Top 4 Los Angeles Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45Our pick

Spend about 150 minutes on a Harbor Breeze catamaran, scanning the Pacific for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Aquarium of the Pacific educators explain the wildlife, while the crew follows responsible viewing practices. Choose a Long Beach or San Pedro departure, depending on the option you book. Bring warm layers: it can feel cold and windy offshore.

“Weather was good and clear. Flat seas. Whales and dolphins were very cooperative and in abundance. Entire family enjoyed the day.”

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2.Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 335 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Best value

Leave Long Beach aboard a stable whale-watching catamaran, pass the Queen Mary, then search the Pacific for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds. Aquarium of the Pacific educators and an experienced captain provide commentary. The cruise lasts about two to two and a half hours, with indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and snacks and drinks for sale.

“It was an awesome experience, we didn’t think we were going to see anything but at the end of the tour we seen three hunchback whales, one baby and two adults and a pod of dolphins. They said there was probably about 60 to 70 of them. It was amazing.”

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3.Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 4 hours 50 minutes (approx.) · from $99Top rated

Leave Anaheim at 8:30 am for Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park viewpoint, Newport Beach and a whale-watching cruise, then Huntington Beach’s pier, shops, and surf landmarks. Round-trip transport and a narrated tour are included. The group is capped at 12, and guides such as Tom, Brooke, and Cody have earned praise for local tips and clear pickup communication. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Wonderful day trip. Very informative. Lots of great stops. Tour guide Shauntil was fantastic. Totally enjoyed the day”

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4.Los Angeles Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from West Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend about two to two and a half hours aboard a custom catamaran, cruising from San Pedro through the Port of Los Angeles and out to look for whales, dolphins, and other sea life. Aquarium of the Pacific educators narrate in English, with indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and a free return voucher if you see no sea life.

“Once we found the location we had a great time. I would recommend better instruction for actual location and parking. It happened to be fleet week but even without that the instructions for parking were hard to find.”

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