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.
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View AccommodationHotel del Coronado
Designated a historical landmark, the legendary Hotel del Coronado is set on 28 acres of Coronado Island beachfront. The beach cottages and villas are an ideal choice for families wanting a luxurious base from which to visit theme parks and attractions.
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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.
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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.
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View AccommodationPost Ranch Inn
Perched 1200 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn is an architectural gem, and seamlessly blends understated rustic luxury, immaculate cuisine and astounding service.
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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.
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View AccommodationEl Encanto
A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.
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View AccommodationCarmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.
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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.
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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.
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Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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Call us on 858 345 1751 to start planning