
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 601 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach worth booking?
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach is a 2-hour experience in Long Beach, United States, from $38 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 601 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (601)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $38 per person
The price you see is the price you pay, no hidden fees or surcharges. We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!
What you get
About this experience
The price you see is the price you pay, no hidden fees or surcharges. We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!
What's included
Included
- low emission engines means whales and their marine environment are not harmed or disturbed
- 2 to 2.5-hour whale watching cruise
- Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific highlighting all sights
- Multiple Restrooms onboard
- Sealife Guarantee If no sealife is seen, we'll issue you a free Voucher to join us in the future
- Inside seating with climate controlled interiors, large windows, and outside seating
- custom built state of the art whale watching catamarans, offering amazing stability and comfort
- Seasoned Captains and crew who specialize in whale watching. Over 30-years whale watching experience
Not included
- No food or drink are included but they are available for purchase onboard
- Parking not included. We offer validation for discount parking in structure across the street
What you'll see and do
The Queen Mary Tours & Exhibits
Our vessel will pass by the world famous Queen Mary while departing and coming back from your whale watching cruise
Pass by without stopping
We will travel out into the open Pacific Ocean to search for amazing marine life including Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, rare Marine Birds, and much more!
Pass by without stopping
Aquarium Of The Pacific
One of the top attractions in Long Beach with a collection of over 11,000 animals, over 500 different species. You can enjoy animal encounters.
Pass by without stopping
Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Cruise Ship Terminal
Pass by without stopping
Once Home of the Spruce Goose, a massive, wooden flying boat designed and built by Howard Hughes during World War II
Pass by without stopping
Part of the largest commercial port in the world
Pass by without stopping
One of the largest Breakwater's in the USA.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Long Beach
Our ticket booth is located at Dock #2 across the street from Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and between the Aquarium of the Pacific and Hooters Restaurant. Please arrive with your Viator order and we will print every one in your party physical tickets to board the vessel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our ticket booth is located at Dock #2 across the street from Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and between the Aquarium of the Pacific and Hooters Restaurant. Please arrive with your Viator order and we will print every one in your party physical tickets to board the vessel.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Harbor Breeze Cruises
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Sealife Sightings are not guaranteed but if we don't see any Sealife you can come back in the future for free
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 596 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
596 verified traveler reviews for Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Overall good experience
My adult daughter came into town for a last minute visit because she desperately needed som R&R due to college burnout, so I booked this little trip for us. We had such a great time and there actually weren’t too many people onboard our boat.. We saw a group of sea lions hanging out on a buoy and a massive pod of dolphins! It was so nostalgic! This really was such a fun experience. I would’ve rated it 5 stars, however, the blonde guy with the blonde mustache wearing a Captains shirt was SO RUDE and impatient! I’m not sure if he was bored or just felt like being a jerk about everything, but he kept harassing my daughter and I and his demeanor and tone were very concerning. I will not go on another tour, but I do recommend this for families or couples who have an adult male in their group. I personally just have some safety concerns after our interactions with this guy. Side note: Thanks so much to the Captain for a smooth ride and to the older gentleman who walked around educating everyone about all the different whale species living in our ocean and answering general questions. We talked a lot of Dodgers baseball, and he enjoyed interacting with my very visibly exhausted daughter, lol.
via Tripadvisor
Start morning with dolphins
We booked Sunday morning 9am tour. There was a seasonal discount for $35. The studio seating felt safe for my elderly parents. There were lot of dolphins. We enjoyed the tour. There was news about whales in the area but we didn’t see any. But overall it was enjoyable and relaxing experience
via Tripadvisor
Dolphins
Lots of dolphins and a full bumpy ride!!!! Lovvveeeed it so much and so many great memories for us friends
via Viator
Fun bouncy ride on the pacific
I enjoyed this whale watching tour! We didn't see whales, but it was really fun to get out over the deep water along the coast of Orange County and be near Catalina. We did see sea lions! A cruise earlier in the day saw whales. The guide was knowledgeable and entertained my questions about whales and their migration patterns. It was a fun little ocean adventure. Do be prepared for the sun and a bit of a choppy ride!
via Tripadvisor
I was expecting whales but was satisfied to see loads of baby dolphins.
Enjoyed my first whale watching which were baby dolphins.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $38 to $58
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 210
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.5.
See everything Harbor Breeze Cruises runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Long Beach.
How much does Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Long Beach usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Long Beach is not rushed.
Is Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 601 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Long Beach, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Around 210 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Long Beach can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Long Beach and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Long Beach within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Long Beach?
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Long Beach runs whale watching out of Rainbow Harbor, Queen Mary tours and ghost walks, harbour cruises, Catalina ferry connections and coastal bike rides. On Outty we rank every Long Beach experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour, Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket, Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Long Beach?
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Year-round whale watching; May to October for the best harbour weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Long Beach?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Included: low emission engines means whales and their marine environment are not harmed or disturbed; 2 to 2.5-hour whale watching cruise; Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific highlighting all sights; Multiple Restrooms onboard; and Sealife Guarantee If no sealife is seen, we'll issue you a free Voucher to join us in the. Not included: No food or drink are included but they are available for purchase onboard; and Parking not included. We offer validation for discount parking in structure across the str. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Our ticket booth is located at Dock #2 across the street from Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and between the Aquarium of the Pacific and Hooters Restaurant. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach?
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Across 601 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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