A Humpback Whale launches itself out of the water in the Pacific Ocean off of Southern California.

Whale Watching Tours Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions that we receive about our whale watching cruises. If you do not find the information that you are looking for here, please feel free to contact us.

Making Reservations

Whale Watching Reservations

To make your reservation ~ Click Here ~. Select the type of trip as well as any upgrades you may like and start you booking. Reservations require a payment to secure your tickets. Be prepared with payment method when making a reservaiton.

Whale Watching Reservations Using Vouchers

To make your reservation using a third party voucher or gift code
~ Click Here ~. This page has step by step instructions with images to assist you in booking. Make sure to have all of your voucher codes ready when making a reservation.

∧ Back To Top ∧

Directions & Parking

Directions

We are located at 309 Palm Street Suite A. - Newport Beach, CA. 92661. We have a second check in office at 400 Main Street - Newport Beach, CA. 92661. These two locations are located a short walk apart on the same boardwalk. Your cruise time/vessel will determine which location you will check in at. We cannot predict in advance which location you will depart from. Please arrive early for your trip at either location to be directed to your boarding area. You can visit our Directions Page for a detailed map and driving directions. If using a GPS to find our location please be sure to exclude "toll roads/ferries" in your directions. The default "shortest distance" setting will put you on the opposite side of the harbor from our location, and require you to take the auto ferry to get to us. This will add on several minutes as well as the fee for the ferry to your journey.

Parking

Once you have arrived in our area you have several options for parking. Most lots are fee based, as well as the meters. The fee based parking areas are the closets and easiest to find. Some lots and meters have time limits so be sure to check before parking your vehicle. Newport Beach uses cashless meters and lots. Parking needs to be paid through the sity's parking website or app. The privatly owned valet parking structure does take cash. The valet structure does not take large pick up trucks, vans (including minivans), or large sedans. We have put together an interactive parking map listing all of the lots, meters, structures, and street parking. We have also included the information on the cashless parking system used in Newport Beach. Please visit our page a https://newportwhales.com/parking.html

∧ Back To Top ∧

Trip Types

Standard Whale Watching

2 - 2.5 Hour Tour
You would be traveling on one of our vessels between 72ft and 85ft in length. Capacity ranges from 70 to 145 passengers. Tours travel up to 4 miles along the coast/offshore in search of whales and dolphins. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. All seating locations are on a first come first serve basis. Vessels have onboard restrooms as well as snacks and beverages (including alcohol) for purchase.

Luxury Whale Watching

2 - 2.5 Hour Tour
You would be traveling on a 50ft Catamaran. That would travel 8-10 miles along the coast line in search of whale and dolphins. There are a smaller number of passengers with a maximum of 35 guests. Each trip has either a marine biologist or naturalist on board. A more intimate experience on the water. Vessel has an onboard restrooms as well as snacks and beverages (including alcohol) for purchase.

Ultimate Whale Watching (Ages 5 and up)

15 Passenger / 12 Passenger RIB Vessel, 36’ Super RIB, Expert staff, Faster speed (30 miles per hour) individual seating, 360 views, can travel 8-10 miles, its lower to the water. Has a professional photographer. This is a perfect experience for the adventurer. No restrooms, snacks, or beverage service available on this trip type.

VIP Experience Upgrade

An upgraded experience offered on the Standard and Luxury Tours. Upgrade includes guaranteed seating, a binocular rental for each person, and a beverage per person. (Availability is limited to certain vessesl)

General Questions

Are walk-ins welcome on the day I want to go or do I have to reserve in advance?

Walk-ins are welcome but not recommended as we do typically sell out our trips. We encourage that you make a reservation in advance. If you are concerned with committing, we do have a very flexible cancellation policy.

What time of day is better for whale watching?

There is no particular time/better time of day. Whales/Dolphins and dolphin are feeding throughout the day. I would recommend morning departure times if customer is prone to motion sickness.

Will I get motion Sick

Motion sickness varies from person to person. We sell Bonine and Dramamine /Dramamine Jr. in our front office. It’s best to take 1 hour before your departure time.

Where are we located?

309 Palm St. Newport Beach 92661 & 400 Main St. Newport Beach 92661. The location will depend on the boat. Our locations are 150 yards apart so we can direct you to your location when you arrive.

Are You Wheel Chair Accessible?

We are not fully ADA accessible. We are wheelchair accessible down to our dock. There is a 3 - step incline/stair to get on our vessels. Passenger party must assist with collapsing of wheel chair and assisting upstairs.

Can I bring a stroller on the boat?

You are welcome to leave the stroller on our private dock during the trip. Unfortunately, we do not allow them on the boat for safety purposes.

Are pets allowed on the boats?

No, we do not allow pets on our boats.rip. Unfortunately, we do not allow them on the boat for safety purposes.

Can we bring food and drinks?

You may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks with you. We do not allow glass of any kind, ice chests/coolers, or outside alcohol. You can purchase snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) on our standard and luxury whale watching trips.

Is there shaded seating?

On Standard and Luxury Whale Watch tours our vessels have interior areas as well as partial cover on the exterior. The Ultimate Whale Watch tours are on small vessels that are open air.

What type of footwear do you recommend?

We do not allow healed shoes, wedges, or hard soled footwear. We suggest wearing flat rubber soled shoes or flip flops/sandals.

When should I arrive for check in?

We require you to arrive 60 minutes before your departure time.

What are you currently seeing right now?

Sightings change by time of year. We post a report every day of what we see at newportwhales.com/whalecount.html

Are we guaranteed to see wildlife (IE whales or dolphins)?

We do not guarantee sightings as they are wild animals living in their natural habitat. We do not offer refunds. However, if we do not see whales we will issue a 50% off return ticket. If we do not see any marine mammals a $7 return ticket will be issued. It is very rare to not have any sightings.

Cancellation policy

We offer 24hr cancellation policy before your departure date to be eligible for a full refund or reschedule to another date.

SHARE

FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL (949) 675-0551