Round up your family and friends and set off on this 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Newport beach. On a 65-foot (20-meter) boat, youll cruise down the Orange County coastline, watching for several varieties of whales, dolphins and other marine life.The coastal waters provide the calm conditions that attract these impressive mammals.
This whale-watching tour is available year-round, and depending on the season you travel, different whales may be in the area. Giant blue whales like to visit in the summer and fall months. These whales are the largest mammals ever seen in existence, usually growing to approximately 200 tons (180 metric tons) and 98 feet (30 meters) in length! You may also see grey whales, which can live up to 70 years. Finback whales are also common in the summer months; they are the second-largest mammals after blue whales, and they grow to up to 72 feet (22 meters).
During the winter and spring months, you'll typically see minke and humpback whales. The minke whale is one of the worlds smallest whales, only growing to about 23 feet (7 meters). The beloved humpback whale can grow to be about 52 feet (16 meters). Both whales love krill, and they fluke (slap) their tails on the water in order to bring the krill up to the surface. Humpbacks are a very curious breed of whales and are often referred to as friendlies by sailors because they love to come up to ships.
Keep your eyes peeled for other marine life like seals, sea lions and several types of dolphins. Your friendly and knowledgeable captain and crew all come from strong backgrounds in marine biology and will be able to answer all your questions.
Whale-Watching Cruise From Newport Beach
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Instant Confirmation
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
- Duration: 3 Hrs
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Language:
English
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Departure Details :
1: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
2: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA -
Return Details :
Returns to original departure point
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Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Hop aboard our 65-foot (20-meter) whale-watching boat made just for whale watching and start a fantastic adventure off the Orange County coast! 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 dont 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. What a amazing sight. Harbor seals, seal lions, schools of fish, many species of sharks, and more can also be viewed on one of our 2-2.5 hour whale watching cruises.
Highlights
Close encounter with friendly dolphins
Ideal choice for families
Informative, friendly and professional guide
Instant Confirmation
Led by a local guide
Likely to Sell Out
Know More about this tour
Inclusions
2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
Exclusions
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.
Entry/Admission - Balboa Fun Zone
Additional Info
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 experience requires good weather. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
We have decreased our passenger capacity by 30% for each vessel in our fleet.
Traveler Reviews
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The captain knew a lot about the area and marine life. We did not see any whales but the dolphins and otters put on fabulous show. I can't wait to go back.
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I haven’t been whale watching in 10 years and I was so excited to have the chance to go again. Whale watching can be quite the risk because you never know what you are going to get. It’s important to go in with no expectations. The crew and captain were amazing and acted extremely professional. They allowed the wildlife their space but also gave us the opportunity to witness their natural habits. We needed up following a mama and baby gray whale as well as catch up with a pod of 400-500 common dolphins. Great experience and don’t forget to tip your crew!
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I think it should be named dolphin-watching cruise, not whale-watching. I was wondering how often the whales were seen.
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I really appreciated the Q&A with the naturalist on board and the many dolphin pods we were able to see.
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A great way for my son and I to get out on the water and enjoy the day in Newport Beach, CA. Saw hundreds of common dolphins and a small group of the larger bottlenose dolphins. Enjoyed the commentary from our beautiful female captain and a chance to see and hold a whale tooth/learn how they eat. No luck on seeing gray whales there had been a couple sightings on previous days. Apparently they are in decline with Arctic ice retreating 🙁. All and all a great time
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Super fun, safe, exciting and informative! We loved it! Our captain and guide were delightful! Plenty of time spent and found a playful pod of dolphins. Great for young and old alike.
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We had an excellent tour. The staff was so friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable. They took us right to a huge pod of dolphins. We circled round and round so we could enjoy them for a very long time. Unfortunately we didn’t see any whales, but that did not spoil our trip. There was a comfortable spot for everyone. Our parents sat inside the comfortable cabin and were able to see the dolphins out the window. Our teenage kids were able to hang out at the rail for an up close and personal experience. I highly recommend this tour.
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Over 1000 dolphins, they we amazing! Great cruise Nice boat and crew Everything was just great at 27 people, any more would have been too much
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Boat ride was very scenic. We did not see any whales but captain and crew very knowledgeable and courteous. I would give it 5 but didn't see whales.
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No whales, though they did try. It’s the end of one season and beginning of another so it is what it is. Two different pods of dolphins. I had a really enjoyable time. Thank you.
