SoCal Whale Watching invites you aboard Cetacea, a fast, Coast-Guard inspected RHIB carrying just six guests for truly front-row encounters with whales, dolphins, and sea lions off Long Beach. Led by Captain Steve and a team of fr...
Captain Mike, Captain Steve, and naturalist Jessamy run an intimate operation that consistently earns rave reviews for their passion and expertise. Their six-person Zodiac-style boat creates a completely different experience from the big commercial vessels—you're close to the water, traveling fast, and getting personal attention from guides who clearly love what they do. Reviewers repeatedly mention how knowledgeable the crew is about marine life, local history, and the best spotting locations. While whale sightings depend on season and conditions, guests seem genuinely thrilled even when whales don't show up. The dolphin encounters steal the show, with multiple reviews describing massive super-pods numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. The crew's dedication shines through—they actively look for wildlife, clean trash from the ocean during tours, and genuinely care about creating memorable experiences. One important note: this is a small, fast boat that can be bumpy, so it's not ideal if you're prone to seasickness or prefer calmer rides. Bring dramamine if needed and wear a secure hat.
We booked to experience Whale and Dolphin watching for our anniversary. What a great time we had. Captain Matt expertly guided the boat into position so that we could get some great photos of Dolphins. ( I messed up and had camera on selfie mode) We saw Seals and Sea lions up close also. Captain Matt was very knowledgeable on what to look for on the horizon. We really enjoyed our day out on the ocean and highly recommend doing it. We'll be back!
Jim Danno
July 2, 2025
We booked to experience Whale and Dolphin watching for our anniversary. What a great time we had. Captain Matt expertly guided the boat into position so that we could get some great photos of Dolphins. ( I messed up and had camera on selfie mode) We saw Seals and Sea lions up close also. Captain Matt was very knowledgeable on what to look for on the horizon. We really enjoyed our day out on the ocean and highly recommend doing it. We'll be back!
Jim Danno
July 2, 2025