Newport Beach Dolphin Tours: the 4 Worth Booking

1.Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 415 reviews · 2h 30m · from $30Our pick

Cruise from Newport Beach for 150 minutes with a captain and crew who explain the marine life around Orange County. Watch for dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, sea lions, and more, with views of Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, and Newport Harbor. Check in at Davey’s Locker in the Balboa Pavilion.

“Pleasantly surprised!! The scenery and onboard atmosphere were great! There were plenty of dolphins and also saw sea lions. It was a nice tour!”

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2.Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $28Best value

Set out from 309 Palm St on a two-hour, two-deck catamaran cruise with Newport Landing Whale Watching. Look for blue, finback, gray, humpback, and minke whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, and coastal birds. Captain Hunter and crew provide useful local and wildlife information.

“We saw 7 large pods of dolphins. Was amazing and unexpected! The captain was knowledgeable and steered us to where we could see right up close.”

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3.Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews Top rated

Captain Nick and other USCG-licensed naturalist captains take your group of up to six from Newport Harbor toward local dolphin and whale grounds. Expect a fast, intimate boat ride, wildlife facts, and close views when conditions cooperate. Arrive 30 minutes early and dress warmly.

“Captain Nick pulled out all the stops for us and we had a breathtaking experience. The boat trip itself would have been reward enough (super fast and fun!) but it was truly awe-inspiring to see dolphins and whales feeding and plaRead more”

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4.Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Captain Dustin and a Certified Marine Naturalist aboard the private Surfrider for 2.5 hours of dolphin and whale watching. Cruise Newport Harbor, then speed along the coast toward Laguna Beach and Dana Point. The small boat, private group, and personal commentary make this a flexible outing for up to six people.

“We had business partners visiting from New York City and figured this would be a unique outing for them. It sure didn't disappoint! We saw a couple pods of dolphins and got up close with the sea lions. It was an amazing experience and our captain, Dustin was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely do it again!”

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