While you are staying at your Newport Beach vacation rental, consider taking a day to get out on the open sea and view some of the bountiful sea life that calls these waters home. Whale watching tours abound off the Newport Beach coastline, since the nutrient-filled water and underwater canyons make the perfect spot for whales and other varieties of ocean creatures. These factors mean that your whale watching venture is highly likely to yield fabulous results for your viewing pleasure. Check out some of these options in whale viewing off Newport Beach, located just minutes from Newport Beach vacation condos.
Traditional Tours
For visitors who choose to spend a minimal amount of time on the water, traditional whale watching tours take just a few hours to complete and provide plenty of viewing and relaxation opportunities. For example, tours by Harbor Breeze last just under three hours and offer refreshments and plenty of seating for guests. The cruises are appropriate for passengers of all ages, making this the perfect choice for a family outing. Guests may spot majestic blue whales from June through December, or grey whales seen frequently between December and May. In addition to the breathtaking views, Harbor Breeze staff is available to answer questions and provide information about the migration habits of the whales in season.
All-Day Adventures
If a full day of adventure is more your style, there are also companies that offer day packages near Newport Beach vacation condos. Newport Landing is highly regarded in the tour industry, and provides a variety of cruise options for spotting these large ocean creatures. Their Catalina Island Whale and Dolphin Cruise lasts the entire day, with a long stop at Catalina Island's Avalon for dining and shopping. The morning is spent crossing Catalina Channel, where blue whales, humpback whales and dolphins are abundant. Getting out into the open waters allows glimpses of ocean life that is not typically seen on the average whale watching tour. The afternoon tour continues along the Catalina coastline, where you might also see harbor seals or a bald eagle.
Fishing or Whale Watching?
Another company that offers high quality whale watching tours also provides a variety of fishing adventures for interested guests. Davy's Locker has been providing tours for more than 30 years, and their experienced fishermen and sailors are well-versed in the waters off the coast of Newport Beach. The company offers cruise tours of different lengths, depending on the time of the year. The boat includes a snack bar and plenty of seating for all the passengers onboard. In addition to the basic amenities you will find on most whale watching cruises, Davy's Locker also features an educational aspect to their tours. Some cruises offer lectures to inform passengers on the type of marine life they might see on their cruise. They also provide a naturalist onboard the boat to give a running commentary of the sights seen while on the tour.
Whale watching is the perfect way to get the most from your Newport Beach visit. Whether you spend an entire day on the water or just a few hours, a whale watching cruise is an unforgettable adventure.