Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Overview
View many varieties of whales which include the giant blue whale which is over 90 feet in length, humpback whales, gray whales, finback whales whales, several types of dolphin, seals, and other neat marine life. Just outside of Newport Bay is the beginning of one of the largest marine protected areas in southern California created to protect this rich ecosystem for future generations. The protected marine sanctuary covers over 15 miles and provides a haven for all marine creatures including whales and dolphin. With such amazing habitat for mammals so close to Newport Bay, whale watching cruises of 2-2.5 hours is all that is needed for viewing these giants. Newport Landing offers multiple whale watching cruises daily and with a 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphins, almost every trip will have viewing opportunities.
*New is a brand new double decker whale watching catamaran with bow seating, upper and lower deck 360 views, and much more.
What's Included
- Landing and facility fees
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
Meeting Location
309 Palm Street
Newport Beach, CA 92661, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Select from several whale watching cruise times daily and year-round. Our whale watching & dolphin cruises view giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, several species of dolphin and more.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- A maximum of 20 people per booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-43063P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.40 out of 5 stars based on 206 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Landing and facility fees.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase).
- Food and drinks.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Landing and facility fees
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- A maximum of 20 people per booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
