Glittering, buzzing Los Angeles is one of the United States’ largest cities. Teeming with people, cars, celebrities and attractions, you may forget that the shores of the world’s largest ocean lap against L.A. 's shores. The temperate and nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Los Angeles shelter abundant marine life that you can discover with a short boat ride.

Whale watching tours in Los Angeles remind you that even in areas bursting with population, wild animals can still flourish nearby. While there’s no guarantee you’ll see a whale, other inhabitants of the Pacific won’t be strangers. Spy dolphins, sea birds, seals, sea lions and more on an excursion you’ll never forget.

Here's your guide to whale watching tours, one of the most unforgettable outdoor activities in Los Angeles.

What are the best whale watching tours in Los Angeles?

Group whale watching tours

Get out on the water for a low price with group whale watching tours. Large boats welcome up to 115 people but still provide ample viewing space. Boats are specially-crafted with wildlife encounters in mind. Circulate the craft on the viewing deck for views from every corner of the boat’s exterior. Some tour operators record a 96% success rate spotting whales!

Small group whale watching tours

For a more intimate experience without the higher cost of a private tour, book a small group whale watching outing. With no more than 14 other passengers, you won’t strain to see animals past fellow tour goers. Smaller groups usually mean smaller boats that can get you to prime sites more quickly.

Private whale watching tours

Spend a few hours scanning the horizon for breaches, flukes and spouts in the comfort of a group outing just for you and your chosen few. Your naturalist captain and/or guide will be ready to answer any question, identify curious creatures and seek out wildlife hotspots.

Make short work of finding marine life in twin-engine catamarans, and stay comfy with shock-absorbing seats while the crew speeds you to likely sightings.

How much do whale watching cruises in Los Angeles cost?

Group whale watching tours on higher-capacity boats (up to 115 people) cost around US$30 per person to US$50 per person. Price differences depend on the amenities available on the boat, such as a snack bar or rentable binoculars. There are tours with slightly smaller groups (up to 45 people) for around US$60 per person.

Small-group whale watching tours cost from US$85 per person to US$120 per person. Lower-cost small-group tours take place on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with a maximum of 15 travelers. Higher-cost small-group tours cap group numbers at six people and travel in a conventional boat.

Private whale watching tours cost between US$70 per person and US$200 per person, depending on group size. Private tours welcome groups no larger than six people.

In the case that local diesel prices climb above US$3.50 per gallon, there may be an additional fuel surcharge of US$1 per person to US$4 per person. At snack bars on many larger boats, soft drinks, snacks, beer and wine are available for purchase. Some lower-cost tours offer professional photo packages for US$20 after the outing.

What do the tours include?

Your whale watching tour in Los Angeles provides you with at least a 2-hour guided boat adventure off the Newport coast. Boat captains and crews are experienced at locating and identifying marine life ranging from cetaceans to fish to sea birds. Many guides and captains are certified naturalists.

You will have access to lifejackets, and on larger boats there are life rafts to add to your security. Higher-end tours provide you with photographs, including some taken by drone during the tour. Also with higher-cost tours, you’ll tour in smaller boats, making for speedier travel to animal spotting.

As with any wildlife tour, what you will see is determined by season, weather and sometimes pure luck. Even on excursions where visitors don’t see any whales, other sea life won’t disappoint. Scores of rave reviews for outings where participants didn’t see whales attest to the many other animals you may see.

Depending on the time of year, you may spot humpbacks, gray or blue whales, minkes or finbacks. Pods of orcas may make an appearance. There have even been rare sightings of the endangered sei whale.

Dolphins regularly show up, playing in the boats’ wake or coasting along the bow of the crafts. Pods of as many as 300 dolphins have been spotted. Keep your eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins. Hopefully a Risso’s dolphin will swing by. These cetaceans are giants, reaching lengths of over 4 meters, nose to tail.

Southern California’s waters make comfortable homes for seals and sea lions. Watch for seals’ puppy-like heads popping above the waves. Watch a clutch of sea lions sunning themselves on rocks and buoys. Don’t forget to look up. The skies above Newport Harbor may afford you glimpses of cormorants, brown pelicans and countless gull species.

Boat captains will do their utmost to fill your trip with animal sightings while also looking out for animal welfare. They will avoid coming dangerously close to animals for both their and the passengers’ safety. Crew communicate with other nearby boats to help locate animals as well as to avoid overcrowding.

Not only will nature astound you, you’ll also get an eyeful of some of Southern California’s most desirable real estate. The notoriously wealthy Orange County coast is dotted with multi-million dollar estates. The rocky headlands and warm swaths of sand fringed with palms beg to be photographed.

Where do whale watching tours depart from?

Most whale watching tours begin at or near the Newport Beach Pier or Balboa Beach Pier. The town of Newport Beach is within the Los Angeles metropolitan area and lies about 70 kilometers south of central L.A. Reach Newport Beach Pier by car in a little over an hour, or take public transportation for a trip as short as 2.5 hours.

How long do the tours last?

Whale watching tours last 2 to 3 hours. Tour providers recommend arriving 45 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking and check-in.

Are the boats wheelchair friendly?

While most boats can not accommodate wheelchair users, a small number of providers can. If you have a foldable wheelchair and a helper, a few boats can meet your needs. Make sure to check with the tour provider at the time of booking to make sure the trip will work for you.

When is the best time for whale watching in Los Angeles?

The best time for a whale-watching tour in Los Angeles typically depends on the type of whales you want to see, as well as the weather and migration patterns.

The prime whale watching season in L.A. runs from December to April when the Pacific gray whales migrate along the Southern California coast. During this period, you have a good chance of spotting these majestic creatures as they make their way from the cold waters of Alaska to the warmer waters of Baja California to give birth.

If you're interested in other species like blue whales, for example, these are often seen off the coast of Los Angeles from late spring through summer, with peak sightings typically occurring in July and August. Humpback whales can also be seen during the summer months.

What if there's bad weather?

Whale watching tours in Los Angeles will be canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable, and you can reschedule your trip or get a refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Los Angeles?

Know before you go

Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season.
Determine the best time to see the type of whales you're interested in, whether it's gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, or others.
Wear layered clothing as it can be chilly out on the water, even on sunny days.
Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Drink water to stay hydrated, especially on sunny days.
Many tours may provide snacks and drinks, but it's a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you, just in case.
Arrive early to ensure you get a good seat on the boat for better views.
If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication or using alternative remedies before the tour. Be aware of the location of seasickness bags on the boat, just in case they are needed.
Pay attention to the naturalist or guide on board, as they will provide valuable information about the whales and their behavior.
Follow all safety instructions provided by the crew and stay within designated areas on the boat.
Follow responsible whale-watching guidelines and maintain a safe distance from the whales to avoid disturbing them.
Whale sightings are not guaranteed, so be patient and enjoy the experience of being out on the ocean.

Whale Watching in Los Angeles