Top California Dolphin Watching

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

This intimate, small-group tour in San Diego lets you get up close and personal to whales and dolphins. You’re not on a huge tour boat. Rather there is a maximum of six guests, where you have plenty of space for viewing marine life. Your captain takes you to the best spots while you relax aboard your boat.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

The ocean near Dana Point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whale-watching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 20 people aboard an RHIB. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife, and also provides facts and commentary as you cruise.

Looking for a whale watching tour that’s fast, personal, and unforgettable? At O’side Whales, we keep our groups small—just 6 passengers—so every seat is the best seat. Our speedy, stable boat covers more ocean, meaning more chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or just looking for an epic ocean adventure, this is the experience you don’t want to miss. Book now and see the sea like never before!

Discover some of San Diego’s most incredible marine wildlife with the help of a local guide who knows the water like the back of their hand on this small-group boat tour. Try your luck spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more while you enjoy the smooth ride on a former military boat with life jackets provided for your safety.

Venture into the depths of Monterey Bay for an unforgettable small-group whale watching experience aboard Enocean's 27-foot Robalo. Departing from Moss Landing Harbor, this tour offers unobstructed views of whales and dolphins as you explore the nearby Monterey Submarine Canyon. Opt for the extended 5-hour tour to increase your chances of encountering blue and fin whales, especially during peak seasons. Enjoy personalized onboard photography advice, and receive a photo package afterward, ensuring you capture every moment of your wildlife adventure. - Choose from 3-hour and 5-hour whale watching tours - Maximum of 6 passengers ensures a personalized experience - Opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife including orcas and humpbacks - Private charters available for intimate group outings

San Diego provides the perfect launching point for a whale-watching tour in California. Cruise on the Pacific Ocean in a sturdy boat with a professional crew, looking for gray whales as they migrate along the coast of North America. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are often spotted during this whale-watching tour and the crew provides informative commentary about the marine animals and environment. Bonus: if the crew does not find any whales during your cruise, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.

Combine an exhilarating harbor cruise or a whale watching adventure with a visit to the historic Battleship USS Iowa in this engaging Southern California bundle. Depart from San Pedro to witness marine life and iconic landmarks during a scenic 45-minute harbor tour or a more immersive 2.5-hour whale watching cruise. Explore the USS Iowa Museum at your own pace, where you can walk the decks of this storied battleship and learn about naval history through interactive exhibits. Access the Main Galley, Crew's Mess Hall and the Museum on the second deck. This tour is ideal for families and history enthusiasts looking for outdoor sightseeing and educational discovery. - Choose between a narrated Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching adventure - Explore the USS Iowa Museum with self-guided admission - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages - Flexible timing allows exploration on the same or another day - USS Iowa Museum provides luggage storage if needed

We set sail on a 45 foot, teak filled sailing yacht- Named, Song of David. One of the largest and most comfortable sailboats in the Oceanside harbor. We cater to guests from many of the five star hotels in the area. We serve an upscale experience with Charcuterie and Champagne as an option. Ask about our three and four hour extended experiences. We set sail and begin looking for dolphins and whales. The bow of the boat has been fitted with a special dolphin seat so that you can actually sit over the top of the playful dolphins below. The memories gained abord the Song of David will last a lifetime.

Explore the stunning marine life off the coast of San Diego with premier whale watching tours. Witness majestic whales in their natural habitat while enjoying an eco-friendly experience that emphasizes sustainability. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local ecosystem and the species you encounter, making the tour both educational and captivating. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike, this tour ensures an unforgettable day on the water. All tours depart from Seaforth Marina, offering a comfortable and accessible starting point for your adventure. - Eco-friendly whale watching tours departing from Seaforth Marina - Expert guides share insights on marine life and ecology - Family-friendly activities suitable for all ages - Enjoy a memorable day at sea while supporting sustainable tourism

Go whale watching in San Francisco on this 2.5-hour cruise that departs from Pier 39. On an eco-friendly catamaran, glide through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the open Pacific, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Learn about the history and geology of the area from an onboard naturalist, and admire the rugged California coast.

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

Christened in 1934, Cloudia is a beautifully restored, rare example of a classic Norwegian double ended ketch. Inspired by the original designs of famed naval architect Colin Archer (1832-1921), from Larvik, Norway, the Cloudia is a Listerskøyte. The top-sail ketch is notable for durability and safety. Archer’s shipyard designed and constructed the famed Fram, which participated in a number of expeditions to the North Pole and later supported Roald Amundsen’s historic first expedition to the South Pole. The Cloudia is rigged as a topsail ketch in the British or American style, which means there are 2 two-piece masts which allow her to carry more sail than a traditional Norwegian rig with shorter single masts. Cloudia’s main mast is 85 feet high including the top-jack. Many different woods were used to craft the ship, including Norwegian white oak, sapele hardwood, Douglas fir, Alaskan yellow cedar, and Ipe Brazilian hardwood. Come experience History!

See the highlights of Catalina Island without having to rent a car on this small-group day trip from LA or Anaheim. Spend free time exploring independently or upgrade to add a range of different adventures, including ziplining above the Descanso Canyon, an underwater sub expedition, or a guided tour of Avalon.