The waters surrounding the Californian coastal city of Newport Beach are among the region’s best for spotting majestic whales.
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Renowned for its large, boat-filled harbour, Newport Beach draws huge numbers of visitors every year, many of whom book themselves onto a fun-filled boat excursion during their stay. Among the most popular trips on offer are whale-watching tours, thanks to the large population of whale species that inhabit the ocean waters. We’ve picked out 5 of the best Newport Beach whale-watching tours currently available.
Whale Watching Tour
See giant blue whales, up to 100 feet in length, as well as finback whales, killer whales, humpback whales and many more, on this two-hour excursion. The year-round tours departs from Newport Harbor and promise a 96% success rate of witnessing some of these magnificent marine creatures during your time out at sea. There’ll also be the chance to soak up the breath-taking views of the Newport-Laguna coastline as you cruise to and from the prime whale-spotting sites. From $32 per person.
Ultimate Whale Watching Adventure
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Taking place aboard a custom-built RIB that can transport up to 15 people at high speed, this small-group tour is an adrenaline-fuelled way to catch sight of whales off the coast of Newport Beach. The open boat offers 360-degree views from anywhere onboard, allowing everyone a to have close encounter with nature. Guests can admire the stunning coastal landscape and look out for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife over the course of two hours. From $66 per person.
Year-Round Whale Watching Cruise
Go whale watching at any time of the year on this 2.5-hour tour. Taking place aboard a 65-feet purpose-built vessel with a large upstairs sundeck, wrap-around outside seating, snack bar, and indoor seating with large windows, cruises typically allow you to see a variety of whales including giant blue whales (during the summer and fall), finback whales, grey whales (in the winter and spring), minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as several types of dolphin, seals, and other marine life. more, this cruise take in the scenic backdrops of Laguna Beach. From $35 per person
Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Spot some of the ocean’s largest inhabitants as you search for whales and dolphins off the coast of Newport Beach on this 2.5-hour tour. Keep your eyes peeled aboard your specialised boat designed specifically for viewing marine life. Sit back and relax on the calm ocean waters that surround Newport Harbor and wait for your experienced captain and crew to alert you to approaching creatures of the sea, including giant rizzo dolphin over 14 feet in length. From $44 per person.
Private VIP Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour
For a more exclusive and intimate experience, this private tour for groups of up to six invite you and your family or friends to cruise the water near Newport Harbor looking for dolphins and whales. In the company of a certified-naturalist guide who knows the ecosystem of the area well, you’ll virtually guaranteed to see an array of marine life as your guide tells you fun facts about all of the species that populate the area. Don’t forget to take in your gorgeous surroundings as you go. From $401 per group (max 6 people)