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.

When is the Best Time to Go Whale Watching?

Southern California’s temperate climate means it’s possible to see other whale species surfacing along Orange County's shores year-round. From December through April, catch the epic migration of gray whales as they travel from Alaska to Baja California—peak sightings happen between January and March. For a summer spectacle, blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are most commonly seen from May through September. You’ll also spot dolphins, humpback whales, and even the occasional orca, with dolphins present nearly year-round. 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.

Whether it’s winter migrations or summer feeding season, the Orange County coast offers unforgettable encounters just minutes from Anaheim.

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 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. 

Whale Watching Near Anaheim

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.