Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Newport Beach, USA

Likely to Sell Out

From $36.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

2 hours
Offered in: English

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Overview

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Wildlife-watching cruise in a two-deck catamaran
See native wildlife in the Newport Bay
Enjoy views of the California coast from the water
Multiple times offered throughout the day

What's Included

Landing and facility fees

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
Located on the Balboa Boardwalk in Newport Beach. Suite A.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infant seats available
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

A maximum of 20 people per booking
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers

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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Veronica_R

Great family experience for all from my 4 year old to my 69 year old mom, it was fun! It was awesome to have the option to purchase snacks, drinks, and enjoy the ocean views. We didn’t see whales but we saw dolphins.

Reviews

4.0

174 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 174 reviews

This is very misleading your

kimberly_c, Apr 2024

I asked for a refund, bc this trip showed up when searched for Newport, Rhode Island, which is where I am visiting. Unaware it was in CALIFORNIA, I called and requested a refund immediately and was informed I could not get one. I do not like how these tours are non-refundable bc sometimes things do happen. They should offer better customer service. I just lost $230.00

No name:)

Carole_L, Apr 2024

The trip is so long and whale watching so short. Safe and clean but not so good:) I wish they cut the trip and do the whale watching more.:)

Saw them all!

Jim_B, Apr 2024

We saw 3 sightings of a whale. 2 dolphins and several sea lions basking in the sun. The captain stayed out a little longer to find the dolphins which we appreciated!

Great trip and crew were...

April_A, Apr 2024

Great trip and crew were professional and knowledgeable. We will be back next time in Newport Beach.

Dolphins and Seals

Celestine_B, Apr 2024

We did get to see two different types of dolphins and a hand ful of sea lions. A few of the sea lions were swimming backwards while others were sun bathing. No whales were seen that day according to the captain.

Pleasantly surprised

Rafael_G, Jan 2024

Just wanted to take a cheap boat ride since most reviews said they didn't see much. We ended up seeing several whales! It took us about an hour on the water when the captain said he would extend our trip to try to see some whales. We saw several of them just meter from our boat. The boat also serves alcohol and they make some good drinks! Overall I give this 5 stars!

Once in a lifetime experience

Sue_R, Jan 2024

We got to see a whale! The guide made sure we had lots of opportunities to spot a whale, it was a little challenging but he explained everything as to why there weren’t many out today. It was truly a great experience even though we just got to see a little bit of a whale!!! There was a great bar area and snacks too. Bring a blanket if you’re going in January!! Go with a friend so you don’t have to ask random people to take pics for you! Also bring your own binoculars if you want.

Dolphins were amazing!!

Denise_S, Nov 2023

The dolphins were amazing!! Whales were really cool but the dolphins were so cool to see!! Great experience! Crew were all really nice and helpful!!

No baby sitter..

Ricky_M, Sep 2023

We didn't get to go due to not having a baby sitter so we had to take a loss, even though it would of been nice to go, they came up on 100 dollars it is what it is.

Thumbs up.

Janet_H, Aug 2023

Friendly crew, no whales, however saw lots of dolphins playing, and that was exciting. Great weather made it even better.

Fabulous!!

Helene_G, Aug 2023

Fabulous cruise! Crew was terrific! Driver Gabe us every chance to see as much as we could. Saw tins of dolphins, a humpback whale, and sea lions. Highly recommended!

Amazing Adventure!

Virginia_N, Jul 2023

OH MY GOSH!!! This adventure was amazing!!! 3 blue whales and pods of dolphins giving us quite the show?!? Does it get any better than that?!? The crew was just awesome!! Friendly, knowledgeable, fun!! Thanks for a really wonderful day!

Horrible

Michael_J, Jul 2023

We purchased the whale watching tour and arrived at the location noted on the printed documents (see attached) at the location they gave half ass directions to another location We then called the number listed on the documents and were directed to 400 Main Street rather them the 309 palm as stated in the documents. By the time we arrived to the correct address the tour had already started. The people at the facility offered to rebook for another day, but being from out of town we are not able to schedule another date. Please issue a refund as the information provided from the vendor was incorrect and caused un n aggravation and stress.

We had an enjoyable trip....

Kim_V, Jun 2023

We had an enjoyable trip. The water was calm. We saw dolphins and were very blessed to see a blue whale.

Fun with the whales

Richard_M, May 2023

It was an amazing time. The whole family loved it. Would definitely come back and do it again. This was the first time but won't be the kast

Great experience

Sharla_E, Apr 2023

Sadly, no whales since they’ve already moved north but we loved the dolphins and sea lions! Beautiful weather for a great ride!

Family Fun

Veronica_R, Oct 2022

Watching Dolphin & sea lions cruise

Liza_M, Sep 2022

We enjoyed our cruise…. Celebrated my cousin’s bday yesterday starting with the cruise…. Loved seeing the dolphins & sea lions

Seeing the dolphins was...

Atherine_C, Aug 2022

Seeing the dolphins was great. Me and my family had a great time. The boat ride was comfortable and the captain was nice and knowledgeable.

Do your homework

Tiffany_G, Aug 2022

The dolphin watching was amazing. However, the tour we booked through Viator did NOT exist. We ended up being given a time an hour and a half later than we booked on large boat with a hundred people as opposed to the advertised 15 people small boat. Very misleading. Even a boat worker told us Viator advertises tours that don’t exist.

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