Whale Watching

Anaheim is home to a variety of head-turning spectacles, but the most exciting sight of all might be found 20 minutes away hidden underneath the waves. The Orange County Coast has warm, calm, and clean waters that attract both surfers and marine life. One of the greatest experiences of visiting Southern California is going out on a boat to experience whale watching in the mighty Pacific Ocean. Anaheim is a rare example of an urban area that is a short distance away from nature at its most beautiful. As awe-inspiring as the man-made attractions of Orange County are, there is simply no way to recreate the thrill of seeing the world’s largest mammals in the wild.

The gentle giants of the Pacific make appearances close enough to California shores that you can be sure to see one on a short whale-watching expedition in Anaheim. Grey whales are the most common sight, especially in the fall when they love to splash around boats and put on a show.

However, Southern California’s temperate climate means that it’s possible to see other whale species surfacing around Orange County shores most times of the year. This means the best time to visit depends on the kind of whale you want to see. Contact these providers for detailed, updated progress on current whale migration patterns.

Balboa/Newport Beach Sportfishing Trips - Newport Landing

Newport Landing Sportfishing is great for both beginners and experienced fisherman, with day fishing trips offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening daily. Catch over two dozen different species of fish including giant yellowtail up to

Catalina Express

Year-round service from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point with up to 30 daily departures. Catalina Express operates a fleet of eight, high-speed vessels that whisk passengers to Catalina Island in about one hour. Relax in airline-style

Davey's Sportfishing & Whale Watching Cruises Balboa/Newport Beach

Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing has a rich tradition dating back to the 1940s. That tradition has carried through the years and Davey's Locker's captains and crews are some of the best trained and respected in Southern

Grey whales, massive, speckled humpback whales, and playful dolphins are features of the warm fall/winter whale watching that Anaheim offers. In the summer, you have a chance to see blue whales, the largest animals on earth. A glance at these enormous creatures coming to the surface is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Should one breach the ocean’s surface, you will be one of the privileged few to see them in the wild.

Finback whales are also spotted during the summer months off of the Orange County Coast. These amazing creatures are only slightly smaller than the mighty blue whale, but they are no less majestic. Towards the end of the year, the relatively small, but delightfully cute minke whale comes close to the beaches of Orange County. 

The most popular way to experience marine life in Southern California is to take a whale and dolphin-watching cruise in Newport Beach. Newport Landing Whale Watching and Davey’s Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing are two of the most experienced operators in the area. Their record for safety and tracking down whale migrations makes them a good bet for a fun day experiencing the amazing whale watching Newport Beach is known for. Groups both small and large can be accommodated on their comfortable vessels. Expert guides can help explain the behavior and features of these animals, providing an incredible educational experience for the entire family.