Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Rating Star

5 (874)

Location Icon Newport Beach

Newport Beach Whale Watching Cruise: See Giant Whales!

Clock

135

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach offers a great chance to see amazing sea creatures. With Newport Beach and Laguna Beach as the backdrop, this cruise lets people learn about California sea life from an expert on board.

It's not every day that people can go whale watching all year. This tour gives a rare chance to see giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and humpback whales. There are also many kinds of dolphins, like the big Risso Dolphin (over 12 feet long!), white-sided dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins. Sometimes, there are groups of over 1000 dolphins swimming together.

The boat trip starts with a calm ride through Newport Harbor. Passengers can see fancy houses along the water. After leaving the harbor, the search for whales and dolphins starts. People can sit inside or outside to enjoy the views. This is one of the most highly-rated wildlife tours and is a top experience for seeing whales. It has an excellent quality rating and a low chance of being canceled by the tour company. Quotes Logo

Highlights

Highlight Icon

See Giant Whales Up Close: Get a chance to view giant blue, finback, gray, minke, and humpback whales in their natural home.

Highlight Icon

Watch Playful Dolphins: Spot many kinds of dolphins, sometimes in groups of over 1000!

Highlight Icon

Learn from a Wildlife Expert: An expert on board shares interesting facts about sea life.

Highlight Icon

Enjoy Beautiful Coastal Views: See the pretty shores of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

Sentiment Analysis

Quotes Logo

Most customers really enjoyed seeing the whales and dolphins and thought the crew was great. Parking and trip length were minor concerns for some. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved seeing lots of whales and dolphins up close.

    Positive Highlight Icon They said the crew was very friendly and helpful.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many people thought the boat was clean and comfortable.

    Positive Highlight Icon Kids and adults both enjoyed the trip.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some people said it was hard to find parking.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few customers wished the trip was longer.

The Journey

1

Newport Beach

Newport Beach serves as the starting point for the whale-watching cruise, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and luxurious waterfront properties. It's the initial location for boarding and offers views of the harbor's multi-million-dollar mansions.

2

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach offers scenic coastal views as a backdrop to the whale-watching experience. The area is known for its artistic community, coves, and beaches, adding to the overall aesthetic of the cruise.

3

Newport Harbor

Newport Harbor is a picturesque harbor known for its multi-million-dollar mansions and serves as the initial cruising route before heading into the open ocean. The harbor offers a glimpse of the luxurious coastal lifestyle.

4

Open Ocean (Pacific)

The open ocean outside Newport Bay is the primary location for whale and dolphin watching. It's a marine protected park where various species, including giant blue whales, finback whales, and multiple dolphin types, can be observed in their natural habitat.

Know Before You Go

This 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise includes the boat ride and onboard naturalist. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Parking can be hard to find, especially in the summer, so it's best to arrive early. There are parking fees at the Balboa Pier Municipal Lot. Information on the free trolley can be found on the City of Newport Beach website.

Hot Tip

Many reviewers recommended bringing binoculars for a better view of the whales and dolphins. Also, it can get chilly on the water, so dress in layers!

From $36 Price

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.