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Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Badge of ExcellenceNewport Beach, United States
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From $34.00
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Newport Beach Tours
Recommendations
Nearby
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Overview
Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signal that humpback, minke, grey, finback or giant blue whales are near. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.
- Whale watching tour from Newport Beach
- Keep your eyes open for blue, grey, minke, finback, and humpback whales
- Knowledgeable captain and crew
- Multiple departure times available
- Spot other marine life such as dolphins, seals and more
What's Included
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- 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.
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting points
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Make your way to Newport Harbor for the departure of your whale watching cruise down the coast of Orange County.
Board the 65-foot (20-meter) boat and meet your experienced captain and crew, all of whom have extensive backgrounds in marine biology. As the boat leaves the harbor, learn about the different types of marine life that frequent the area and what to look for.
This year-round tour allows the opportunity to see different animals during different seasons. During the winter and spring months, watch for minke whales; one of the world's smallest, they only grow to about 23 feet (7 meters). Winter also brings the humpback whale, which can grow to an impressive 52 feet (16 meters). Both of these whales eat krill and are known to slap their tails on the surface of the water, or 'fluke'.
Blue whales, the largest mammals in existence today, usually grow to approximately 200 tons (180 metric tons) and 98 feet (30 meters) in length. Watch for these giants during the summer and fall months, in addition to grey whales and finback whales (the second-largest type of whale).
There are also possibilities to see dolphins, sea lions, and seals on your trip. Feel free to ask any questions of your knowledgeable captain and crew regarding any of the animal life you encounter.
After your time on the Pacific, return to Newport Harbor.
Board the 65-foot (20-meter) boat and meet your experienced captain and crew, all of whom have extensive backgrounds in marine biology. As the boat leaves the harbor, learn about the different types of marine life that frequent the area and what to look for.
This year-round tour allows the opportunity to see different animals during different seasons. During the winter and spring months, watch for minke whales; one of the world's smallest, they only grow to about 23 feet (7 meters). Winter also brings the humpback whale, which can grow to an impressive 52 feet (16 meters). Both of these whales eat krill and are known to slap their tails on the surface of the water, or 'fluke'.
Blue whales, the largest mammals in existence today, usually grow to approximately 200 tons (180 metric tons) and 98 feet (30 meters) in length. Watch for these giants during the summer and fall months, in addition to grey whales and finback whales (the second-largest type of whale).
There are also possibilities to see dolphins, sea lions, and seals on your trip. Feel free to ask any questions of your knowledgeable captain and crew regarding any of the animal life you encounter.
After your time on the Pacific, return to Newport Harbor.
Balboa Pier
This pier provides excellent sightings of the beautiful coastal line along with the crashing waves into the white sandy beaches.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Balboa Fun Zone
Here families and children can enjoy a ride on the Ferris Wheel or test their luck out in the arcade. Three other rides (swings) or available to smaller children as well.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
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.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Traveler Photos
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Traveler Tips
Trip is enjoyable but the boat is a little bit outdated.
Go for the second morning show you get more action.
I would certainly give a higher rating if there are advise/warning on parking.
Reviews
4.5
442 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 442 reviews
Summer emotions at the Sea
Marilina_B, Aug 2022
Amazing Captain Larry and Kayla…. Super friendly! They were so excited about watching what we find yesterday It was amazing!
My granddaughter came...
Christine_P, Aug 2022
My granddaughter came from outta state, and thought this would be a wonderful experience. We loved seeing all the dolphins.
We were lucky to see lots...
Ulrike_W, Aug 2022
We were lucky to see lots of dolphins and even a group of tunas. Great experience! No whales unfortunately.
It was amazing I highly...
Cameron_A, Aug 2022
It was amazing I highly recommend this adventure!
So much fun and the service and people were very nice!
Nice experience, but go early in the day
Alba_T, Aug 2022
It was nice, they had food and drinks available to eat. I would recommend going earlier in the day though, when we went at 4:30pm it was really cold and we ended up unfortunately not seeing anything. We have gone before and actually seen some of the wildlife, though!
Pricey afternoon
Cynthia_B, Jul 2022
Should call it dolphin and seal watching. Also should warn out of state people who don’t know the area there is no parking available. We brought 2 cars and had to pay $40 each to park in a lot near by.
Should be named Dolphin tour
Lena_M, Jul 2022
The 2 Gentleman running the cruise were very friendly. They only took us out 5 miles from the land possibly due to time constraints. This particular boat (Catallac)only has inside seating by the bar or exterior seating that accommodates 8 or so. So if you’re not first in line you’ll be standing the entire way. You can purchase drinks and snacks on board. We did see dolphins, and sea lions. Having compared this to a previous experience we had with whale watching I’d spend more and take a longer tour and a bigger boat that’s more comfortable if whale watching is what you’re after.
My 15th Son's birthday celebration 💐🙏🇲🇽👑🇱🇷 International Mexico-America Queen
Palmira_B, Jul 2022
Grea experience!! I will coming back!!
Everything was great, the service inside of the boat amazing, they offer coffe, hot chocolate and wine!!
I'm an International Mexico-America Queen 👑 Palmira Bustillos.
Fun times
Jason_L, Jul 2022
Fun time with family. Disappointed we didn’t see any whales. Did see lots of dolphins. All in all definitely with the money.
Great tour!
Bryanna_G, Jul 2022
The tour guides were great! The boat was extremely nice. They have drinks and snacks available for purchase as well. We saw hundreds of dolphins and sea lions as well. Will definitely book this again!
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Product code: 5481WHALE
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