Viator Rating : 5 (302 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.4/10 (Solid Experience)
Los Angeles
Long Beach Whale Watching Tour: Guaranteed Sightings!
Overview
Embark on a Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach and witness the ocean's giants up close! This exciting catamaran cruise explores the waters from Santa Monica to Newport Beach, maximizing your chances of spotting magnificent marine life near iconic locations such as the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Long Beach Breakwater.
Expect to see Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (May-November), and year-round Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and even Orcas! Dolphins, Sea Lions, and Harbor Seals are also common sights. Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific provide fascinating insights into the marine environment and the animals you'll encounter, while seasoned captains with over 30 years of experience ensure a safe and informative journey. This tour is perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages.
The low-emission engines used on the custom-built, state-of-the-art catamarans ensure that the whales and their environment remain undisturbed. Onboard, enjoy comfortable inside seating with climate-controlled interiors and large windows, as well as outside seating for the best views. This 2 to 2.5-hour tour guarantees sealife sightings, or a free voucher for a future cruise is issued. Note that food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and discount parking is offered across the street. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Safety (7 - Cautious) : Mostly okay but required alertness
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
See Whales Up Close: Get a chance to see Gray, Blue, Humpback, and other whale types in their natural home.
Learn from the Experts: Educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific share cool facts about the sea life.
Comfortable Boat Ride: Enjoy a smooth ride on a modern catamaran with inside and outside seating.
Guaranteed Sightings: If no sealife is spotted, get a free pass for another trip.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love seeing lots of whales and dolphins.
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They say the crew is very nice and knows a lot about the animals.
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Many customers mentioned they learned a lot about whales from the educators.
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Customers appreciated the clean and stable boat.
Some customers wished the tour was longer.
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A few customers mentioned the boat can get crowded.
The Journey
Queen Mary
Witness the grandeur of the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach. Explore its art deco interiors, learn about its storied past as a troopship during World War II, and perhaps even encounter a ghost or two! A true icon and a must-see attraction.
Pacific Ocean
Venture into the vast Pacific Ocean for an exhilarating whale watching adventure. Encounter majestic whales breaching the surface, playful dolphins leaping through the waves, and fascinating sea lions basking in the sun. Keep your eyes peeled for rare marine birds soaring overhead in this rich marine ecosystem!
Aquarium of the Pacific
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Aquarium of the Pacific, home to over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species. From playful penguins to graceful sea turtles, encounter diverse marine life from around the world. Participate in interactive exhibits and animal encounters for an unforgettable experience.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Step aboard your next adventure at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, a gateway to exciting destinations around the globe. With modern amenities and convenient access, the terminal ensures a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise vacation, allowing you to relax and anticipate the journey ahead.
Spruce Goose Dome
Explore the former home of the Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes' colossal wooden flying boat, a testament to innovation and ambition. While the plane has moved to Oregon, the dome remains a historical site, a reminder of the era of aviation pioneering. Delve into the legend of the Spruce Goose and Howard Hughes at this landmark.
Port of Long Beach
Witness the bustling activity of the Port of Long Beach, one of the world's largest and busiest seaports. Observe massive container ships unloading cargo, a testament to global trade and commerce. A vital economic engine and an impressive sight to behold, showcasing the logistics of modern international shipping.
Long Beach Breakwater
Discover the impressive Long Beach Breakwater, one of the largest of its kind in the USA. This massive structure protects the city's harbor and provides a serene setting for walking, fishing, and enjoying panoramic ocean views. Stroll along the breakwater and soak in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Know Before You Go
This whale watching tour includes a 2 to 2.5-hour cruise on a state-of-the-art catamaran with expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific. There are multiple restrooms onboard, as well as inside seating with climate control and large windows. If no sealife is seen, a free voucher will be issued for a future cruise. Food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase. Parking is not included, but discount validation is offered for the structure across the street. The tour departs from [Departure Location]
Hot Tip
Customers suggest bringing binoculars for a better view of the whales and wearing layers of clothing, as it can get chilly on the water, even on a sunny day.
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly praised for successful marine life sightings including whales and dolphins, informative captains and educators, comfortable high-speed vessels, and great value, though some note no sightings occur occasionally with the free return offer appreciated; minor mentions of needing cash for snacks and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
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