Newport Beach: Small-Group Whale Watching Yacht Tour

4.58

(147 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, honestly. Newport Beach was already busy when we checked in at Davey’s Locker (just a quick walk from the pier), but once we stepped onto the catamaran, it felt like we’d left all that behind. The yacht was spotless, but not stuffy — you could still smell salt in the air and sunscreen somewhere nearby. Our guide, I think her name was Jamie, joked about “dolphin traffic” as we pulled away from the dock. I liked her right away.

The main thing about this whale watching tour is there aren’t crowds elbowing for space. We wandered around the deck, leaning over the railings whenever someone shouted “there!” — and suddenly there were dolphins everywhere, weaving right under us at the bow. I tried to get a photo but just ended up laughing instead. It’s loud out there: wind in your face, water slapping against fiberglass, kids squealing when they spot something first. At one point Jamie pointed out a spout way off — blue whale, she said — and everyone went quiet for a second. That hush stuck with me.

I’m not sure if it was luck or timing, but seeing those animals so close (and with hardly anyone else jostling beside us) felt unreal. Even now I remember that weird mix of excitement and calm — like you’re part of something bigger for an afternoon. We got back sunburned and a bit salty, which seemed about right.