Get up close and personal with dolphins, whales, sea lions, and other marine life during this small-group whale-watching tour in Long Beach. Avoid the big crowds in larger boats and enjoy a personalized experience in a group capped at only 6 participants. Enjoy stunning views of local landmarks like the Queen Mary, the Long Beach waterfront, and the hilltop Korean Bell of Friendship as you cruise.

A small-group whale and dolphin-watching tour in Long Beach
Get closer to wildlife in a small boat, and avoid the large crowds
Tours are capped at only 6 people for a personalized adventure
Enjoy stunning waterfront views of Long Beach from the boat

What's Included

Lifejackets provided

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

200 Aquarium Way
200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
The boat is located at Dock 1 directly in front of the Pierpoint Landing building (towards the lighthouse and park from the aquarium). Your captain will meet you at the top of the ramp for Dock 1 about 10 minutes prior to departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The Queen Mary (Pass By)

Long Beach (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Not suitable for children under 5
Most travelers can participate
All passengers must have a booking per Coast Guard requirements
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Karen_B

Captain Steve took us to the best spot to spend some up close time with dolphins. A most exciting and memorable outing.

Reviews

4.5

34 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-8 of 34 reviews

Small Boat Whale Watching

rarocca, Nov 2022

The boat was small, 6 passengers and the captain/guide. We saw dolphins and tons of birds. We saw 2 fin whales. It was very cold on the water and since the boat was open, the wind bit through our jackets and we were chilled to the bone. I could not wait to get back to the dock so I could get warm again. Our captain/guide has done this tour a lot because he seemed bored.

Great Experience!

Arianne_H, Nov 2022

Steve was a great captain and explained the different types of animals as we saw them. We were fortunate enough to see a handful of fin whales, the second largest whale, some coastal dolphins, and juvenile seals on a buoy. The water conditions were perfect and we enjoyed our outing!

Worth it!!!

Mizz_M, Sep 2022

It’s was a great experience, and I saw lots of dolphins but no whales. I am only giving it 4 stars because I wanted to bring my spouse at the last min but could not due to the 6 person max on a boat that had at least seats for 2-3 more people. Not sure if it a licensing thing or what but again there was more than enough seats and room for more than 6 pax.

Dolphins Up Close

Karen_B, Aug 2022

Captain Steve took us to the best spot to spend some up close time with dolphins. A most exciting and memorable outing.

Just do it!! It’s amazing!

Nick_H, Jul 2022

If you’re debating whether or not to go just do it! We took our 8 year old out for her 8th birthday and she had a blast! Everything we asked about along the entire ride he knew so much about in detail from “islands over there” to the alien looking fish we stopped to see. His knowledge and his very apparent love of his job was all amazing!! The only thing I would change is the weather it was chilly but worth it!!

Steve knows his dolphins!

Paul_R, Jun 2022

Amazing experience as we were surrounded by dolphins! Took my 10 year old with me. It was a bit cold, but still enjoyable. I very much appreciated the private experience and would do so again in the near future. While we didn't catch any whales at the time, we had our fill of dolphins and would do this all over again. Truly worth it for us. Steve is a great captain and very accommodating.

An unforgettable experience!

Julie_S, May 2022

This was a great experience for my daughter (11 y/o) and me. Our guide Steve was amazing—we felt comfortable, safe (it was our first time on the water), and he was very knowledgeable. We got to see grey whales before they migrated, who put on quite a show for us, btw. Make sure you check in at dock 3, not 1, which is where the Aquarium employees stationed outside will send you. Dock 1 is another company. I highly recommend Premier! We’ll be back soon to see the blue whales this season, for sure!

Response from Host, May 2022

Thank you so much! It was great to have both of you on board and I hope I see you again for Blue whale season! I also want to clarify the docks: Dock 3 is Harbor Breeze Tours; I am located at Dock 1, which is Pierpoint landing. Thanks again!

Steve the tour guide was...

Mike_R, May 2022

Steve the tour guide was awesome. He took us to all the hot spots. We saw whales, dolphins, Swordfishes and many other animals. It was incredible

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