California > Los Angeles > Scenic & Sunset Cruises Experiences

Whale Watching

Newport Beach, CA

Item #: CRU-LOS-0007
(2 Reviews)
Humpback Whale in Newport Beach
Newport Beach Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Southern California
Dolphin Spotting during Whale Watching Cruise in Newport Beach
Whale Watching Cruise near Los Angeles
From: $78
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Overview

Experience the fun and excitement of viewing some of nature's most incredible mammals on this Newport Beach Whale Watching Cruise!

  • Coast Guard certified tour operator has served Southern California for over 20 years, providing whale watching and dolphin cruises
  • Get up close and personal with the area's marine life such as the giant blue whale, finback whale, grey whale, minke whale, humpback whale, dolphin, seals and more
  • Each cruise is unique, and you never know what you may encounter!
Full Description
Newport Beach, CA
When Do I Choose A Date?
If giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience; otherwise, you can choose one after checkout.

March - October:
Daily -Select Times

November - February:
Daily - 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Essential Information
  • Binoculars are available to rent for $5.00
  • There is a cash only full-service beverage center and kitchen on board
  • Amenities on board include a large indoor salon, restrooms, and partially enclosed upstairs observation deck
  • Although it is not guaranteed, with the nutrient rich waters, pristine coastlines and captain's expertise in the area, it is very likely that you will view both whales and dolphins your cruise
Duration
2.5 hours
Experience Provider Info
Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.
Maximum Participants
Up to 102 participants per ship
Spectators
This experience is only for those on the cruise
Weather Dependent
This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.
What To Wear
During the winter and spring months, you may want to bring a light and heavy jacket. Sunscreen is recommended. And don't forget your camera!
What kinds of whales will I see?
The area surrounding Newport Harbor offers deep, nutrient rich water that attracts all types of marine creatures including the blue whale which is over 80 feet in length (during the summer and fall months), finback whales, grey whales (during the winter and spring months), minke whales and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphins including the giant Rizzo's dolphin, seals, and more.
What should I bring?
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers and bringing along a light sweater or jacket. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must, and don't forget your camera or binoculars.
Is there food on board?

Yes, there is a cash only full-service beverage center and kitchen on board.

Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 30 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time.  If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Experience Gifts.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, cancelling or rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours prior to your experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and reschedule at least 72 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience.

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Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 3.5
based on 2 reviews.
We only managed to see some dolphins. The captain did not take the boat far off the coast so we couldn’t possibly have come across any whales. During the last 45mins he just hung around the bay entrance, I am not sure what form of marine life would be hanging around a busy bay entrance. They did however, kept on repeating about the tip jar. Overall not as good of an experience as I was hoping.
— Ayon M | Jul 06, 2019
Response from Virgin Experience Gifts
Hi Ayon, Thanks for reaching out regarding your experience! We really appreciate you letting us know! It sounds like a bit of a bummer that the whales had a little stage fright, and are sorry that you were not able to see them, but hope that it was still a fun time out on the water! I reached out to our partners and was able to speak with one of the naturalists on the crew. She did let us know that there is no best time of day or location to see whales, it is genuinely up to the whales on when they want to say hello. With all wildlife watching, the show is truly in nature's hands! How fun that the dolphins came out for their act! Hopefully they put on a great show! It was also clarified that the ship has the ability to navigate in a 9 mile range, in any direction, to seek out wildlife. The captain likely made the navigational decisions based on experience, previous sightings, and water conditions.  Again, we apologize that the whales were not up for an appearance, but we hope the dolphins really stole the spotlight! We look forward to getting you out on another adventure!  Very Best, Sophia
It was great seeing whales, dolphins and seals/sea lions in their natural habitat. My son and I enjoyed a great day!
— Cindy C | Mar 16, 2014
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