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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Long Beach, CA/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Whale Watching/
    5. Whale Watching Cruise in Long Beach (2.5 Hours)
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    Whale Watching Cruise in Long Beach (2.5 Hours)

    Spot dolphins, whales and sea lions on a 2.5-hour cruise guided by an experienced naturalist.

    From$96/ person

    Duration

    2.5 Hours

    Includes

    Guide, blankets, safety gear

    Highlights

    Cruise the Southern California coastline on a small open boat and watch dolphins, whales and sea lions in their natural habitat. Enjoy personalized narration from a licensed captain as you explore for 2.5 hours.

    • Board from Dock 1 in Long Beach and head straight to wildlife
    • Learn about marine life from an experienced naturalist
    • Capture close-range views free from large-boat crowds
    • Stay warm with provided blankets, towels and life jackets
    • Bring your own snacks and drinks for the cruise

    What's Included

    • Expert naturalist guide
    • Blankets and towels
    • Coast Guard required safety equipment

    Things to know

    Trips require at least three guests to operate. The boat has no restroom and is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with conditions aggravated by jarring movements.

    Cancellation policy

    Full refund if cancelled 7 days before the trip, 50% refund if cancelled within 4 days, and no refund within 48 hours. If the trip is cancelled for weather or other unforeseen circumstances, guests may choose a full refund, credit or rebooking. Public trips require a minimum of three guests; if the minimum is not met by the evening prior, booked guests may choose a refund, credit or rebooking.

    Meeting location

    200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA Dock 1

    Experience provided by SoCal Whale Watching
    Experience provided by SoCal Whale Watching

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #6YE654

    Adult 2.5 hour

    $96.46

    Ages 13 and up

    0

    Child

    $79.50

    Ages 12 and under

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    Discover what we've curated for you

    4.9 stars• 177 reviews

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    177 reviews•Google Maps

    Captain Mike, Captain Steve, and naturalist Jessamy run an intimate operation that consistently earns rave reviews for their passion and expertise. Their six-person Zodiac-style boat creates a completely different experience from the big commercial vessels—you're close to the water, traveling fast, and getting personal attention from guides who clearly love what they do. Reviewers repeatedly mention how knowledgeable the crew is about marine life, local history, and the best spotting locations. While whale sightings depend on season and conditions, guests seem genuinely thrilled even when whales don't show up. The dolphin encounters steal the show, with multiple reviews describing massive super-pods numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. The crew's dedication shines through—they actively look for wildlife, clean trash from the ocean during tours, and genuinely care about creating memorable experiences. One important note: this is a small, fast boat that can be bumpy, so it's not ideal if you're prone to seasickness or prefer calmer rides. Bring dramamine if needed and wear a secure hat.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    We booked to experience Whale and Dolphin watching for our anniversary. What a great time we had. Captain Matt expertly guided the boat into position so that we could get some great photos of Dolphins. ( I messed up and had camera on selfie mode) We saw Seals and Sea lions up close also. Captain Matt was very knowledgeable on what to look for on the horizon. We really enjoyed our day out on the ocean and highly recommend doing it. We'll be back!

    Photo of Jim Danno

    Jim Danno

    July 2, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    We booked to experience Whale and Dolphin watching for our anniversary. What a great time we had. Captain Matt expertly guided the boat into position so that we could get some great photos of Dolphins. ( I messed up and had camera on selfie mode) We saw Seals and Sea lions up close also. Captain Matt was very knowledgeable on what to look for on the horizon. We really enjoyed our day out on the ocean and highly recommend doing it. We'll be back!

    Photo of Jim Danno

    Jim Danno

    July 2, 2025

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