All prices per person unless otherwise stated.
We’ve also noted a couple of harbor cruises that, while unlikely to bring you near whales, will possibly put you near dolphins and sea lions for a fraction of the price.
Sure, you’ve relaxed at the best beaches in Los Angeles and maybe paddled out to surf, but have you ever truly ventured out onto the water? Whale watching in Los Angeles is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific, not to mention the marine life that sits just below its surface.
You don’t have to travel very far, either: From Marina del Rey and Long Beach to Newport Beach and Dana Point, there are plenty of harbors both in Los Angeles and neighboring counties that act as a jumping off point for whale watching adventures.
We’re lucky enough to sit in the path of blue, humpback and, most notably, gray whale migrations. Gray whale sightings are pretty common, and particularly steady in early and late winter. During the summer, blue whales begin to skim our shores, as do humpbacks, who stick around into the early fall.
RECOMMENDED: 5 things to know before you go whale watching
Regardless of when you go, expect these year-round cruises to bring you up close and personal with various species of whales, dolphins and sea lions, while tour guides share their knowledge of the marine mammals that inhabit the Pacific waters. You can choose between different types of excursions, like luxury catamaran cruises and sunset tours. There’s even a high-speed sailboat tour with a submarine-like viewing pod for you to experience marine life below water as you cruise around the coastline.
If you’re looking for unique date ideas or ways to entertain the family, these outdoor activities are something to remember. Whether you’re a quick jaunt from the ocean or making a day trip from Los Angeles out of it, here’s where you can go whale watching in Los Angeles, as well as a few spots in Orange County.
