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Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing • 400 Main Street • Newport Beach, CA 92661

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A group of people on a boat watch and take photos of three dolphins swimming near the surface of clear blue water.

Two dolphins swim close together at the ocean surface, partially emerging from the water with splashes around them.

A group of people on a boat observes and photographs a whale's tail fin emerging from the ocean near the surface.

A group of dolphins leap out of the ocean, creating splashes as they move through the water.

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About Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

Overview

Join Davey's Locker for an unforgettable whale watching cruise from Newport Beach. This 2-hour boat tour offers the chance to see gray and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Enjoy expert narration, scenic ocean views, and a family-friendly experience year-round along the Southern California coast.

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

Spot gray whales from January–May and blue whales from June–September.
See humpback, finback, minke whales, and dolphins year-round.
2-hour cruises depart daily from Newport Harbor.
Spacious 65-foot boat with indoor/outdoor seating and an upper sundeck.
Expert captain and crew with marine biology backgrounds.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
Family-friendly; restrooms available on board.
Bring water, sunscreen, a light jacket, binoculars, and a camera.
Onboard snack bar with food and drinks available for purchase.

Promotional Images (13)

A group of dolphins swims near a boat named "Ocean Explorer" filled with people observing and taking photos.

A dolphin leaps out of the water, creating a splash, with its reflection visible on the calm sea surface.

Several sea lions are resting on a weathered buoy floating in the ocean, with one sea lion in the foreground looking upward.

A whale breaches the surface of calm ocean water, with most of its body visible above the waterline.

A whale breaching the surface of the water near a coastline with cliffs, greenery, and a road in the background.

Description

Just off the coast of Newport Beach, some of Southern California’s best marine wildlife viewing happens year-round. This whale watching and dolphin cruise takes you into the Pacific to look for blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and enormous pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.

You’ll board a spacious sightseeing vessel from Newport Harbor and cruise along the Orange County coastline with views of beaches, cliffs, and open ocean. The captain and crew share helpful commentary throughout the trip, so you know what to watch for when whales surface, dolphins race alongside the boat, or sea lions appear nearby.

Different seasons bring different wildlife. Winter and spring are known for gray whale migration, while summer and fall often bring blue whales and humpbacks closer to shore. Dolphins are commonly seen throughout the year, making this a strong option even outside peak whale migration months.

This family-friendly cruise works well for couples, solo travelers, and families with kids. With indoor and outdoor viewing areas, onboard restrooms, and optional upgraded experiences on select departures, it’s an easy and memorable way to spend time on the water in Newport Beach.

Tours depart multiple times daily and typically last 2 hours, making this an ideal outing for families, couples, and visitors to Orange County.

Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise is located at Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing • 400 Main Street • Newport Beach, CA 92661

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Frequently Asked Questions about Newport Beach Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

Where is Davey's Locker Whale Watching located in Orange County?

Davey's Locker Whale Watching-Orange County is located at 400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA.

Where should I park?

You can find parking at the Balboa Pier Municipal Lot on Palm St. and Newport Landing Parking Structure at the corner of E. Bay Ave. and Adams St. Allow plenty of time to deal with unpredictable traffic and parking situations.

When should I arrive for my scheduled reservation?

Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your cruise departure time.

What should I bring on board?

Best to bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket, a camera, binoculars, and cash if you want to buy light snacks or drinks from the galley.

What should I not bring on board?

Please do not bring glass containers, outside alcohol, hard plastic coolers, or strollers on board.

What if I get motion sickness?

Wear Sea-Bands for acupressure or chew ginger or ginger-flavored candy to relieve nausea. You can also take a Bonine or Dramamine at least 1 hour before you board the boat to prevent motion sickness, or best to take one (1) tablet the night before and (1) more in the morning of your trip.

What’s the best time of the day to go whale watching in Orange County?

If you're prone to motion sickness, a morning trip would be best because the water is generally calmer during this time. Noon to afternoon trips would mean more time spent viewing the whales because they have already been located in the morning.

What's the best time of the year to go whale watching in Orange County?

California gray whales can be actively spotted during their extensive migration during the winter and spring season—January through May. Blue whale season starts in early summer—June through September. Humpback, finback, minke whales, and a variety of dolphins can be spotted year-round.