Quick Details

Duration: 2 hours
Ages: All ages
Tour Type: Whale Watching

Discover the Thrill of Newport Beach Whale Watching

Did you know that Newport Beach is one of the world’s best places for whale watching? (2nd only to Dana Point, California—The Whale Watching Capital of the World)

Every year, thousands of whales migrate through the waters off the coast of Newport Beach, making it an ideal spot for whale-watching enthusiasts.

Why Newport Beach is the Perfect Spot for Whale Watching

Whale Migration

Newport Beach is situated on the Pacific Coast, making it an ideal location to observe whale migration. Every year, thousands of gray whales travel from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California, Mexico. This journey is known as the “Gray Whale Migration,” and it occurs from December to April. During this time, you can spot these majestic creatures as they pass through the waters of Newport Beach. Apart from gray whales, you may also have the chance to see humpback whales, blue whales, and even killer whales.

Dana Point: The Whale Watching Capital

Dana Point is a beautiful coastal town located about a 30-minute drive south of Newport Beach. It is best known for its whale-watching activities and is considered the “Whale Watching Capital of the World.” Dana Wharf, the oldest and highest-rated whale-watching company in Dana Point, has an experienced crew of knowledgeable naturalists and captains who are well-versed with the region’s geography and wildlife. They offer guided tours where you can witness majestic creatures like humpback whales, blue whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. The tour not only focuses on whale-watching but also provides an opportunity to learn about the ecosystem, geology, and history of the region. Book your tour today.

When is the Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Newport Beach?

The grey whale migration, which occurs between mid-December to mid-April, is the peak season for whale watching in Newport Beach. During this period, the grey whales travel south to their breeding grounds in Mexico. The waters off Newport Beach offer an ideal location for spotting these gentle giants, and you can expect to see them breaching, spouting, and tail slapping.

If you’re interested in watching other types of whales, such as humpbacks or blue whales, the best time to go is during the summer months. These whales can be spotted off the coast of Newport Beach from June to September. Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic displays, while blue whales are the largest animals on Earth. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Dana Point: The Whale Watching Capital

The Highest-Rated Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour in SoCal

Dana Wharf Whale Watching was established in 1971, marking the inception of whale watching in Orange County. As pioneers of the industry, we have now become the leading year-round whale watching facility in Southern California. If you are planning to go whale watching, Dana Wharf in Dana Point should be your ultimate destination.

Our whale and dolphin watching cruises are all led by expert marine naturalist captains, who provide informative narration about the diverse ocean life along our coast. Each trip lasts for two hours, providing ample time to explore the fascinating world that lies beneath the ocean.

About the Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure

Come and join Dana Wharf, the first and favorite whale watching company among locals, to enjoy the thrilling sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures in Dana Point. It is a landmark destination for marine life sightings, where you can witness rare glimpses of a variety of underwater wildlife and breathtaking scenic views that you will never forget.

During the whale watching season, we spot over 1,500 gray whales, and in the summer, we see blue whales. Throughout the year, we also get to see fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and even sharks.

Every trip with us is a unique experience, so make sure to come out often! We provide year-round whale watching tours, and we guarantee marine mammal sightings. If you don’t see a whale or dolphin during your trip, we will give you a voucher for a free tour that never expires!

You can observe different types of wildlife such as:

Gray whales (November – May) – These friendly whales are up to 65 feet long!
Blue whales (May – November) – They can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh up to 100 tons – you will not believe your eyes if you’re lucky enough to see one of these impressive marine mammals!
These whales visit year-round – fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.
Dolphins – Take memorable photos as schools of playful dolphins frolic around the boat!
Sea lions, pelicans, and other seafaring birds, plus possible sightings of sharks (mako, hammerhead, and great white).

Trips may be aboard our Dana Pride, the Queen of our fleet and our largest vessel; the Lot’ A Fun, our brand new state-of-the-art catamaran with incredible unobstructed 360-degree views; or our Ocean Adventure, a luxury eco-friendly catamaran with a raised EYE SPY viewing platform. We guarantee the best whale watching experience in Southern California!