whale watching tour laguna beach

Whale Watching Laguna Beach | Newport Landing

Pricing & Specials!

School field trips.

$11 school/student rate is extended to all public and private schools and home school groups. Choose from any of our whale watching cruise times and days of the week or weekend. Education packets and other materials available through our education coordinator upon request.

Learn more »

Group Pricing

Larger groups can take advantage of our group pricing and can save from 25% to 35% off retail rates. Typically group pricing is only extended to groups of 20 persons or more.

Private Charters

Private whale watching ship rentals are available for all size groups and occasions. Cruises are typically 2.5 hours in length but trip length and departure/return times can be customized upon request. Looking for a unique and memorable event whale watching is a great option for all ages.

Do you need help? You can also call us at (949)675-0551 to make a reservation!

Laguna Beach Whale Watching

Price & Hours

• Facilities 1.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

Orange County is one of the best places in California to whale watch. Every year, thousands of gray whales make the migration down the California coast from Alaska to Mexico. The best time to spot these specific whales is during the winter months, typically December through April, though you will be able to see other cetaceans, including dolphins, orcas and humpback whales throughout the year. If you visit from May to October, you may be able to see blue whales, which are the largest animals on earth. While there are lookout points along the coast, including spots in Crescent Bay Point Park , there are no whale watching tours that leave from Laguna. You'll have to drive to nearby Newport Beach or Dana Point for charters.

Highly rated tour operators include Captain Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point (about 10 miles south of Laguna Beach) and Newport Coastal Adventure in Newport Beach (about 13 miles north of Laguna). Captain Dave's features two tours, one that is held on a catamaran-like boat that has underwater viewing pods to see the marine life in their natural habitat, and another on a smaller zodiac boat, which allows travelers to get closer to the water, and thus closer to the animals. Newport Coastal Adventures, on the other hand, offers zodiac boating experiences that give visitors not only an up-close experience but also a fast one: The boats can reach up to 30 miles per hour, enabling passengers to catch up to see the various marine life.

Recent travelers who used both of these tour companies said they had very memorable experiences. Visitors said they were able to spot sea lions, dolphins and whales, all pretty close to the boat. Patrons also praised the friendly and knowledgeable staff members who knew just where to go to get up close to the local marine life. Whale watching charters tend to be available year-round and you can expect to pay upward of $66.50 for adult tickets and $56.50 for children's tickets. Tours typically last a little more than two hours and are available two to three times a day. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may want to bring layers. And if you are prone to seasickness, make sure to take seasickness pills well before you board. You can find more info and book a tour on the individual company websites.

Popular Tours

Hollywood to Beverly Hills Sightseeing Tour from Orange County

(107 reviews)

from $ 159.00

Laguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour

(35 reviews)

from $ 150.00

The Los Angeles & Hollywood Tour from Orange County

(48 reviews)

from $ 115.00

More Best Things To Do in Laguna Beach

#1 Crystal Cove State Park

Crystal Cove State Park is one of the largest beaches you'll find in the greater Laguna Beach area. The shore measures 3.2 miles long, affording plenty of space for both lounging in the sand as well as long walks. The reason for this is that unlike all the other beaches in Laguna Beach, the beach at Crystal Cove State Park isn't in an enclosed cove. Rather, the beach is backed by seemingly endless bluffs that give way to 2,400 acres of backcountry woodland. 

This section of the park features 15-plus miles of hiking trails that take visitors inland into the park's canyon and up and down pathways that afford beautiful views of the ocean. A good introduction to Crystal Cove's backcountry is the Moro Canyon trail. The trail is 3 miles out and back, but if you cut along the connected East Cut Across Trail down Moro Ridge, you'll eventually hit the coast following the Moro Ridge trail. It's important to know that no matter where you hike in the park, you may encounter wildlife, including snakes and bobcats. Stay on marked trails, don't mess with the environment and remain alert.

Explore More of Laguna Beach

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

Charleston, SC

# 1 in  Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Portland, ME

# 2 in  Best Weekend Getaways in New England

# 2 in  Best Day Trips from San Francisco

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

Whale Watching in Laguna Beach, CA

• Service Areas
• Laguna Beach, CA

Meet The Whales - The Giants of The Sea

• Personalized For You - We offer many cruise options tailored to your unique preferences. Our cruises are perfect for families seeking an adventure, couples yearning for a romantic escapade, or groups of friends searching for unforgettable moments. We have a custom experience just for you.
• Private Charters Beyond Imagination - For those with special occasions or unique interests, our private charters offer an opportunity to craft your maritime journey. When it is a wedding celebration, a private party, or an exclusive gathering, our team will work closely with you to ensure an unparalleled and memorable experience.
• A Lesson In Ocean Conservation - Our cruises aim not only to entertain but also to educate. Our educational programs cater to school groups, students, and anyone interested in marine conservation. Delve deeper into the intricacies of the ocean's ecosystems and learn about the significance of protecting marine life.

How We Offer the Best Whale Watching Experience in The Region

• Expert Narration - Our marine experts provide in-depth insights into the marine world, which makes the tours exciting and informative.
• Luxurious Cruises - Our modern whale watching fleet feature spacious viewing areas, contemporary amenities, and eco-conscious engines, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.
• Prime Locale – The beach's location along marine migratory routes becomes the perfect area for your experience.
• Diverse Experiences - With various cruise options, including private charters and educational programs, we cater to a broad spectrum of preferences.
• Safety and Comfort - Your safety and satisfaction are of paramount concern. Our competent crew and advanced safety measures guarantee a secure and enjoyable adventure.

Reserve Your Whale Watching Adventure

• Los Angeles, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Newport Beach, CA
• Catalina, CA
• Huntington Beach, CA
• Oceanside, CA
• Redondo Beach, CA
• Orange County, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Pedro, CA
• Catalina Island, CA
• Manhattan Beach, CA

Quick Links

• » Get Tickets!
• » Guest Testimonials
• » Contact & Location
• » What to Expect
• » Whale Sightings
• » Photo Gallery
• » Contact Us

Contact Now

CALL NOW: 310-547-9916

Los Angeles Whale Watching

Book a Mother's Day Cruise now!

• BOOK A PRIVATE CHARTER!

Ocean Adventures Catamaran

Quick Details

• Users Capacity: 59 passengers
• Cruise Ship Size of Boat: 63 feet
• Tag Used For: Whale Watching, Cruises, Events, Burials at Sea

Dana Wharf’s newest vessel is the 63-foot catamaran Ocean Adventures, which comfortably holds up to 59 passengers. Dana Wharf’s catamaran was licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to hold 59 passengers and is the only vessel of its kind to be re-certified from 49 to 59 passengers. This luxury vessel was built exclusively for Dana Wharf!

This eco-friendly vessel is the future of whale watching. With a roomy viewing deck and an inside cabin offering viewing from every area of the vessel. This vessel even offers a large sun area on the back deck for sun lovers and the smoothest ride on the water! You will LOVE this vessel! You’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the dolphins that swim right beneath you!

For more information on the Ocean Adventure Catamaran, visit its complete website here .

Boat shirts are available in the office! Or see our online store for more choices.

Click on any image to view full screen.

Public OCean Adventure Tours

• once in a lifetime adventure!
• Tags Whale Watching
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 8 hours

8 Hour Ultimate Whale Watch

Dana Wharf offers a special 8-hour whale watching trip a few times a year. BOOK NOW for an adventure of a lifetime & a day you won’t soon forget!

• most popular!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

Experience premier year-round whale watching in the Whale Watching Capital of the World® with the true pioneers of the industry.

• Tags Cruise
• User Ages 21+
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Orange County Evening Wine Cruise

In the spring and summer, enjoy an evening of sunshine, cool ocean breezes, and romantic sunset views. In the winter, take in the romantic atmosphere of the beautifully lit Dana Point Harbor.

OCean Adventures Captains

Captain corey hall, operations manager, board of directors, gray whale foundation, certified marine naturalist, american cetacean society.

Captain Corey has loved the ocean since he can remember. He was born in Laguna Beach and got his Captain’s License when he was a young man of 19. He’s been on the water ever since, sharing and educating locals and visitors on the marine life here in Dana Point.

He loves both whale watching and fishing equally, especially when there are first-timers or kids on board. Captain Corey enjoys catching Calico Bass because it takes skill and finesse. There are several ways to fish Calico Bass and they can be caught year round here in Dana Point.

Since being a member of the Dana Wharf team of Captains, Captain Corey has a lot of good memories, but perhaps the most memorable was hosting the world’s tallest man on a whale watching trip. “His shoes were as big as many of the fish we catch,” explained the Captain.

Captain Todd Mansur

Director of marine mammal education programs.

Captain Todd was born in Laguna Beach and for the past 32 years has had a career on the ocean. Through a variety of experiences he has had the opportunity to observe hundreds of different marine species, both fish and mammals.

At the impressionable age of 13 he was the only crew member for a 20 passenger operation that fished during the spring, summer, and fall. During the winter he crewed for a whale watching operation. This early exposure to Mother Ocean had a huge impact on Todd.

In 1992 Captain Todd became Dana Wharf Whale Watching’s lead naturalist and conducts all of the pre-excursion in-classroom education for Orange County’s schools. This is also a major role for Todd as a Board Member of the Gray Whale Foundation.

Todd does pubic speaking engagements on the topic upon request. Todd worked as a writer, editor and photographer for the film “Sharing the Shores off Dana Point: A Whale and Dolphin Exploration.”

• Link Click here to read more!

Cinco de Mayo Harbor Cruise: Margaritas, Tacos, Live Mariachi Music. Book Here or 949-488-2828

• Book Now & Save 24%
• Most Popular

Signature Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari

Experience our world-famous underwater viewing pods book now and save!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 ½ Hours
• User Ages: All Ages
• Dollar Save Now - Adults & Kids Save 24% Instantly When You Book: Adults (Age 13 or older): $95.00 $72.20 Children (Age 1 - 12): $64.00 $48.64 Infants (Up to 12 months): $5.00
• Clock Departure Times: Cruise times vary. Please click the orange "book now" button and select a date on the calendar for availability.
• Users Capacity: Primary vessel, Manute'a, is Coast Guard certified to carry up to 49 guests
• Dolphin What You Could See: Year-round whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, birds, and more! Recently, we've been seeing rare orcas too! Dana Point, California, is the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® and the first Whale Heritage Site in America.

Additional information:

• Our whale watching safaris in Orange County are safe and never crowded.
• Entry into the Underwater Viewing Pods requires the use of ladder-like steps. Persons with a disability or limited mobility may have difficulty.

Star Outline SPECIAL CRUISE: An intimate dolphin and whale watching cruise with just 6 passengers.

“…this tour offers the best whale watching in the world …”

Capt. Dave’s Super-Safe Dana Point Whale Watching Tour

Manute’a (pronounced mah-noo-tay-ah) is our high-tech, high-speed catamaran sailboat offering the world’s most unique dolphin and whale watching experience in Orange County .

Passenger watching common dolphins from an underwater viewing pod on Manute’a

Manute’a features Capt. Dave’s exclusive Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods . These amazing viewing pods give you the extraordinary experience of feeling what it’s like to swim with dolphins and whales—underwater—without getting wet, making it an unforgettable whale watching tour you’ll talk about for days to come!

This vessel also features three Eye-Spy Dolphin Tram Nets on the bow for an up-close and immersive Dana Point whale watching adventure, a micro dolphin and whale museum, and live narration from expert marine naturalists for a whale watching experience in Orange County that is both fun and educational.

At the end of the Super-Safe Safari, Mrs. Capt. Dave’s legendary, delicious Triple Fudge Brownies are served complimentary!

Does the thought of being elbow to elbow with people terrify you? It terrifies us, too! That’s why Capt. Dave’s trips have always practiced social distancing with plenty of room , comfortable seating , and fewer guests .

Manute’a is the primary vessel used for our daily Dana Point whale watching tours in Orange County.

Additional Vessels

On select dates, we make available our other catamarans for the 2.5-hour signature safari..

When purchasing tickets for this cruise, your booking will be for our 2.5-hour Dolphin & Whale Signature Safari. Although our primary vessel for the Signature Safari is Manute’a, there may be times when other vessels are used. These unique vessels offer a special dolphin and whale watching experience that is equal to Manute’a.

• Chevron down Supplemental Catamaran: DolphinSafari

This vessel is available for public cruises on select dates and for private boat charters year-round.

DolphinSafari is the original pride of our fleet and remains a crew and passenger favorite. She was the first vessel in Southern California to offer year-round dolphin watching. And it was aboard this catamaran sailboat that Captain Dave filmed his award-winning documentary, “Wild Dolphins & Whales of Southern California“.

She is Coast Guard certified to carry up to 26 passengers, however, for optimal comfort we usually reduce guest capacity to less than 20.

DolphinSafari Special Features

DolphinSafari provides an intimate dolphin and whale watching experience. Cushioned seating and panoramic views are available in the enclosed cockpit but returning guests know the best place to be is on the bow!

Her specially designed bow with Eye-Spy Dolphin Nets is so close to the water that you feel as though you can touch the animals! You’re also close enough to hear the dolphins vocalize as they swim right under your feet. It’s almost like being in a kayak! There is a restroom available on the boat.

Take a virtual tour of DolphinSafari .

DolphinSafari is not equipped with Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.

• Chevron down Supplemental Catamaran: Hoku Nai'a

Hoku Nai’a is our newest double-deck, upscale, power catamaran . This fast and stable catamaran has two restrooms on board.

Hoku Nai’a Special Features

• Spacious observation deck is perfect for whale watching by giving you an elevated look at the animals.

• On the second deck, for your comfort, there is ample cushioned bench seating and it’s covered for protection from the elements.

• The main deck is fully enclosed for climate control while large windows on both sides provide plenty of viewing angles.
• Bench seats with surfboard tables and a lounge area are perfect for those wanting to enjoy refreshments.

• Beautifully appointed with upscale décor throughout the vessel that celebrates Dana Point’s famous surfing culture and recognition as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World ® .

Take a virtual tour of Hoku Nai’a .

Hoku Nai’a is not equipped with Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.

About the Underwater Viewing Pods

Manute’a exclusively features two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods.

The ‘Pods’ are areas in the hull of the boat with cushioned padding on the floor to sit or lie down. Surrounding you on both sides is 36 square feet of bulletproof glass to see underwater.

You’re not just looking down at the animals, they’re swimming right next to you , and looking you in the eye ! If the dolphins are “chatty” you’ll be able to hear their clicks and whistles, too.

Each Underwater Pod (there are two) can usually fit 1 to 2 adults or 2 to 3 kids at a time. No special reservations or extra cost! Everyone takes turns on our Dana Point whale watching tours.

For safety reasons the Underwater Pods are not open during the entire trip. Your Captain will make an announcement when our crew members will be opening the ‘Pods’ and allowing everyone in. This usually occurs when we find a large enough pod of dolphins that are interested in interacting with the boat.

Wildlife is inherently unpredictable, therefore, the quantity of animals you may see in the Underwater Pods can vary from trip to trip.

Please note entry into the Underwater Viewing Pods requires the use of about six ladder-like steps. Guests with a disability or limited mobility may have difficulty enjoying the ‘Pods’.

What do our guests say about our Dana Point whale watching tours in Orange County?

I have been on several whale watch tours in Newport and Dana Point, but this trip on July 2nd, 2020 was really enjoyable even with the COVID requirements. The catamaran provides a close up view of marine mammals and an opportunity to get some great pictures. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly a great day on the water!

I’ve been to Disneyland, Sea World, Universal Studios—all for much more money. I ALWAYS GET MORE THAN MY MONEY’S WORTH. I’ve brought friends, family members, colleagues from work, Rotarians, etc. Each time I knew everyone would enjoy themselves—and they have. I’ve seen my stoic girlfriend break out in giggles the first time she saw a dolphin. I’ve seen my 30+-year-old son who is “too cool” to be impressed with anything anymore, grab my hand and point to several blue whales with great excitement. I could write volumes about my experiences on Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari. The adjectives I would use are: GREAT, WONDERFUL, SPIRITUAL, INVITING, INFORMATIVE, PEACEFUL, ADVENTUROUS, FUN, FRIENDLY, and who can forget the great brownies at the end of the trip?

This experience was way better than the dolphin watching out of Newport! The crew, the boat, the info, everything was great! The trip I went on was kind of a fundraiser for Ric O Barry's Dolphin Project to help stop the dolphin hunt in taiji japan. Happy to have participated. Cant wait to go back.

Great people who are very friendly and determined to find you marine mammals on the tour. At the same time they’re respectful of the wildlife and if say a whale shows signs of being distressed they will back off. They maintain a respectful balance between curiosity and education and conservation on these tours. Best whale watching in SoCal.

Our 2/28/2020 morning trip on the Manute'a is our third time, and we plan to return. Our trip's Captain Craig and the crew were first rate and the experience just can't be topped. We've gone to other companies at both Dana Point and Newport Beach, but Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are the gold standard for consistent experiences. The crew knowledge is impressive. The narration and easy Q&A provide new information every trip we've taken. I enjoyed the viewing pods with my daughter last trip, but just delighted staying topside with my wife this trip.

This was the.best.day.ever. We saw so many dolphins. We were lucky to see a humpback whale over and over. We also saw sea lions. Everyone was helpful and professional! Would love to to this again. Highly recommend .

Wow!! What an amazing time with Captain Dave and his team. We loved every second of our tour! We got to see so much. The dolphin were amazing and the underwater viewing area just blew my mind. The whales were incredible. We also learned so much from the team. I especially enjoyed Dave's wife telling us all about the positive effects of negative ions being out on the water. Can't wait to go again next time! I highly recommend Captain Dave's. I promise you won't be disappointed. Book a tour! They'll even give you a homemade cookie when you get back to the dock!

We loved everything about Dave's dolphin Safari. The crew Capt Steve, Grayson & Buck were awesome. This was our first time whale watching. We saw so many dolphins & several humpback whales, sealions. The boat was very nice. We enjoyed the underwater viewing pods. We had considered taking the kids to Sea World, but I'm glad we opted to do this instead. So awesome to see these beautiful sea creatures in the wild. Oh and delicious brownies at the end. Such a wonderful experience all around

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful adventure. I've been out with the Captain Dave crew 4 times now, and each time has been better than the one before! It was the very first time out for my fiance (her first time ever on the ocean, in fact), and what a way to get started! Everyone involved were knowledgeable, professional and fun. We'll be back!

The Manute’a catamaran was a comfortable and fun ride. The midship seats are covered, at the back they are open, and the bow is open with a strong webbing next between the hulls. The crew advised about where to stand to get wet or not, and where to sit for the smoothest ride. The catamaran gives a much more stable ride than a monohull, and there is plenty of room for the 50 or so passengers on board. Captain Marie and Steve are knowledgeable and informative, and knew where to take us to see the mammals. We saw a large group (60-100) of dolphins, a sea lion, and a pod of 3 or 4 grey whales, plus the sea birds. The underwater viewing pods are popular, the crew made sure everyone had a chance to use them but didn’t rush you out. They give a good view of the dolphins swimming (like an aquarium window) but aren’t very deep: only the floor level panel is under water most of the time. It’s a nice addition but the trip would have been worth it even without the underwater pods.

My family had a wonderful time on the tour today! We saw a pod of 200+ dolphins and a blue whale. The dolphins swam with the boat, and we were able to view them up close and personal! The underwater viewing pod was an added bonus because we got to see them swimming under water. The blue whale was amazing and majestic. We saw him about 4 times, the last few times near the end of the trip. Captain Steve was kind enough to extend our tour so that we could get an additional glimpse of the majestic creature. Overall, I was impressed with the captain's skill and tenacity in finding the dolphins and whales, and with the crew members' humor and knowledge about the animals. I liked the little nature talk that they gave at the end where we got to handle whale baleen and whale's tooth. While researching whale/dolphin tours, I came across another tour in Newport Beach. It was cheaper, but didn't get very good reviews. I decided to go with Captain Dave's because of the outstanding reviews, even though it was a bit pricier. I am so glad I did, because the experience was worth every penny.

Capt Dave’s was an amazing experience!! My boyfriend and I were visiting Dana Point for the weekend and came across this place. From the moment we bought our tickets we knew it was going to be great. The lady at the ticket booth provided extraordinary customer service and was very friendly to us. Then, the actual tour began and it was just incredible. We did the sunset tour and the views were spectacular along with our captain Daniel he was just so nice and so friendly as well. We felt so comfortable during our entire experience, we didn’t want to leave! I highly recommend it 10/10. Also, the brownies they give at the end once you get back to the dock are delicious. I can’t wait to go back! It made our trip to Dana Point worthwhile and truly an unforgettable experience.

Absolutely amazing experience! We saw pods and pods of dolphins and I felt like I was swimming right next to them! There were times I could have touched them. The underwater glass pod blew my mind too. We saw a Fin whale also!! Then sea lions and a Mola Mola (sun fish ) basking in the sun. Just wondrous. Our captain worked hard to ensure we saw all this sea life and was kind, conscientious of everyone's needs and preferences too. The staff are sincere and dedicated to a top experience. I'm coming back for more and bringing all my friends here. Totally loved this!

The best of all the whale watching services on the southern California coast

Wildlife We’re Seeing

captdaveswhalewatching

2,847 24,480

Connecting you with the remarkable marine life off Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World® and a Whale Heritage Site 🐋🐬🦈

Dana Point is the World’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital® and is blessed to have moderate weather all year long, and this includes mild winter weather and ocean conditions.

Great Grays: During the winter and spring months, the animal that started the whale watching industry in Dana Point can be seen migrating along the coast. Now through May, thousands of gray whales are migrating past Orange County and locals know Dana Point to be one of the best places to view the migration. Gray whales often travel within a mile or two of the coast and are believed to use Dana Point’s headlands as a landmark on their route.

Dana Point has a few year-round baleen whale species including playful humpback whales , large and friendly fin whales , and curious minke whales , too. These majestic creatures can be seen on our Dana Point whale watching tours anytime from January through December. All three species are known to be curious about boats, and will sometimes come over and check you out! That’s called whale mugging.

You also have the possibility of seeing orcas (killer whales) throughout the year while on a whale watching tour in Dana Point. They can appear at any time, without warning, so have your camera ready! Or you might have a rare encounter with pilot whales, false killer whales, or even sperm whales . Other special sightings could include basking sharks, the second-largest shark in the world, and huge elephant seals.

Hold on to your safari hats because we’re not done yet! Several species of wild dolphins are seen throughout the year while whale watching in Orange County —some in pods that can number up to 10,000. Imagine nothing but dolphins in every direction as far as the eye can see! It’s during these cooler months that we see one of our favorite dolphins, the beautiful black and white pacific white-sided dolphin . And that’s not all. Over 50 species of pelagic birds, sea lions, seals, and sharks, including the great white, mako, hammerhead, thresher, and more could be encountered.

Cetacean Declaration – Sightings Guarantee

You might be wondering, “What if I don’t see anything?” Although we locate whales or dolphins on over 95% of our trips, there are rare occasions when we don’t see any marine mammals during our whale watching tours in Dana Point. And in that unlikely event—zero whales or dolphins— regular fare guests can return for FREE for another Signature Safari (daily public whale watching trip in Orange County ) within one year from the date of the trip.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Book your dolphin and whale watching Dana Point tour now!

Related Cruises

• Adventure Seeker Favorite
• User Ages 6 & up
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Zodiac Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Just like our Signature Safari, but faster and closer! Get within arm’s reach of wildlife on our speedy and fun dolphin & whale watching zodiac-style boats (rigid hull inflatables). VERY low to the water & GoPro friendly. Book your intimate experience now!

• 3.5-Hour Extended Cruise
• Only 6 Passengers
• Cruise Ship ORCA
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 3 ½ Hours

Whale Geek Cetacean Exploration

This intimate cruise on an upscale motor yacht will spend 3.5 hours exploring the whales & dolphins off Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World ®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. With only 6 guests it will feel like a private charter!

• The whole boat is yours!
• Tags Private Charter
• Cruise Ship Choice of Boat

Private Boat Charters

Booking a private boat charter gives you all the beauty Dana Point has to offer, and with exclusivity of a private event. All boat rentals come with Captain & crew. Explore suggested private charter itineraries or make your own!

ONLINE SPECIAL! Purchase Online and Save up to $5 Off Our Adult Walk-Up Rate

CALIFORNIA'S PREMIERE WHALE WATCHING & WATERFRONT CRUISE COMPANY

Daily whale watching and harbor cruise tours.

Recommended Attractions

Weekday Departures: 1:00pm and 4:00pm starting June 17th

* Pricing and schedule are subject to change

Departure Times

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Whale Watchers Capture Stunning Video of Monster, 60-Foot Blue Whale

A whale watching expedition sailing off the coast of Laguna Beach, CA earlier this week was fortunate enough to witness the very first blue whale sighting of the season. And the group captured photos and video of the massive creature.

According to a Facebook post from the Dana Wharf Whale Watch, the sighting occurred about six miles off the coast of Laguna Beach on April 28 around 10:30 a.m., during an eight-hour whale watching adventure. The vessel's captain, Todd Mansur estimates that the blue whale was a male approximately 60 feet in length.

"We were watching this whale feeding for several cycles when all of a sudden it began porpoising traveling from Laguna Main Beach to just north of the Dana Point Headlands at about 14 knots!" Mansur said in the post, adding: "Just WOW!"

The group also caught footage of the majestic beast breaching from the water. The business noted that last year, the first blue whale of the season wasn't spotted until May 7, so this year's sighting comes more than a week ahead of schedule.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), blue whales are the largest animals ever to live on our planet, and can weight up to 330,000 pounds and grow to about 110 feet in length. In fact, they're so big that the animals are far larger than any dinosaur that has ever roamed the earth.

But despite their massive size, blue whales feed almost exclusively on tiny krill, which they strain from the ocean water through their baleen plates, flat flexible plates that hang from their upper jaw and work similar to a sieve. Some of the largest blue whales consume up to six tons of krill per day.

Unfortunately, the global population of blue whales was significantly depleted by commercial whaling activities in the early 1900s, but they are making a comeback. The mammals are currently protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the biggest threats facing them today are from vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear.

Recommended Stories

Cbs golf analyst, ryder cup veteran peter oosterhuis dies at 75.

Peter Oosterhuis was a fixture at the 17th hole of The Masters.

X is changing how the block button works

X is changing how blocks work on its platform, though it’s (for now) stopping short of Elon Musk’s wish of nuking the feature entirely.

NBA playoffs: Kawhi Leonard out for Clippers' crucial Game 6 vs. Mavericks

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will not play in Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series versus the Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers are down 3-2 in the series.

What is the average savings by age?

Ever wonder how your savings stacks up against others? Here’s a breakdown of the average American’s savings balance by age.

Apple beats Q2 estimates as iPhone sales decline 10%

Apple reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings and increased its dividend to $0.25 per share.

Flagstar Bank mortgage review 2024

Flagstar Bank is a great mortgage lender for FHA loans, but it has many other types of home loans, too. Learn whether Flagstar Bank is the right lender for you.

Steelers surprisingly decline 5th-year option on RB Najee Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers are declining the fifth-year option for running back Najee Harris, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling leggings are down to $25: 'I actually feel confident in these'

More than 50,000 shoppers say these high-waisted yoga pants are the total package: 'Strong, well made and keep my tummy from bulging.'

Paramount has spent a decade as the source of buyout rumors. That might finally come to an end.

Paramount's exclusivity window with Skydance expires on Friday.

April jobs report preview: Wages, job gains set to slow while unemployment holds steady

After a strong winter for the US labor market, economists expect hiring to have slowed in April.

Georgia gives Kirby Smart a raise to make him the highest-paid coach in college football

Smart is set to make $13 million in 2024 and his contract now goes through 2033.

Kelley O'Hara, 2-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, to retire after 2024 NWSL season

O'Hara was part of a golden era for USWNT.

Rookie WR expectations post-NFL Draft: Just how good will Marvin Harrison Jr. be?

Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon lays out Year 1 expectations for the talented class of rookie wide receivers entering the 2024 season.

Ford's April sales dip, but hybrid shipments surge

Ford reported April US sales that dipped slightly, but saw continued strength with hybrid and truck sales, highlighting the automaker’s pivot into those vehicles.

Rivian wins $827M incentive package to expand Illinois factory for R2 production

Rivian is getting $827 million in incentives from the state of Illinois to support building its next-generation electric vehicle, known as the R2. Rivian announced Thursday that the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will dole out the funds, which will be used to expand the automaker's existing factory in Normal, Illinois, build out supporting infrastructure and boost job training programs for its workforce. The funding announcement comes just two months after Rivian unveiled the mid-size R2 SUV, which is supposed to start at around $45,000 when it goes on sale in 2026.

'Star Wars' May the Fourth marathon: How a handful of movie theaters across the U.S. prepare for a 21-hour screening of all 9 films

Sixteen U.S. movie theaters are hosting the nearly 21-hour event. Here’s what goes into planning the cinematic event of the galaxy.

2nd Boeing whistleblower found dead. Here's a timeline of the company's mounting problems.

This is the second Boeing whistleblower to die in the last two months.

10 'life-changing and fabulous' caftans that are easy, breezy and great for summer sunshine — from just $15

Dreamy '70s elegance is having a moment. These caftans are the ideal dresses for soaking up the sun.

I'm a shopping editor, and here's what I'm grabbing from Lululemon's We Made Too Much section

Don't miss this rare chance to scoop up fantastic finds for up to 50% off.

Novo Nordisk sales up 26% driven by GLP-1s, misses 11% on Wegovy

Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jørgensen tells Yahoo Finance the company is confident about a robust GLP-1 sales year despite missing Wall Street estimates.

Environment | A frolicking humpback, 3 minkes and dolphins…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Investigative Reporting

Environment

Environment | a frolicking humpback, 3 minkes and dolphins put on a show off south laguna.

Also spotted were fin whales , minke whales  and dolphins on Sunday, April 21 – a display that couldn’t have been better choreographed to celebrate Earth Day, several people commented.

A juvenile humpback whale breaches for more than an hour off South Laguna on Sunday, April 21, 2024, drawing cheers from people on charter boats and from homes above the beaches. (Photo courtesy of danawharf.com and Laura Lopez)

Whales put on a show off South Laguna on Sunday, April 21. At least three species of whales were seen: humpback, minke and fin whales. (Photo courtesy of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, Matt Stumpf)

For a week now, whale watch charters out of the Dana Point Harbor have cheered the bountiful amount of sea life passengers have spotted.

“Our ocean is alive with so much wildlife,” said Donna Kalez, who operates Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching . “As Earth Day approaches, we are reminded of the significance of a clean ocean and protecting its diverse marine life.”

Kalez said captains and naturalists aboard her charter boats have recorded 80 fin whale sightings and multiple humpbacks, minke, and gray whales accompanied by their calves in the last week. Nearly every day, she said, they’ve also seen at least one humpback whale breaching from the water.

“This year’s (Earthy Day) theme, ‘Planet versus Plastics,’ emphasizes the importance of combatting plastic pollution,” she said, adding that people can help out by using reusable water bottles and minimizing using single-use plastics. “It’s crucial to ensure that trash does not end up in the water. And, avoiding the release of balloons is essential as they often find their way into the ocean or in the waterways.”

Laguna Beach is at the forefront of preventing both from reaching the ocean with a ban on balloon purchases and use in public places and a ban on single-use plastics.

Also, the city’s coastline is mostly a Marine Protected Area , meaning fishing or taking anything from the tidepools is prohibited. The 10-year-plus closure has helped the fish population rebound and has made the cliff-protected lagoons a popular spot for whales to feed and also bring their calves.

On Sunday, Capt. Danilo Sansalone was aboard the newest boat in the Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari fleet, the Hoku Nai’a, a 65-foot catamaran, and was leading a special Earth Day cruise for the nonprofit Dolphin Project, when he got word from two Dana Wharf charters about the leaping juvenile humpback and the others whales hanging out off South Laguna between Thousand Steps Beach and Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.

“It kept jumping in the same location and it looked like there was a lot of food there,” he said. “It was a really healthy whale, a juvenile.”

Sansalone said he and the other boat captains kept their distance as the whale moved back and forth, leaping from the water at least 10 times.

“Everybody was yelling and screaming and having a good time.” he said of the passengers aboard the boats.

On the hillside, too, there were screams and shouts from residents overlooking the beach watching the display from their decks.

“I have been to Laguna many times and have even been on a couple whale-watching tours, but never have I experienced what I did today,” said Kimberly Munoz, who was in town for her brother, Laguna Beach artist Chris Richter’s gallery showing . “It was a spectacular sight seeing the whales splash in the sea. Such a treat for this Texas girl.”

For another neighbor, the sight made Earth Day even more important.

“This is the best Earth Day I’ve ever experienced,” said Lisa Yamasaki, who was feverishly taking photos from her deck. “Every time one of the whales jumped out of the water, you could hear people on the boats and along the hill gasping and cheering and then a beat later, you felt and heard the slap as its body or tail slammed into the water.”

• Newsroom Guidelines
• Report an Error

More in Environment

Environment | Here’s when each of California’s 19 national monuments were established

World News | Death toll climbs to 48 from highway collapse in China

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Environment | states rethink data centers as ‘electricity hogs’ strain the grid.

Technology | Millions of semi-trucks on US roads still rely on fossil fuels. Cutting-edge EV tech in California could change that

• Whale Watching Cruise Tickets
• Deep Sea Fishing Trip Tickets
• Reserve Fishing Trip
• Deep Sea Fishing Trips
• Deep Sea Fishing Prices & Times
• Overnight Deep Sea Fishing
• Fishing Boat Rentals
• Fishing Gallery
• Deep Sea Fishing Long Beach
• Deep Sea Fishing Los Angeles
• Deep Sea Fishing Newport Beach
• Deep Sea Fishing Orange County
• Deep Sea Fishing Catalina Island
• Reserve Whale Watching Trip
• Whale Watching Cruises
• Whale Watching Prices & Times
• Whale Watching Field Trips
• Whale & Dolphin Sightings
• Whale Watching Gallery
• Whale Watching Dana Point Visitors
• Whale Watching Long Beach Visitors
• Whale Watching Los Angeles Visitors
• Whale Watching Laguna Beach Visitors
• Whale Watching San Diego Visitors
• Whale Watching Orange County
• Reserve a Rental
• Six Pack Boat Rental
• 14′ Skiff Rental
• Electric Boat Rental
• Yacht / Cruise Ship Rental
• Company Fishing Trip
• Whale Watching Laguna Beach $18 Offer

Whale Watching Laguna Beach $18 Special

Cruises daily year round- view whales & dolphin off laguna beach.

Laguna Beach is known for its beautiful coastline, beach front activities, and a rich tradition for the arts. Laguna Beach also has a thriving marine ecosystem off of its coastline that supports all types of life including many species of whales and dolphin. Davey’s Locker offers whale watching cruises daily to go whale watching off Laguna Beach year round. >> Check out the Whale Watching Cruise Times & Pricing Info .

Whale Watching Seasons For Laguna Beach

Summer and Fall months has giant blue whales, finback whales, and minke whales migrate into coastal waters off Laguna Beach. They migrate into Laguna Beach’s coastal waters to feed on huge quantities of krill. One of the top worldwide blue whale watching destinations is Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach not only offers a huge abundance of blue whales to view, but also the ideal conditions to fully enjoy appreciate the largest of all whales, the blue whale. Laguna Beach is sheltered by the 32 mile long island named Catalina Island and as a result Laguna Beach enjoys very calm almost lake like conditions. There are few places in the world that offer this perfect combination. Along with blue whales, finback whales, and minke whales are also viewed. Huge pods of common dolphin, Risso dolphin, and Bottlenose dolphin also swim wit in the Laguna Beach waters.

Things to do after whale watching in Laguna Beach:

Crystal Cove State Park

Take a scenic, 12 mile drive down Pacific Coast Highwayand you’ll find a hidden gem, Crystal Cove State Park. This secluded beach stretches some 3.5 miles and is an official “underwater park” and Marine Conservation Area. Tide pools and coves delight visitors to the beach year-round, though some of the best tide-pooling can be found in the winter when the lower tides provide excellent viewing of intertidal animals. Our non-profit partners, Crystal Cove Alliance, help to maintain and preserve Crystal Cove Historic District, which is a beautiful example of Southern California beach architecture, and still retains the scale and ambiance of a 1930’s beach resort. Carved into the park’s ridges and canyons are more than 23 miles of back country mountain-biking, horseback-riding and hiking trails. Because of these high bluff trails, hiking here makes for an ideal lookout spot for traveling whales and dolphins. Just make sure to bring your binoculars!

[insta-gallery id=”2″]

Popular Beaches

Moro Beach is the southern beach in Crystal Cove State Park located between Laguna Beach and the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach. For many years this was the site of the El Morro Trailer Park, but in 2005, the manufactured homes and trailer homes were removed to build a campground and day-use parking area. This opened the space back up to native plants and wildlife, creating an ideal coastal locationto hike, bike, and camp.

Crescent Bay Beach is a large and popular beach in northern Laguna Beach. Whale watching is a popular activity from the bluffs surrounding the beach, which give an expansive view of the ocean. Two excellent scuba diving and snorkeling areas called Seal Rock and Dead Man’s Reef are both located offshore from Crescent Bay Beach, and tide pools are exposed at both ends of the cove during low tides.

Seal Rock is not a popular beach for humans, but it definitely suits its purpose to both Sea Lions and Harbor Seals that live in Laguna Beach. Just off the coast of Crescent Bay Beach a large rock jets up from the water’s surface, creating a perfect hauling out spot for California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals to crawl up on and sunbathe. A variety of marine birds also frequent this marine life hot spot.

Picnic Beach is the northern beach of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. The park above the beach offers grassy areas to spread out on and many picnic tables as the name suggests. Scuba diving is also popular at Picnic Beach and the adjacent cove to the north called Diver’s Cove. Tide pooling is extremely popular here when tide pools are exposed at low tide at the south end below the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club.

Treasure Island Beach is south of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. This sandy beach is actually the north end of the same large cove that begins at Aliso Beach Park. Treasure Island Beach is a safer place to swim because it has some protection from huge rocks just offshore, creating a perfect location for families to spend the afternoon.

Thousand Steps Beach is one of the largest beaches in South Laguna Beach. It’s a wide sandy beach with volleyball courts, restrooms, and tide pools and caves to discover. There is a large cave at the south end of Thousand Steps Beach that you can enter when the tide is out and the entrance is exposed. You can walk all the way through this cave (which is actually a tunnel) to a tiny rocky cove on the other side.

There are many neat hiking trails scattered throughout Laguna Beach. Top of the World is a favorite for the locals and is part of a network of trails that has many scenic views along the way. At the entrance of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, easy level hiking trails, there is the Nix Nature Center. The nature center has a 3D diorama of Laguna Beach hiking spots; this is a cool birds-eye view of the land. Keep your eyes out for whale spouts along the way, sometimes you can get lucky and whale watch in Laguna from these bluffs.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Often on whale watching cruises we spot tagged California Sea Lions. These orange tags come from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center located in Laguna Beach. You can visit the center and see all their animals up close, usually including sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals and fur seals.

Monthly Laguna Beach Art Walk

Established in 1998, the first Thursday’s Art Walk is a festive, cultural evening on the first Thursday of every month. The event is free and runs from 6pm-9pm. More than 40 galleries participate, offering artist receptions, demonstrations, refreshments and live music. The Laguna Art Museum is also free from 5pm-9pm.

Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival

If you are a fan of the arts, Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival should be on your to-visit list. During the summer from July through the end of August Laguna Beach hosts the Pageant of the Masters and a local art show. So, after enjoying a day on the water with Humpback whales, Blue Whales and hundreds of dolphin, at night you can walk through the art festival in downtown Laguna. Hiking, snorkeling and swimming are all available in secluded coves in Laguna offer the whole family something to do in Southern California.

Wyland Art Gallery

Another fascinating artsy part of Laguna is the Wyland Gallery. Wyland is a world renowned painter, sculptor, and photographer of marine life and environmental conservation. His gallery is right in the heart of Laguna Beach and his whale art can be found on buildings around the city. His inspiration comes from the wildlife right off the coast of Laguna. You can visit his gallery and marvel at his artwork.

The Cliff Restaurant has an amazing 180 degree cliff-side view of the ocean, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. This dining experience is great for families or couples. Cliff Restaurant offers seafood, American, and a full bar.

577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel offers breakfast, lunch and dinner on an outdoor patio with a view of the ocean. Good for every group that enjoys seafood and American dining.

Sleepy Hollow Ln, 627 Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Sonesta Select Laguna Hills – Irvine Spectrum hotel Enjoy all our pet friendly hotel has to offer including complimentary parking, a well equipped fitness center & seasonal outdoor pool.

23175 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills 92653

Hotel Laguna was originally a wooden structure built in 1888, but was reconstructed in 1930’s, and still retains its current Mission Revival style. The hotel has an attractive rose garden with a gazebo. Walk through the lobby and view historical photographs, or enjoy a drink at the Ocean View Bar & Grill.

425 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Montage Laguna Beach is a spa and hotel right off the beach with all the amenities you can imagine. They are great for families and dogs on vacation year round! With three restaurants, gym services, and a pool this resort is beyond expectations.

577 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-2405

Surf and Sand Resort , beachfront spa and hotel is great for people looking for a worry free experience.

Best Times of the Year for Whale Watching in Laguna Beach:

There is really no better time of year for whale watching, as whales can be spotted throughout the year off Laguna Beach.

Year-round Humpback Whales, Finback Whales, Minke Whales and a variety of dolphin are regularly spotted.

From January through May we actively spot California Gray Whales off the Laguna Beach coastline. Gray Whales make an extensive migration during the winter and spring from the Chukchi and Bering Sea’s in Alaska down to three wintering lagoons in Baja Mexico. Around 20,000 Grays are moving up and down the coast during this time of year, which makes it a great time for whale watching. The juveniles are often found playing in the soft sands off the shores of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.

The Blue Whale season starts in early summer. June through September we see one of the largest animals that have ever lived on the planet, feeding on krill. These magnificent creatures weigh in at nearly 400,000lbs and stretch to lengths of close to 100ft long!

What’s the best time of day?

A common question we get from eager whale watchers is, “Which tour is best for whale sightings?” Or “Which tour has the best chances to see something?”

The best way to answer this question is to take into consideration where you are coming from, weather conditions that day, and sunrise/sunset times. The short answer is that there are no better times during the day for whale watching. The mornings are generally calmer on the water, so if you are prone to seasickness, a morning trip would be best. My favorite cruise times for visitors coming whale watching from Laguna Beach would be the noon or 1pm cruise time and the 3:30pm departure time, whales are often located on the earlier trips, meaning your cruise can spend more time viewing the whales and less time trying to locate them!

Baleen Whales off Laguna Beach:

Gray Whales (Eschrichtiusrobustus)

The gray whale is a baleen whale. It migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly and makes one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling some 5,000 miles each way from its northern feeding grounds in Alaska to its breeding and calving grounds in the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico. Gray whales can reach about 49ft long and weigh up to 72,000lbs.

Humpback Whales (Megapteranovaeangliae)

The humpback whale is extremely maneuverable and the acrobat of the whale world. Humpbacks can measure 40-50ft long (females are usually larger than males) and can weigh up to 80,000lbs. They feed mainly on small shrimp-like crustaceans commonly known as krill, other zooplankton and small schooling fish. Humpback whales are widely distributed over all the oceans from the poles to the topics, but there are distinct seasonal changes in their distribution.

Blue Whales (Balaenopteramusculus)

Blue Whales are one of the largest creatures to ever live on our planet! The average size of a blue whale is 80-90ft, with the largest recorded whale measured 110ft (that’s the size of two school buses parked end to end!) Blue whales are found in all oceans, and in the western Pacific Ocean, blue whales range from Gulf of Alaska, which is an area rich in food, all the way to Costa Rica, where it is believed they migrate to bread and have their young. Blue whales are currently listed as endangered animals with only about 2,500 left in the North Pacific population.

Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

There are two species of Common Dolphin, the short-beaked common dolphin and the long-beaked common dolphin (both seen in here whale watching in Laguna Beach). They are found in the North and South Pacific and Indian oceans, and are widely distributed in warmer temperate and tropical waters of all the oceans of the world. Both common dolphin adults range between 5 ft-5.5ft long, and can weigh about 300lbs. They are very fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 29 miles per hour, averaging about 100 miles per day, which is one of the reasons these dolphins don’t do well in captivity.Dolphins have a unique adaptation called echolocation. They create a series of clicking sounds, made from a specialized organ under the blowhole. These clicks are sent out of the melon and are like an ultrasound machine. They bounce off objects, and the information is sent back to the dolphin to create an image.

Bottlenose Dolphin (TursiopsTruncatus)

The bottlenose dolphin have a short stubby beak- hence the name “bottlenose.” The common bottlenose dolphin is the most familiar of the family of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) because of its coastal occurrence around the world and its prevalence in zoos and aquariums. Adults range between 8-12ft and may weigh as much as 1,430lbs.Bottlenose dolphins can reach speeds in excess of 18 miles per hour, and they have an average lifespan in the wild of about 30-40 years. Often seen surfing in the waves at Laguna main beach.

Pacific White Sided Dolphin (Lagenorthynchusobliquidens)

Pacific white-sided dolphin is dark grey or black in coloration. As its name suggests, it has a greyish side patch which extends down the sides to just below the dorsal fin. These dolphin reach a length of 7-8 feet and weigh about 300lbs. Pacific white-sided dolphins are extremely agile, acrobatic and social. Generally traveling in groups of tens or hundreds of individuals, they can be seen in herds of 2,000 or more.

Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus)

Risso’s dolphin is named after Antoine Risso, whose description formed the basis of the first public description of the animal. They usually weigh between 650-1100lbs and are about 10ft in length. These animals primarily feed on small schooling fish and squid, and when we have lots of bait in the area, these curious dolphin make an appearance.

Helpful Hints to Maximize Your Laguna Beach Whale Watching Experience

When should I arrive for my scheduled reservation & where should I park?

Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your cruise departure time. If you need help with directions or parking please visit our parking and directions page at https://www.daveyslocker.com/contact-us-directions/

What are some things I should bring onboard a whale watching cruise?

• Sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat
• Light jacket, cold mornings and evenings from Fall to Spring
• Camera (recommended)
• Cash if you want to purchase light snacks or drinks from the onboard kitchen.
• Rent or bring binoculars
• Checking the weather beforehand can be helpful in figuring out what would be best to wear, as it can get cold out on the water. https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Laguna+Beach+CA+USCA0573:1:US

What if I get motion sickness?

With the waters off Laguna Beach protected from Catalina Island to the West and Palos Verde Peninsula to the north, lake like conditions are the norm and we typically don’t have many issues with motion sickness. But if you know you are prone to motion sickness a helpful tip would be to take Bonine or Dramamine AT LEAST 1 hour before you board the vessel. What has worked well for some is to take the motion sickness pill the night before your trip. Then when you wake up in the morning, take one more pill, that way you can combat any drowsy affects the motion sickness pill might have on you. These work great, and we also sell them in our office if you do not have time to pick them up on your way here.

Another option is wearing Sea-Bands which are a knitted elasticated wrist band, which works by applying pressure on an acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud. Because the bands do not use drugs, they do not cause any of the side effects associated with anti-nausea drugs and can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous. They are suitable for adults and children. Those who prefer an herbal remedy may look into eating or chewing on ginger or ginger flavored candy, which can help relieve nausea.

Educational Resources

• The American Cetacean Society – Orange County Chapter http://www.acsorangecounty.org/
• The American Cetacean Society has been dedicated to protecting whales since 1967. ACS, a nonprofit organization, protects cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and their habitats through public education, research grants and conservation activities.
• They have free lectures, courses to become a certified ACS-OC Naturalist, and have volunteer opportunities on local whale watching boats in Newport Beach.
• Pacific Marine Mammal Center https://www.pacificmmc.org/ . Located in Laguna Beach, you can visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and learn more about Sea Lions and Harbor Seals up close.
• NOAA Guide to Whales for Kids http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/education/whales.htm
• A comprehensive guide to marine mammal facts & information http://www.whalefacts.org/species-list/
• Visit http://www.newportwhales.com/school.html where you can find pre and post trip activity packets along with whale and dolphin information and additional fun and educational activities listed under “Curriculum Packets.”

Book Your Trip Below

For Laguna Beach Visitor Whale Watching Coupons, please feel free to sign up for our monthly newsletter & follow us on Facebook. You’ll be kept up to date on all things whale watching Laguna Beach, and of course holiday specials and promotions.

– Whale Watching LA Visitors – Newport Beach Whale Watching Visitors – Whale Watching OC Visitors – Los Angeles Fishing Visitors – Catalina Island Fishing

– Ocean Fishing Long Beach Visitors – Newport Beach Boat Rentals – Blue Whale Watching SoCal Visitors – Party Boat Fishing Los Angeles Visitors – Sportfishing Trips Los Angeles

– Fishing Boat Rentals LA Visitors – Company Fishing Trip – Orange County Fishing Visitors – Orange County Boat Rentals – Orange County Whale Watching

Blue Whales Feeding in Laguna Beach

Right here in southern California is one of the best places on Earth to witness the most extraordinary giant on earth – the blue whale!

Where to See Blue Whales in Laguna Beach

The best way to spot blue whales is by boat because of their preference for feeding in deep water along the edge of the underwater canyon along our coastline. 

Local companies like Newport Landing offer blue whale-watching tours year-round (as well as tours to see other ocean life) running three times daily.

When to See Blue Whales in Laguna Beach

Little is known of their migration patterns, but the best months to see blue whales in Southern California is May-September when they are frequently spotted off Laguna Beach’s coastline.

The Largest Animals On Earth

Blue whales are the largest animals that have ever lived on planet earth, even bigger than any dinosaur! Averaging around 80 feet long, they can stretch to over 100 feet – as long as three school buses in a row! Weighing as much as 40 elephants, they must eat a TON in order to maintain their massive body size (three tons to be exact!) Every day they must consume nearly 6,000 pounds of food, which is approximately how much food an average human would eat in three years! One of the most amazing things is that the largest animals in the world feed almost exclusively on some of the smallest – krill! Tiny shrimplike animals, krill are smaller than your pinky finger. Underwater, krill form large patches and a single blue whale can wipe out over 40 million of them in one day!

What do Blue Whales Eat?

One of the most amazing things about blue whales is that the largest animals in the world feed almost exclusively on some of the smallest – krill! Tiny shrimplike animals, krill are smaller than your pinky finger. Underwater, krill form large patches and a single blue whale can wipe out over 40 million of them in one day!

How do Blue Whales Eat?

Blue whales belong to a category called baleen whales, meaning they lack teeth. Instead, hanging from their upper jaw are plates made of keratin (the same substance our hair and fingernails are made of) which they use to filter out food from the water column. Their expandable throat groves allow them to gulp huge volumes of water, which they push back out through the baleen, trapping their prey inside like a giant spaghetti strainer. Don’t be worried about being swallowed by a blue whale though; despite their enormous size, their throats are no bigger than a beach ball!

What is Upwelling?

The coast of Laguna Beach is an ideal habitat for blue whales because of the deep-water canyon located close to shore. Within a few miles the water depth suddenly drops from around 100 feet to over 1000 feet. This drop-off creates a phenomenon called upwelling, where nutrient rich water from the sea floor is carried up to the surface, kickstarting the food chain.

The Laguna Beach coastline has three Marine Protected Areas , or conservation areas, which limit fishing and human activity to protect critical natural and cultural resources. MPAs are important because they protect the habitat of thousands of ocean species and offer opportunities for people to experience and study marine life that is undisturbed and truly wild. MPAs allow blue whales to thrive by providing a clean, healthy habitat with abundant food. 

Where do Blue Whales Migrate?

Along the West coast of the Americas, blue whales tend migrate from North America (where they feed) down to Central and South America (where they mate and raise their calves). They can travel as far as 4,000 miles each way.

Why are Blue Whales Endangered?

We are extremely lucky to see blue whales in our waters because they were nearly wiped from the face of our planet throughout the 1800s- the early 1900s due to whaling. 

Whales were hunted for their blubber, which was boiled down and used in lamps and streetlights. Hunted to the brink of extinction, only around 10% of their pre-whaling numbers remain in oceans around the world. Only 2,000 or so individuals are found off the coast of California with anywhere from 10,000-25,000 remaining on Earth. Because of their small population size and pelagic nature, blue whales remain somewhat of a mystery to scientists. 

How Many Blue Whales Are There?

The blue whale population worldwide is around 10,000-25,000. Of that number, 2,000 or so individuals are found off the coast of California. Blue whales remain a mystery to scientists because of their small population size and pelagic nature (“pelagic” is Greek for “open sea” and is used to describe the zone blue whales inhabit)

Want To See More Ocean Animals?

• Winter/Spring is peak  gray whale  season as 20,000 whales pass our coast on their annual migration from their Alaskan feeding grounds to their Mexican breeding grounds. 
• Throughout the Summer/Fal l we also have the opportunity to view charismatic humpback whales and fin whales.
•  Year-round see three species of dolphins , sea lions, sunfish and more!

Sponsored by Newport Whales, visit  newportwhales.com  to book whale watching tickets and for more information about ocean life and conservation in Southern California.

Education Coordinator at Newport Landing

Erica is a Marine Biologist and photographer living in Newport Beach. She is the Education Coordinator and crew member at Newport Landing.

Get Inspired

Explore more of Laguna Beach.

Gray Whale Migration

Gray Whale Migration Over 10,000 Whales Take Part 2020

Gray Whale Migration Off Laguna Beach Winter/Spring-$16 Cruise Special

Dolphin Stampede in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, the Common Dolphin’s Playground

The 6 Unexpected Ways to Experience Laguna Beach

Laguna Whale Watching Tours

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Laguna Whale Watching Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Video captures return of killer whales to Southern California

For the first time in months, a pod of killer whales was spotted in the waters off Los Angeles.

Whale-watching tour operators in Long Beach and Newport Beach shared footage of a pod of five  Eastern Tropical Pacific orcas  that migrated up the coast from Mexico and were observed in the waters off Orange County and  Los Angeles  County.

Harbor Breeze Cruises shared drone footage recorded Monday by Mauricio Tassara (IG: @ empty_drone ) with KTLA. The killer whales are believed to be feasting on the abundance of dolphins and whales in SoCal’s waters.

The video was taken Monday around noon as the tour began in Long Beach. It captured the killer orcas in the area for the first time since earlier in the year.

“This is the first time since late January we have seen these amazing whales off the coast during one of our tours and the fourteenth time total since December,” said Harbor Breeze C.O.O. Jeff Forney. “The Orcas put on a wonderful show for the passengers.”

The orcas were spotted a little further down the coast in Newport a short time later by Newport Coastal Adventure.

On several occasions over the past month, killer whales have been spotted by whale-watching tours in San Diego. They were assumed to be headed home to Mexico, but they swam back north again.

While they are often called “killer whales,”  orcas  are not whales but rather the largest member of the dolphin family. The  Eastern Tropical Pacific , or ETP, orcas’ choice of prey, being fellow dolphins and whales, makes them unique from other ecotypes sometimes spotted along SoCal’s coast.

According to experts, ETPs were last seen in California in 2021 and, before that, in 2018.

For tours:  Harbor Breeze  (Long Beach),  Newport Landing  (Newport Beach)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.

Environment | Season’s first blue whale does…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

• Latest News

Environment

• Transportation

Environment | Season’s first blue whale does ‘greyhounding lunges’ off California coast

The whale – the blue whales is the world’s largest mammal with some growing more than 100 feet long – was spotted on Sunday, April 28, about seven miles out from Laguna Beach’s coastline by Steve Burkhalter and Todd Mansur, both captains for Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, while they were on a special eight-hour charter on the Ocean Adventure.

The sighting is among the earlier ones in recent years. Last year’s first blue was seen on May 7. In 2022, it was on June 3.

The first blue whale of the 2024 season was spotted about 7 miles off Laguna Beach. The animal was feeding off plentiful krill found off sea mounds. (Photo courtesy of Danawharf.com by Laura Lopez)

The monthly cruise opportunity takes passengers on an extended trip beyond the traditional routes of charter boats, typically from Dana Point Harbor, with the intent of finding more of the sea life further offshore near feeding grounds around the continental shelf and underwater sea mounds.

“As the current and tides hit (these areas), it pushes nutrients higher in the feeding areas,” Mansur said, leading to more cool sightings.

Mansur said the group had already encountered three fin whales and a pod of common dolphins when Burkhalter reported seeing a blow about two miles away.

“We could see the underwater glow,” Mansur said of the blue whale, explaining that though the whale bodies appear mottled gray, they illuminate bioluminescent underwater. “As we approached it, we saw this glow underneath the water. As soon as the whale broke the surface, it was ‘oh my gosh’ exuberance on the boat.”

The appearance of the blue whale follows several weeks of incredible sightings of fin, minke, humpback and gray whales and their calves. A week ago, a juvenile humpback put on a spectacle off South Laguna when it breached repeatedly, hauling its huge body and telltale large pectoral fins from the water just offshore.

Mansur, a naturalist and boat captain, said the abundance of whales and other sea life in the area is likely due to the animals recognizing the approaching warmer summer expected to be associated with an El Nino and proactively relocating to better conditions and positioning themselves to feed on a potentially massive amount of krill off Southern California.

Blue whales typically consume between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds of krill daily.

The blues don’t follow a regimented migration pattern; instead, they’ll be found where their favorite food is most plentiful at the time.

Experts estimate there are about 2,000 blues that live from Baja up to the Gulf of Alaska.

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Environment

World News | Death toll climbs to 48 from highway collapse in China

Environment | Bay Area ‘Star Wars’ fans ready to celebrate ‘May the Fourth’ in astounding fashion

Environment | States rethink data centers as ‘electricity hogs’ strain the grid

Environment | Biden officially expands national monuments in Northern and Southern California significant to tribal nations