Similar to the Dana Point Whale and Marine Life Tour, multiple companies based in Newport Beach offer whale watching boat tours every day of the week, departing from Newport Harbor near the ferry to Balboa Island, the Catalina Flyer Ferry, and Lido Marina Village. Roughly two-hour tours promise the opportunity to see three types of whales, common and less common dolphins, as well as sea lions – but depending on the season, time of day, and sheer luck, you may well not see any of the whales, and might even miss out on pods of dolphins. We’ve had positive overall experiences with the clean, reasonably priced boats from Davey’s Locker and Newport Landing, which notably offer discounted second visits if you don’t see whales on your first voyage.
Tickets typically start at $38 for early morning, non-premium seating, and go up from there depending on amenities and more popular times of day. Food and drinks can be purchased on board. Paid parking is available in pier-adjacent lots, including one run by Newport Landing; if you’re early enough, you may luck out and score free street parking in the immediate area.
