Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Overview
During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport Beach & Laguna Beach as backdrop. Year-round whale-watching cruises like this one are rare, so don’t miss this chance to see giant blue, finback, grey, minke and humpback whales. Over half dozen different types of dolphin including giant Risso Dolphin at over 12 feet in length, white sided dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and common dolphin. See super pods of dolphin sometimes numbering over 1000 dolphin strong.
The luxury option includes a spacious yacht with numerous features including 360 degree walk around deck, a lower passenger count and greater speeds for going the distance to see mammals.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking may be challenging during summer months- please arrive early
- Free trolley information can be found on the City of Newport Beach website
- Parking Fees located at Balboa Pier Municipal Lot
Meeting Location
400 Main 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
We have the potential of viewing giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, minke whales, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and many more in their natural habitat! With one the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphin of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay.
Once you check in to receive your boarding pass and board our vessels, you will have a 15-minute cruise through our beautiful Newport Harbor viewing multi-million-dollar mansions along the harbor coastline as well. Also, during this time, feel free to head to the galley to purchase the beverage of your choice (cocktails, beer, wine, soda or water). Once we hit the open ocean, we will be in search for wildlife of all kinds (sharks included)! Choose a seat inside our galley area or outside for the best views!
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. No high heels are allowed.
- Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited.
- Vessel may change depending on availability.
- Arrive at least 1 hour early for all tours- especially during summer months. Parking may be challenging, especially on weekends.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (11)
Q: Can we bring food on board?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5481WHALE
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.51 out of 5 stars based on 982 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 (11)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited. There are snacks and drinks available for purchase at the location.
Sep 2022As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach. 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.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Parking may be challenging during summer months- please arrive early.
- Free trolley information can be found on the City of Newport Beach website.
- Parking Fees located at Balboa Pier Municipal Lot.
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..
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 Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach is as follows:
- 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 Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach 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
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking may be challenging during summer months- please arrive early
- Free trolley information can be found on the City of Newport Beach website
- Parking Fees located at Balboa Pier Municipal Lot
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. No high heels are allowed.
- Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited.
- Vessel may change depending on availability.
- Arrive at least 1 hour early for all tours- especially during summer months. Parking may be challenging, especially on weekends.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 115 travelers
