Spot dolphins, whales and sea lions on a 2.5-hour cruise guided by an experienced naturalist.
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.
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