Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach: 2-Hour Pacific Cruise

Two hours searching the Pacific for whales, dolphins and sea lions with a trained captain who knows where to find them.

A 2 to 2.5-hour whale watching cruise departing from Long Beach that takes you into the open Pacific Ocean in search of gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions and rare marine birds. Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate what you encounter. The vessel passes the Queen Mary on departure and return. If no sealife is sighted, you receive a free voucher to return another day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching cruise and sightseeing

• Depart from Long Beach harbor
• Pass by the Queen Mary ship
• Pass by the Spruce Goose site
• Pass by Long Beach Cruise Terminal
• Pass by the large commercial port
• Pass by one of the largest breakwaters
• Travel into the Pacific Ocean to spot whales and marine life
• Return to Long Beach harbor passing the Queen Mary again

The experience

The boat leaves from Long Beach Cruise Terminal and heads into open water where trained captains navigate to the best sighting zones. The custom-built catamaran covers waters from Santa Monica north to Newport Beach south, giving the crew maximum range to locate marine life. You'll have inside seating with large windows and climate control, or stay on deck. The vessel uses low-emission engines, so the whales and their environment aren't disturbed by the hunt for them.

Gray whales show up November through April. Blue whales arrive May through November. Year-round you can encounter humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals. An expert from the Aquarium of the Pacific provides narration throughout, explaining what you're seeing and why it matters. The boat passes the Queen Mary, the historic ocean liner, both leaving and returning to the terminal, a landmark you'll recognize from the water.

The crew has over 30 years of whale watching experience and the catamaran is built for stability in open ocean swells. Multiple restrooms are onboard. Food and drinks are available for purchase if you want them during the cruise. Children from age 3 can ride. Infants and small children can bring a pram or stroller. Service animals are welcome. If the ocean doesn't deliver any sealife sightings, rare but possible, the operator issues a free voucher so you can return another day without paying again.

What’s included

• The 2 to 2.5-hour cruise aboard a custom-built catamaran with expert narration from the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• inside seating with climate control and large windows plus outside deck access.
• multiple restrooms onboard.
• and a sealife guarantee. If no marine life is spotted, you receive a free voucher to return another day.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Saturday5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 120

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises

Is this one for you?At 2 to 2.5 hours, the cruise fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your entire day, leaving time to explore the Aquarium of the Pacific or other Long Beach attractions before or after. The fixed schedule and expert crew mean you don't spend the time searching on your own or guessing where to look.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales might I see on a Long Beach whale watching tour?

Gray whales appear November through April. Blue whales May through November. Year-round, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals are possible sightings, along with rare marine birds.

How long is the whale watching cruise from Long Beach?

The cruise runs 2 to 2.5 hours total, including the time spent searching the open Pacific and passing the Queen Mary on departure and return.

What's included on the whale watching tour?

The tour includes the 2 to 2.5-hour cruise aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, expert narration from an Aquarium of the Pacific educator, inside seating with climate control and large windows, outside deck seating, and multiple onboard restrooms. If no sealife is spotted, you get a free voucher to return.

What happens if we don't see any whales?

Sealife sightings are not guaranteed, but if the crew doesn't spot any marine life during your cruise, you'll receive a free voucher to join another tour in the future at no cost.

Where does the whale watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available in a structure across the street with validation for discount rates.