Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching
Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching
Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
The original Small Boat, Big Adventure Whale Watching tour in Newport Beach. Newport Coastal Adventure's fleet now offers two US Coast Guard inspected and certified Zodiac boats, 30 and 36 feet in length, to go farther and faster than any competitor. With the unique design of a Zodiac boat, we allow our passengers to experience the ocean and animals at their fingertips. Just lean over the side of the cushioned tube to be inches away from playful dolphins and whales! Being on a Zodiac boat in the ocean is an unforgettable experience, one that's earned us over 1,500 Five Star reviews across the internet.
Newport Beach, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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.
Popular mentions
5.0
930 reviews
Excellent
908
Very good
20
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Lizzie T
Irvine, CA4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Oh my word this was worth EVERY penny. Captain Alex was amazing. I took a small group of 8 year olds with me and he was not only patient and understanding with them but so knowledgeable and friendly too. He found us a humpback whale to get up close and personal with and then we hung out with an enormous pod of dolphin (500-600) all within arms reach. This is soooooooo much better of an experience than the bigger boat trips (though I support and love those too), I just cannot recommend this enough. I will most definitely come back again. Thank for an unforgettable birthday for my son!!!!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debi
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We chartered the small boat & had a great time. With 6 of us it was around $55 per person for a private 2 hour charter. Captain Rich was skilled (at driving the boat & Dad jokes). He made us all feel at ease, as he zipped around the ocean looking for dolphins & whales. We ended up in a pod of about 20 bottlenose dolphins, they treated us to acrobatic stunts and close up, eye to eye encounters. So fast and fun! Afterwards my friends said, "Let's do this again!"
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shakalt
Huntington Beach, CA22 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Our 8 hr trip today was amazing. We saw an awesome feeding frenzy with thousands of common dolphins, sea lions, two humpbacks, a minke, hundreds of sea birds, bald eagles and chicks , harbor seals, and sea lions. Just when we thought the wildlife experience couldn’t get any better, 2 humpbacks launched out of the water just a few yards away from the boat 🙌🏽 Double Breach 🙌🏽 Never in my life have I ever seen a double 🐋🐋💙 A day I will never ever forget. The staff was both friendly and professional. Thank you Capt Ryan, deckhands Mark and Kristen at NCA. Couldn’t have asked for Anything more. 5 stars ⭐️
If you don’t want to deal with over crowded boats, then I highly recommend booking one of the NCA zodiacs. A great experience and well worth the money.
If you don’t want to deal with over crowded boats, then I highly recommend booking one of the NCA zodiacs. A great experience and well worth the money.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmsaathoff
Bloomington-Normal, IL192 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I had taken four previous whale watching trips out of the area with different companies, and while we had a good time, had never seen a whale. Thousands of dolphins but no whale.
So on our last full day we decided to try a second time during the week and this time tried Newport Coastal Adventures. We tried their smaller boat, and booked a 15 person or less 2 hour trip.
The boat is pretty cool, low to the waterline, and has a much larger range in terms of being able to travel quickly than other boats in the area.
Captain Alex got us going and we went about 9 miles out (no whales had been seen in the last 3 days). All of a sudden there was a large splash and a humpback whale breached the surface and dove back down. Finally!!! Captain Alex stayed with that whale (Flicka) for about an hour (which is not easy to do) and we were as close as you can imagine.
We then peeled off and found some pods of dolphins which again is a different perspective in the smaller boat.
Great trip, great staff, going back in 3 weeks when I visit the area again.
So on our last full day we decided to try a second time during the week and this time tried Newport Coastal Adventures. We tried their smaller boat, and booked a 15 person or less 2 hour trip.
The boat is pretty cool, low to the waterline, and has a much larger range in terms of being able to travel quickly than other boats in the area.
Captain Alex got us going and we went about 9 miles out (no whales had been seen in the last 3 days). All of a sudden there was a large splash and a humpback whale breached the surface and dove back down. Finally!!! Captain Alex stayed with that whale (Flicka) for about an hour (which is not easy to do) and we were as close as you can imagine.
We then peeled off and found some pods of dolphins which again is a different perspective in the smaller boat.
Great trip, great staff, going back in 3 weeks when I visit the area again.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen S
San Francisco, CA11 contributions
Jul 2020
Had a fantastic time with Newport Coastal Adventures and Captain Alex. We saw a humpback, a minke whale, loads of dolphins, and even the rare swordfish. Captain Alex was super friendly and fun. On the way back to the dock he took us on a short tour up the coast from Laguna and thrilled the four kids on our boat with some fun maneuvers over the waves. Perfect day out on the water.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
1 contribution
Jan 2020
We had a great time on this whale watching tour. We say three whales and well over 100 dolphins. The captain kept the boat in perfect position for viewing and Dale gave us great information about the sea life, the ocean, the towns we passed and the harbor through which we travelled. We could not have asked for a better adventure.
Mac
Mac
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Drrjohnson
San Clemente, CA3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We rented a 6 person boat for a two hour outing with Newport Coastal Adventures, and had an awesome time. Captain Rich was funny, personable, and flexible, and of course the Navy Seal-type boats are the only way to go whale watching - they are quick and maneuverable, and it’s so much more fun to be right there on the water. We tracked 3 grey whales for quite a while, and a large pod of dolphins, which were racing alongside the boat. Just a great day!
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie L
Huntington Beach, CA23 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Wow! Another amazing amazing outing out of Newport with Captain Ryan and Delany!
My 4th trip with them, second 8 hour day trip.
Thank you both so very much for another unforgettable day on the water seeing so much sea life I was in total Awe! We started the day by seeing Patches the humpback whale! So playful and comfortable with you and your vessel it’s like he was expecting you to stop by while he was enjoying his breakfast along with hundreds of dolphins, a sea lion and all the beautiful birds! What a sight! This all happened the first hour into our adventure. We then headed out towards Catalina and saw a Minke whale hanging out with a pod of bottle nose dolphins playing in the swells. I loved stopping for our brief lunch and bathroom break in two harbors, Catalina. We searched for Blue whales and where totally blessed with 5! Yes 5! We observed them and where blown away by the grouping they where in and how they where traveling on near the surface of the water got long periods of time. What a day! Should you be so lucky to be in the area of Orange County , California please enjoy a day on the water with Newport coastal adventure and their amazing crew! Again thank you to captain Ryan and Delany for an unforgettable day! 🌊🐟🐳🐬🐟🦈🐋🦈
My 4th trip with them, second 8 hour day trip.
Thank you both so very much for another unforgettable day on the water seeing so much sea life I was in total Awe! We started the day by seeing Patches the humpback whale! So playful and comfortable with you and your vessel it’s like he was expecting you to stop by while he was enjoying his breakfast along with hundreds of dolphins, a sea lion and all the beautiful birds! What a sight! This all happened the first hour into our adventure. We then headed out towards Catalina and saw a Minke whale hanging out with a pod of bottle nose dolphins playing in the swells. I loved stopping for our brief lunch and bathroom break in two harbors, Catalina. We searched for Blue whales and where totally blessed with 5! Yes 5! We observed them and where blown away by the grouping they where in and how they where traveling on near the surface of the water got long periods of time. What a day! Should you be so lucky to be in the area of Orange County , California please enjoy a day on the water with Newport coastal adventure and their amazing crew! Again thank you to captain Ryan and Delany for an unforgettable day! 🌊🐟🐳🐬🐟🦈🐋🦈
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
2 contributions
Jun 2020
Captain Taylor did NOT disappoint!! He knew we would LOVE to see a whale sighting...and although we know there are no guarantees, Taylor said he would do his best! We not only got to follow a whale around for like 30 minutes BUT we had a hoot speeding along the ocean on this very fun, fast-moving boat!! The great part about being on a small vessel is that we can instantly zip in any direction if we spot a whale in the distance. We also saw lots of dolphins...hundreds!! The water looked like it was bubbling because there were so many of them :
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy B
Costa Mesa, CA6 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
We LOVE whale watching with Newport Coastal Adventures. It is on our to do list at least 3 times a year.
The Captains are THE best. Friendly, fun and knowledgeable ! We have been fortunate as every time we have gone out we have seen 3 types of whales, a huge pod of dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We love to have the 6 passenger boat to ourselves but also have gone out on the larger ( I think 12 passenger )
Our latest Captain was Taylor and he did NOT give up trying to make our day spectacular. We are local but I say tell every visiting guest to our area that they haven’t lived “the OC” until they have gone out on one of Ryan’s boats !!
The Captains are THE best. Friendly, fun and knowledgeable ! We have been fortunate as every time we have gone out we have seen 3 types of whales, a huge pod of dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We love to have the 6 passenger boat to ourselves but also have gone out on the larger ( I think 12 passenger )
Our latest Captain was Taylor and he did NOT give up trying to make our day spectacular. We are local but I say tell every visiting guest to our area that they haven’t lived “the OC” until they have gone out on one of Ryan’s boats !!
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! What is the clothing recommendation on the water for a late morning booking in February? Thank you!
Written February 2, 2023
Jeans and at least a hoodie. Colder than it looks. Layer so you can take stuff off if/when it gets hot.
Written July 15, 2024
Mohibollah K
Anaheim, California
Hi,
Can we bring our 4 month old son with us ?
Written October 7, 2020
I think so but he might not enjoy it- no bathroom on the boat and it gets pretty choppy in spots.
Written July 15, 2024
Hi, i wanted to know when is the best time of year/and day to be able to see orcas during the tour?
Written February 28, 2020
Hi Joel, here is Southern California we don't have an orca season as they only show up a few times each year and it can be any month of the year so it's completely random
Written February 29, 2020
Hi, I plan to visit in the middle of March. Is there recommended transportation, or day tour, between either LAX airport or LA downtown?
Written January 20, 2020
It's quite a distance, taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft would probably be your best bet
Written February 13, 2020
I want to do this but I'm scared! Is it safe? Could the whale hit the boat?
Written July 10, 2019
No!! You are absolutely,100% safe on these boats!!! Trust me!!!
Written November 2, 2019
We will be near Newport Dec 22-28 and are wanting private tour for 4...should we book the tour in advance now or once it gets closer to our trip and we know forecast? Do you operate on Christmas Eve?
Written November 22, 2018
I think it will be best to call and confirm they offer tours. Have fun
Written December 11, 2018
Hello,
we'll visit California in September and would like to do a whale watching tour. Whicg whale species are usually sighted during this time?
Thanks for your help.
Written July 25, 2018
Hi there, thanks for your question! In years past, we've seen both blue, humpback and minke whales in September. Along with several species of dolphins.
Check out our trip log on our website to see what was seen in Sept. 2017
Written July 27, 2018
Hello....would blue whales or any whales be possible end of December? And what happens if its reserved and weather is bad/your not going out do we still have to pay?
Written July 7, 2018
Hi Thanks for your question! The end of December historically has held sightings of Gray Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, and Minke Whales, in that order of likelyhood.
Any cancellation due to weather is 100% refundable. We will not go out in rain or high wind/big wave conditions.
Written July 8, 2018
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