Whale Watching in Newport Beach
Information about Whale Watching in Newport Beach, California
This is my favorite place to go whale watching. Along with the great viewing opportunities, weather, and great tour providers make my decision to give Newport Beach my highest marks. Blue whales and Gray Whales are the most common whales you will see when Whale Watching in the Newport Beach area, but it is also possible to see many other types of whales as well. Blue Whales, the largest mammals in the world, have been making appearances frequently in Newport Beach waters primarily during the summer and fall months. Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and even Orcas and Humpbacks are a possibility. Huge super pods of dolphin are very common as well. Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphin are most frequently seen with Risso's Dolphin and Pacific White Sided Dolphin also spotted with regularity. Other Dolphin and Porpoise species are also possible as are seals and sea lions.
(individual pages to come)
Whale Watching in Newport Beach - Newport Harbor Area
Newport Beach has very enjoyable harbor. The harbor features the Balboa Fun Zone with carnival rides, games, shops and restaurants and there is no admission fee. Some of the loveliest beaches Southern California has to offer line the Newport Beach peninsula. The easiest parking is across the street from the Fun Zone on the Balboa Pier side of Balboa Blvd. You might find free parking on the streets but it will probably just be easier opting for the parking lot or parking structure adjacent to Newport Landing. There are several whale watching companies (all year round) as well as Harbor cruises and a myriad of other recreation options.
Whale Watching companies in Newport Beach & Balboa
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Newport Landing Whale Watching - Newport Landing whale watching is my favorite! Year round whale watching from a whale watching ship made for whale watching. They just started doing the year round whale watching trip last year and it was a blast. Unlike some of the more northern locals in Southern California, the seas always seem to be mild and the water blue. I came out during the summer whale watching cruises and had multiple blue whale sightings, two species of dolphin numbering in the thousands, sea lions, huge schools of fish, and even a thresher shark sighting. The great thing about whale watching with Newport Landing is that they stay the required distance from the whales but are very good at making the most out of each sighting with prolonged viewing opportunities. The narration is some of the best in southern California. During the Gray Whale migration, it is not uncommon to see a half dozen Gray Whales in one outing and many times just outside the harbor entrance. Beautiful coastline, abundant sea life, and top notch whale watching ship make this the operation to beat for whale watching in Southern California.
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Fun Zone Boat Company - The Fun Zone Boat Company is also one of my favorites with year round whale watching as well as the Gray Whale migration. Located right on the boardwalk next to the Ferris wheel, there are all kinds of fun things to do before and after your whale watching trip. The Fun Zone Boat Company is primarily a harbor cruise group but their whale watching tours are great. Lots of sightings and mild ocean conditions make Fun Zone Boat Company a great choice for the first time whale watcher.
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Davey's Locker – Daveys Locker offers year round whale watching cruises and is right up there with Newport Landing. Located in the famous Balboa Pavilion built at the turn of the 20th century, Davey’s Locker has a long history. Partnered with the American Cetaction Society and providing thousands of school kids their first whale watching experience, Davey’s Locker is a great option. They are great with families and kids and I have gotten as much enjoyment from watching families seeing their first whale as any viewing for myself. I think this is what whale watching is all about getting people to view these magnificent creatures in their own environment.
You can’t compare this to seaworld or a discovery channel special and I think that is great. For those with a sweet tooth, stop by Balboa Candy before boarding.
(more information and pages to come - if you know of any other Whale Watching companies that do Whale Watching in Newport Beach please let us know)
During my Whale Watching trips out of Newport Beach I have seen numerous Cetacean and Pinniped species. There are many more that can be seen and I will hopefully add to my list someday. So far I have seen....
Blue Whales,Gray Whales
Fin Whales possible Bryde's Whale (or a juvenile Fin)
Killer Whale or Orca, Humpback Whales
Minke Whales, Common Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphin, Pacific White Sided Dolphin
Risso's Dolphin, California Sea Lions
Harbor Seals, Sunfish
Marlin, Thresher Shark
and possibly a Mako Shark
One fantastic day I saw three different species of Dolphin on the same trip.
Need a place to stay on your trip? Try Newport Beach vacation rentals.
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