Los Angeles Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise 2-Hour Tour

Two hours on the water searching for migrating whales and dolphins off the LA coast.

A two-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise departing from West Harbor in Los Angeles, where expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate sightings of migrating whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine life from custom-built catamarans with over 30 years of crew expertise. If no sealife appears, you get a free voucher to return. The boat passes the San Pedro Fish Market, the World Cruise Center shipping terminals, and the Aquarium itself from the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and dolphin watching cruise

• Depart from West Harbor
• Pass Port of Los Angeles
• Pass commercial shipping terminal
• Pass West Harbor waterfront
• See San Pedro Fish Market
• View Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports
• Pass lighthouse on man-made wall
• See Aquarium of the Pacific from water
• Spot migrating whales and dolphins
• Learn from Aquarium educators
• Return to West Harbor

The experience

The cruise leaves West Harbor and heads into the Pacific to track migrating whales and search for dolphins and sea lions. You'll pass the busiest port in the world, the Port of Los Angeles, with its shipping containers and commercial terminals, then move along the waterfront where the San Pedro Fish Market sits at the water's edge. The boat itself is built for stability. Harbor Breeze runs custom catamarans with ultra-quiet, low-emission engines designed so the whales and their environment stay undisturbed. Inside seating is climate controlled with multiple restrooms, and outside decks give you open water views.

An expert educator from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrates everything you encounter, drawing on over 30 years of whale-watching experience from the crew. The live commentary covers the marine life, the port infrastructure you're passing, and the landmarks, including the lighthouse built on the second-largest man-made wall in the world, and the Aquarium itself viewed from the water. A captivating MC keeps the energy moving throughout the tour.

If no sealife surfaces during your cruise, you receive a free voucher to return and try again. The boat accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. Infants ride on an adult's lap. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard. You can upgrade to include entry to the USS Iowa Battleship Museum, where you walk the decks at your own pace and explore naval history through interactive exhibits.

What’s included

• Inside and outside seating with climate control.
• multiple restrooms.
• live English narration from Aquarium of the Pacific educators with over 30 years of whale-watching experience.
• custom-built catamarans with exceptional stability and comfort.
• passage past the World Cruise Center, San Pedro Fish Market, and the Aquarium from the water.
• a sealife guarantee. If no marine life is spotted, you receive a free voucher to return.

Options for this experience

2 options

Whale and dolphin watching cruise departing from West Harbor, Los AngelesGuide in English · 12:30, 15:00 and 17:30

USS Iowa plus whale watchingGuide in English · 12:30, 15:00 and 17:30Make your visit even more memorable with the bundle, which adds access to the Battleship USS Iowa. Duration: 5 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:30, 15:00 and 17:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 250

Live 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Harbor Breeze Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want expert narration and the stability of a larger catamaran. The ultra-quiet engines and the Aquarium educators' knowledge set the experience apart from smaller operator boats. If you're visiting the waterfront anyway, the optional USS Iowa upgrade lets you combine two attractions in one trip without separate transportation.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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 and dolphins might I see on this Los Angeles cruise?

Migrating whales and dolphins are the main targets, along with sea lions and other marine life that inhabit Pacific waters off Los Angeles. Sightings are not guaranteed, but if no sealife appears, you receive a free voucher to return.

How long is the whale watching cruise from West Harbor?

The cruise runs two to two and a half hours on the water, departing from West Harbor in San Pedro.

Who narrates the whale watching tour?

Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific provide live English narration, drawing on over 30 years of whale-watching expertise from the captains and crew.

What is included in the whale watching cruise?

The cruise includes inside and outside seating with climate control, multiple restrooms, live narration from Aquarium educators, and passage past the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro Fish Market, and the Aquarium viewed from the water. An MC provides engaging commentary throughout.

Can I add the USS Iowa Battleship Museum to this cruise?

Yes, you can upgrade to include a general admission ticket to the USS Iowa Museum, the only battleship museum open to the public on the West Coast. You explore the decks and exhibits at your own pace.

Is the whale watching boat accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are allowed.