Water activity

Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

4.357143 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.357143 out of 5 stars
294 reviews
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Water activity
Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise
4.357143 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.357143 out of 5 stars
294 reviews

Spot some of the ocean's largest inhabitants as you search for whales and dolphins off the coast of Newport Beach. Keep your eyes peeled on this whale and doplin-watching cruise on a specialized boat.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

O
Olivia – United Kingdom

Absolutely amazing experience, such good value too! We sadly didn't see any whales however did see hundreds of dolphins and some sea lions. The dolphins swam so close to the boat, it was an incredible sight and probably one of the best things I've ever done. Highly recommend :) Top tip - make sure to bring a coat/jacket as it was chilly!

A
Abel Pernas – United States

It was an amazing experience . The Captain did everything to help. We could see 3 whales and dolphins. The guide was also very helpful and informative. Great experience

Highlights

  • Keep your eyes peeled as you try to spot different kind of marine mammals
  • Set off on a whale-watching ship designed especially for viewing marine life
  • Enjoy the convenience of a tour that's only a short drive from Los Angeles
  • Look out for blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and more
  • Sit back and relax on the calm ocean waters that surround Newport Harbor

Full description

Head out on a whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The waters surrounding Newport Harbor offer deep nutrient-rich waters that attract all types of marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every trip has the opportunity to see whales or dolphins.
Look out for giant blue whales (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, gray whales (winter and spring months), minke whales, humpback whales, several types of dolphin (including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length), seals, and all sorts of other marine life.

Most whale-watching cruises take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach while viewing the gentle giants just a few hundred yards from shore. Due to the geography of the Orange County coastline that surrounds Newport Harbor, ocean conditions are incredibly calm.
The captain and crew have backgrounds in marine biology and can provide details about the marine creatures, environment, and ecosystems.

Includes

  • Whale and dolphin-watching cruise
  • Captain and crew
  • Binoculars (available to rent)
  • Drinks (available to purchase)

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Driving directions: From Los Angeles, take 405 South to 55 South. The Freeway ends at Newport Boulevard. Stay on Newport Boulevard to Main Street and turn left. We are in the Balboa Pavilion building at 400 Main Street. Parking in the Balboa Pier municipal lot: This large outdoor lot is located on Palm Street. While you are driving down Balboa Boulevard toward our location, you will make a right turn onto Palm Street. Once parked, walk to the base of the pier and turn your back to it. Walk away from the pier straight down Main Street. The activity provider is located in the Balboa Pavilion building next to the Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom. We are located within Davey's Locker Sportfishing & Whale Watching where you need to check in with the office and get a boarding pass to get onto the vessel.

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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 294 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

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O
Olivia – United KingdomMarch 29, 2025 – Verified booking
Absolutely amazing experience, such good value too! We sadly didn't see any whales however did see hundreds of dolphins and some sea lions. The dolphins swam so close to the boat, it was an incredible sight and probably one of the best things I've ever done. Highly recommend :) Top tip - make sure to bring a coat/jacket as it was chilly!
A
Abel Pernas – United StatesMarch 28, 2025 – Verified booking
It was an amazing experience . The Captain did everything to help. We could see 3 whales and dolphins. The guide was also very helpful and informative. Great experience
M
Marie – United StatesMarch 5, 2025 – Verified booking
Our guide was amazing and we got to see so much! Grey whale flukes, pods of dolphins, and sea lions! Can't wait to bring my family back.

Product ID: 29161

Activity provider:Newport Landing Cruises

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