Go whale watching at any time of the year on a cruise that has a 96 percent success rate in whale viewing! You’ll be on the lookout for a variety of whales, including the giant blue whale which is over 80 feet in length, humpback whales, and others.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Take a cruise that boasts a 96 percent whale viewing success rate
- Travel on a ship built specifically for whale watching, with 2 decks
- See finback whales and grey whales in the winter and spring, and giant blue whales in the summer and fall
Full description
The waters surrounding Newport Harbor are deep and nutrient-rich, attracting all types of marine creatures. Cruises typically see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and all sorts of other marine life. Each cruise is a unique experience in that you never know what you might encounter.
The Laguna Beach coastline lies just to the south of Newport Harbor and is some of Southern California’s most beautiful coast. The grey whales are commonly seen in this area. 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 very calm allowing whale watchers to fully enjoy the amazing viewings.
Our primary whale watching ship is 65 feet long, and has a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows. The ship was purpose-built for viewing marine life. Plenty of other amenities guarantee a very comfortable and exciting trip. Captains and crew members are well-versed in marine biology and are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, environment, and eco systems.
Includes
- Whale watching cruise (2.5 hours)
- Fees and taxes
- Binocular rentals
- Beverages purchased on board
- A USD 1-4 fuel surcharge may be in effect if marine diesel exceeds USD 3.50 per gallon. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Newport Beach Whale Watching, 400 Main Street, Newport Beach CA. 92661. Please be at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before your tour departure time for whale watching excursions.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Please try to check in about 45 minutes before departure time.
- Children aged 2 and under may join the cruise at no charge but must be counted in your reservation. The USCG gives us maximum load limits that involve a head count. Age and size are not a factor in this count.
