Top California Whale Watching
37 results
Sort by: Featured
Top Attractions in California
1 / 2
What are people saying about California
Juan_R, Aug 2026
Expectations
It’s a fun experience to be out there in the ocean but you might not see as much animals as you would like. The conductor will try their best to keep a look out for the whales and dolphins and any other sea animals for you guys to see. You’ll need to be patient.
Cheng_S, Aug 2026
Good first time experience.
It was a surprise bday excursion for my husband. He really enjoyed it. I would’ve enjoyed it more if I didn’t get so sea sick, even after preparing for it. The water was extremely choppy. Nonetheless, the crew was very kind and helpful and continued to check on us to make sure we were okay and if we needed anything. We saw whales, shark, and a rare fish. Very cool experience, but prepare for the choppy waters and bring a jacket. And don’t try to sit in the front of the boat if you get sick easily.
Danielle_C, Aug 2026
I had an incredible...
I had an incredible experience. The team was very kind and welcoming. Our guide Isaiah shared his knowledge about Marine life, sang a few songs, and answered all of our questions. Most importantly, he knew where to go, we got there fast, and we were the only boat on the water to see nearly a dozen humpback whales feeding in the bay. While you can never predict what wildlife are going to do, you can book a tour with people who are knowledgeable about the area and the ocean. Highly recommend.
Victoria_C, Aug 2026
Unforgettable experience!
The naturalist gave very good and interesting explanations on sea creatures we saw. We saw humpback whales (even their feedings too!), two kinds of dolphins and sea lions as well. I thought the tour was 1.5 hr long but it took 3 hrs to get back to the harbor because THERE WERE SO MANY WHALES. The captain tried to let us see as many as qe could. My kids loved the experience. The ship is big enough to have a indoor area that my kids can go when it was too cold to be on the deck. I would definitely recommend this tour to other friends.
Sailesh_P, Jul 2026
Unfortunately, the trip...
Unfortunately, the trip cut short by an hour do to a medical emergency onboard, but the 2 hours on sea was well worth it. I was happy to see the crew handled the medical emergency with class, care and priority.
In the two hours on the open sea, we enjoyed seeing humpback wales and many dolphins during this trip. The crew did an awesome job narrating and made the experience both educating and fun.
Since the trip was cut short, everyone onboard was offered a free voucher for another trip, but we happily declined. Although, the gesture was very much appreciated, we were satisfied,.so thank you. Respectfully.
Heather_B, Jul 2026
So many dolphins!!!
It was absolutely beautiful in the ocean. We saw four pods of dolphins that each had about 300 dolphins each. They were coming in and out of the water too fast for us to count. And they were showing off, done with their calves, doing dives and jumps and back flops.
Did not see any other animal life, but we were so impressed by the number of dolphins that the five of us all loved it!
Connie_R, Jul 2026
Wonderful experience
The crew were absolutely fantastic. We saw many dolphins swimming around the boat plus, we saw a very large whale many times. Matt the ship’s captain did a great job getting us close to the whale as it would pop up.
I had my 12 and 13 year-old grandson’s with me. They enjoyed the trip and have many stories to talk about from the boat ride.
I believe Hanna was our guide, she was full of information and made sure the boys were able to go down below and look through the glass under the ocean.
marlon_b, Jun 2026
Phenomenal Fun Boat Ride
My family and I have such an amazing time. The boat operator did an excellent job of showing us all the fun that we deserved and paid for. The crew was fun. The music was great and the overall value was perfect too. As a matter of fact, I think it was cheaper to go through you guys then it was through them directly because when we got there they had the prices for all activities offered and I noticed that they seemed higher. Overall the entire trip was a perfect 10 out of 10 and we would do it again in a flash!
Jacob_P, Apr 2026
Such a fantastic finale!
I went with my daughters on a family day and had a wonderful time. The catamaran was very comfortable and provided excellent 360 degree views. It was my first experience whale watching and I was not left wanting. We saw common and bottle nosed dolphins and finished the trip seeing a mother and calf gray whales.
Jack_H, Mar 2026
Great whale watching experience
We all had a great time. We really enjoed being out on the water and for my grandkids. It was the first time they had seen whales. The lady who did most of the talking was very informative and easy to follow. She made the trip very enjoyable by making sure we knew where to look and when to look.
Cindy_F, Mar 2026
Beautiful Experience
Setting off in the amazing blue sea led us to the magical place where whales call home. Many beautiful sightings, dolphins around every corner. You never get tired of what the ocean had for us. Hannah was so amazing making everyone feel welcome, Captain Matt had great energy making sure we get the best view! I’d call it an amazing experience for everyone! And they aren’t just focused on getting a sighting— they care about and respect the wildlife and have a TON of knowledge. Do not second guess booking this tour.
Melanie_K, Jan 2026
Lovely Saturday in Hollywood
Tommy our tour guide was an absolute joy. So nice, funny and very knowledgeable. We saw and learned so many new facts about Hollywood/Beverly Hills history. In addition to the stops listed, he took us all the way up and into the gorgeous Hollywood Hills to see celebrity homes and the Universal overlook. Would absolutely recommend!
Would suggest parking by the Hollywood and Hyland parking structure and walking to the meeting location to see more of the Chinese Theater, hand prints and boulevard sites.
en
243147e4-64bf-45e5-aafd-a484ba6e1a33
things_to_do_category

Not seeing something you are looking for?
California’s extensive coastline offers an opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat. California whale-watching tours are a unique way to engage with nature and learn about whale behavior, conservation efforts, and the marine ecosystem from onboard naturalists and expert guides. Whether you catch the gray whale migration during the winter and spring months or have the chance to see blue whales, humpbacks, and even orcas in the summer and fall, these tours offer an unforgettable on-the-sea experience.
More Tours in California
Attractions in California, USA
Things to do near California
Popular on Viator
Day Trips from California
California Best Experiences
































