passengers max

Highlights

All Fees and Taxes
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise

What's included

Included
All Fees and Taxes
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
Not included
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

Traveller Ratings

4.4
1,013 reviews
5
688
4
165
3
63
2
38
1
59

Important Information

  • 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.

Reviews(1,013)

M
Michelle_B
June 28, 2026
Cculd have been better

Seeing sea lions and dolphins was very cool! While I understand that whales won’t be seen on every trip, our guide told us that seeing the dolphins was a good sign which would hopefully lead us to whales. All of the sudden, we were headed back in without a word until we were almost back in the harbor area, and our trip was only 2 hours, not the 2 1/2 hours described when we booked. Wished they could have told us a bit more, too. They had said they would share some information with us as the trip went along and that was very minimal. The guides do this trip often so they don’t probably think about it as much, but for most of us it is an experience, and each experience should matter.

W
W4431OTmartinj
June 27, 2026
Amazing adventure

Jill and Addy were an awesome duo. Trip was great! We saw several whales dolphins sea lions and a seal! The trip was everything I hoped it would be

T
tammymH4677JN
June 25, 2026
Nice boat

We had a good time but no whales which was disappointing. It was pretty crowded.

L
LaMarcus_A
June 24, 2026
Great Time!

Amazing! We saw whales and dolphins! Great event, team was very knowledgeable of the trip and gave multiple chances for photos!

R
Road573935
June 20, 2026
Fathers day whale watching!

Took my family for a fathers day celebration this weekend. The staff was very attentive when some teenagers where not following safety guidelines. We were able to see whales and a school of dolphins. Dad had a great time! If you stand in front of the boat, be prepared to get alittle wet. Overall- would do this again and purchase VIP next time.

J
Jose_B
June 20, 2026
A day with dolphins

Great nothing negative to say the trip was good and I enjoyed being out in the ocean seeing dolphins and enjoying the weather

D
Douglas_A
June 20, 2026
Everything is very good, we had fun, we laughed a lot.

It is a beautiful experience, we had a great time, our son had a lot of fun, thank you for everything, seeing the dolphins feels very good, they are very happy for the expression of my son.

E
Eselle E
June 20, 2026
Whale shark watching

An incredible experience from start to finish! Seeing whale sharks up close was a dream come true. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and well organized. One of the best experiences of our trip—highly recommend! 🦈✨

A
Andrea_M
June 13, 2026
A lieutenant Dan and the storm kind of day!

We went out on a choppy ocean day. My son and I had a blast standing at the bow of the boat as we crashed head on into waves. Eventually we were told we were turning around due to the swells. Didn’t get to see any marine life, but we had a friggin blast anyways, and they gave us a ticket to return whenever for free. I highly recommend anyways! 🤗

V
Vinita_W
June 12, 2026
Great way to spend the day.

Had a great time. Saw a hump back and tons of dolphins swimming along side us. Staff was very friendly and so helpful with getting my 87 yr. Old mother on board for her Birthday celebration.

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