Private Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure
Embark on a thrilling private offshore adventure from Newport Beach in search of whales and marine life.
Area
California
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
1-2 Hours
Today, meet your captain at the docks of Newport Beach to depart on a thrilling, private offshore adventure in search of whales and other captivating marine life! Your boat is designed with speed and agility in mind, featuring an open, low-to-the-water build that will put you in close quarters to some of the ocean's most amazing animals. After getting fit for your life jackets and getting acquainted with your vessel, hold on as your Captain smoothly navigates the bay out to the sea where whales and dolphins feed, play, and breach.
During your 2-hour tour, your captain, a Newport native, will engage in an interpretive commentary about whales and their annual migrations, identify various marine species, and take you to beautiful viewpoints so that you can capture the beauty of the region. They will explain how the harbor has natural features that attract whales and dolphins, and how the adjacent coastline abounds with rocky coves that are perfect sites for roosting birds and lazing seals.
Be sure to bring your camera, and prepare to possibly get wet depending on ocean conditions.
Some of the large marine animals you may spot include:
Blue Whales
Viewing Season: May through October
This magnificent mammals reach up to 200 tons and range between 80 to 100 feet long!
Fin Whales
Viewing Season: Spring but possible year round
While they rarely jump or show their tails, these curious whales like to get up close to inspect whale watchers.
Humpback Whales
Viewing Season: May through November
Prepare to be entertained by magnificent Humpback Whales who enjoy "showing off" by breaching and jumping out of the water.
Gray Whales
Viewing Season: December through May
Best seen during their migration from Alaska to Mexico, Gray Whales travel in pods and make the longest migration of any mammal on earth. Keep an eye out as they like to breach.
Minke Whales
Viewing Season: Year-round
While Minke Whales can be shy, these small whales can often be spotted breaching and will come up close to inspect whale watchers.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
-
View AccommodationHotel Californian
Enviably located just steps from the beach, Hotel Californian is a celebration of Spanish Colonial architecture and modern style and design. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, there's no better place to experience the American Riviera.
-
View AccommodationThe St. Regis San Francisco
Located in San Francisco's trendy SoMA district, St Regis San Francisco is a luxurious city hotel with a contemporary edge. Boasting stylish interiors and well-appointed lavish suites, the St Regis is perfect for families exploring the city by the bay.
-
View AccommodationFour Seasons Napa Valley
As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.
-
View AccommodationThe Redwoods in Yosemite
Nestled among the giant redwood trees, stay in your own log cabin in Yosemite's Wawona area. Peaceful, private and authentic, the self-catered homes are located on private property within the National Park.
-
View AccommodationThe Maybourne Beverly Hills
Located in the prestigious heart of Beverly Hills, mere moments from exclusive Rodeo Drive, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is a timelessly elegant Los Angeles hotel, defining luxury and fine service within sumptuous and comforting surroundings.
-
View AccommodationStanly Ranch
Stanly Ranch is a 21st century luxury resort, winery and residential community set in over 700 acres of rolling green vineyards.
-
View AccommodationSun Rose West Hollywood
Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.
-
View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking a superb surf beach, the elegant Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers a peaceful sanctuary with impeccable service and superb facilities only a 10-minute drive from exclusive Laguna Beach.
-
View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Located near exclusive Nob Hill and close to the heart of downtown San Francisco and Union Square, the historic Ritz Carlton offers guests a timeless escape into luxury. With a cable car stop right outside it's also perfectly placed for exploring too.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
-
View Experience
Yosemite Hiking Excursion
This morning, explore Yosemite's Mariposa Grove on a private guided hike. Marvel at giant sequoias on a personalized 4- to 5-hour trek or shorter 2-hour walk. Learn their ecology, capture stunning photos, and enjoy lunch back at your hotel afterward.
-
View ExperiencePrivate Tour in Hearst Castle
Enjoy a private, half-day tour of Hearst Castle, bypassing lines for exclusive access to this opulent estate. Personalized to your interests, explore lavish rooms, gardens, art collections, and breathtaking views.
-
View ExperienceAquarium of the Pacific Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes VIP experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where you'll interact with charismatic marine life like octopuses, sea otters, penguins, and seals, plus explore other exhibits.
-
View ExperienceBeachside Horseback Ride and Scenic Picnic Lunch
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
-
View Experience
Yosemite Wade Fly-Fishing Excursion
This morning, meet your Orvis-endorsed guide for a 4-hour fly fishing trip in Yosemite Valley. Learn techniques, catch and release trout, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature while honing your skills. Return to your vehicle after the adventure.
-
View ExperienceAmerica's Cup Yacht Sunset Sailing Excursion
Enjoy a 2.5-hour sunset sail on an authentic America's Cup yacht. Join the crew, learn sailing, or relax as you explore the Bay, guided by expert captains. Snacks, water, and gear provided!
-
View ExperiencePrivate Joshua Tree Hike
Explore Joshua Tree’s wild beauty on a 1-6 mile off-trail adventure. Hike through canyons, towering rocks, and surreal vistas while your guide shares history, geology, and wildlife insights—plus optional rock scrambling!
-
View ExperienceDisneyland Private VIP Tour
Experience the magic of Disneyland with a VIP guide, skipping queues and customizing your day! Meet Disney characters, enjoy top attractions, and access exclusive parade and show viewing areas.
-
View ExperiencePrivate Old Town San Diego Food and Wine Tour
Discover San Diego's Old Town on a culinary walking tour! Enjoy historic landmarks, unique food pairings, craft beers, tequila, California wines, and decadent chocolate in a vibrant cultural setting.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning