Long Beach: Whale Watching Cruise with Aquarium Guides

Summary

Whale watching in Long Beach with expert guides and real Pacific moments

You’ll set out from Long Beach past historic ships and into open Pacific waters with expert guides from the Aquarium of the Pacific. Watch for whales, dolphins, sea lions—even rare birds—while enjoying comfortable seating inside or out. The thrill of spotting your first spout or dolphin pod is unforgettable; you might even find yourself grinning at strangers or tearing up at something wild and unexpected.

What’s the experience like?

We pulled away from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, passing right by the Queen Mary — honestly, I didn’t realize how massive that ship was until we glided past her hull. The morning air had that salty, slightly metallic smell you only get near big ports. Our guide from the Aquarium of the Pacific waved us over to the side as we picked up speed, pointing out pelicans skimming so close to the water I thought they’d crash. I remember my niece asking if whales ever come this close to shore — our captain just grinned and said, “Wait and see.”

The boat moved smoother than I expected (I’m not great with waves), and there was plenty of room inside if you wanted a break from the wind. Out in the open Pacific, everything felt huge and kind of quiet — except when someone spotted a spout in the distance and everyone rushed outside. We saw dolphins first, hundreds of them weaving around us like it was no big deal. The guide explained which species we might see depending on season (gray whales now, maybe blue whales in summer), but honestly I lost track because I was too busy trying to catch everything on camera. Didn’t do them justice.

At one point, a sea lion popped up right next to us — just his whiskery face and those big eyes before he dove again. There were families everywhere on board, some kids pressed against the windows, others running around outside yelling every time they saw something move in the water. One woman next to me started crying when a humpback surfaced; she said she’d waited her whole life for that. It made me feel weirdly lucky just being there.

The ride back felt slower somehow, like nobody wanted it to end yet. We passed by the Queen Mary again (someone joked she looked jealous of our little boat), then drifted into port with hair tangled from salt spray and way too many blurry photos on my phone. I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of a whale surfacing — it’s hard to explain unless you’ve heard it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching cruise and sightseeing

• Depart from Long Beach harbor
• Pass by the Queen Mary ship
• Travel into the Pacific Ocean
• Search for whales and marine life
• Pass by Aquarium of the Pacific
• Pass by Long Beach Cruise Terminal
• Pass by Spruce Goose historic site
• Pass by largest commercial port
• Pass by large breakwater
• Return to Long Beach harbor

Top questions

How long does the Long Beach whale watching cruise last?

The cruise lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours.

Is there inside seating on the whale watching boat?

Yes, there is climate-controlled indoor seating with large windows as well as outside areas.

Are guides on board knowledgeable about marine life?

Yes, expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific provide information throughout the tour.

What kinds of animals can you see during this tour?

You may see gray whales (Nov-April), blue whales (May-Nov), humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, and rare birds year-round.

If no marine life is seen during my cruise do I get another chance?

Yes, if no sealife is spotted you'll receive a free voucher for a future trip.

Is this whale watching cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and vessels are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers.

Where does this whale watching tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2–2.5 hour whale watching cruise departing from Long Beach Cruise Terminal aboard custom-built catamarans with low-emission engines for minimal impact on marine life. You’ll be guided by seasoned captains and expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific while enjoying both indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor viewing decks—plus multiple restrooms onboard for comfort throughout your trip.