Whale Watching Cruise in Long Beach
Spot dolphins, whales and sea lions on a 2.5-hour cruise guided by an experienced naturalist.
From$96/ personincl. taxes and fees
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Discover what we've curated for you
Spot dolphins, whales and sea lions on a 2.5-hour cruise guided by an experienced naturalist.
Discover what we've curated for you
2.5 Hours
Guide, blankets, safety gear
Cruise the Southern California coastline on a small open boat and watch dolphins, whales and sea lions in their natural habitat. Enjoy personalized narration from a licensed captain as you explore for 2.5 hours.
Trips require at least three guests to operate. The boat has no restroom and is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with conditions aggravated by jarring movements.
Full refund if cancelled 7 days before the trip, 50% refund if cancelled within 4 days, and no refund within 48 hours. If the trip is cancelled for weather or other unforeseen circumstances, guests may choose a full refund, credit or rebooking. Public trips require a minimum of three guests; if the minimum is not met by the evening prior, booked guests may choose a refund, credit or rebooking.
200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA Dock 1
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.
SoCal Whale Watching is fantastic. The smaller boat made a huge difference because we were able to get much closer to the marine life than you can on the big tour boats, which made the whole trip feel like an immersive wildlife experience! The naturalist on board, Jeseme, was wonderful and added so much to the experience with interesting, thoughtful commentary about the animals and the area. The captain, Steve, also made safety a real priority while still keeping the trip relaxed. We had a young kid on the boat with us and even he felt absolutely at ease. Overall, this is an excellent value for the money and a much more memorable experience than a standard large-boat tour. I would absolutely recommend SoCal Whale Watching to anyone who wants a closer, more intimate way to experience marine life.
beta ealy
April 4, 2026
SoCal Whale Watching is fantastic. The smaller boat made a huge difference because we were able to get much closer to the marine life than you can on the big tour boats, which made the whole trip feel like an immersive wildlife experience! The naturalist on board, Jeseme, was wonderful and added so much to the experience with interesting, thoughtful commentary about the animals and the area. The captain, Steve, also made safety a real priority while still keeping the trip relaxed. We had a young kid on the boat with us and even he felt absolutely at ease. Overall, this is an excellent value for the money and a much more memorable experience than a standard large-boat tour. I would absolutely recommend SoCal Whale Watching to anyone who wants a closer, more intimate way to experience marine life.
beta ealy
April 4, 2026