Southern California’s Premier
Whale Watching Experience
Choose Your Perfect
Ocean Adventure
Premier Dolphin & Whale Adventure
Our 2.5-hour Private Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour is perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking an intimate adventure on the water. Whether you’re marveling at a pod of playful dolphins, observing majestic whales up close, or catching sight of sea lions basking in the sun, this tour offers unforgettable moments with nature.
$75 Kids / $91 Adults.
Extended 4-Hour Eco-Expedition
Spend half the day exploring the local marine wilderness in search of dolphins, whales, sharks, and anything else we might encounter! Four hours is enough time to improve our chances of finding something truly special! (4 hours)
Starting at $150 + Taxes & Fees.
Splash Zone Afternoon Adventure
If you’re looking for something a little bit more exciting, then this adventure is for you! The benefit of the afternoon departure is that by that time of day we have a pretty good idea of where to find the wildlife. But be prepared to get wet! There will be lots of sea spray, fun, wildlife and memories to last a lifetime.
$75 Kids / $91 Adults.
Private Charters
Have the whole boat to yourself for a private whale-watching experience or a fully customized adventure. Beat the crowds of the larger boats and get up-close and personal with dolphins, whales, sea lions and more! Bring the family, friends, or make it a special day with that special someone.
Starting at $450 + Taxes & Fees.
Why Choose Us For Your Next Adventure?
Never Crowded
Our unique small vessel accommodates just six guests, providing every passenger with unobstructed, front-row views of marine wildlife. Feel connected to the ocean like never before.
Fast Boat
Our state-of-the-art RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat), is designed for speed, safety, and an up-close experience. We are USCG Certified for a maximum passenger capacity of 6 people and 2 crew members.
Expert Guides
Every trip is guided by a licensed captain and experienced naturalist, who will narrate your adventure with insightful facts about the local ecosystem and species we encounter.
Safety is #1 Priority
Our vessels are maintained to the highest level of safety and Coast Guard compliance. We use high-quality commercial-grade navigational equipment and all of our crew are AHA first aid and CPR certified
At SoCal Whale Watching we believe that direct engagement and experience with our natural environment leads to a deeper connection to it, and a renewed desire to conserve and protect. Our mission is to bring our guests up close and personal with nature and wildlife so they can learn, build or renew that connection!
“When I see my guests experience the pure joy of playful dolphins, the awe of the largest whales in the ocean, or the wonder of a once in a lifetime interaction, it really fills me with that sense of purpose I’d wish for anyone!”
– Capt. Steve P.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Best Time To Go
The beauty of SoCal is that we have cetaceans for every season! The winter is our famous Gray Whale migration, bringing these gentle giants right by our coastline every year. The spring and fall are the best time for humpback whales. And if Blue Whales are on your bucket list, the summer is the time to find them feasting on krill in our local waters. Dolphins are year-round!
Why Choose The Smaller Boat?
Smaller boats like our RHIB offer closer, more intimate wildlife encounters. Every seat is “the good seat” and while you’ll feel a bit more exposed to the elements, the openness and the lower center of gravity make seasickness less common.
Dress For The Weather
Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket. Even on sunny days, ocean breezes can make it chilly, especially during early morning or sunset tours.
Pack The Essentials
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera or binoculars to capture the experience. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for reducing glare!
Wildlife
Our tours Target local species of Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Sea Birds, Pelagics, and more!
*Sometimes Mother Nature disappoints, if so come back and we’ll try again!
Avoid Seasickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions. Anti-nausea medications or wristbands can help. Be sure to read the instructions as many medications suggest taking up to 30 minutes before the trip. Stay hydrated and feel free to bring salty snacks or ginger chews.
Book Ahead
Our tours often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot by booking in advance.
Respect Wildlife & Environment
Follow all guidelines provided by your tour operator to avoid disturbing marine life. Choosing eco-friendly operators helps support sustainable practices.
These considerations ensure a memorable, comfortable, and responsible whale-watching adventure!
Got more questions about your whale-watching adventures? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common inquiries and how to make the most of your trip!
See What Our Guests Are Saying
Read more of our candid customer reviews:
The Only Whale Watching Company in Long Beach, CA
With 5-Stars on Trip Advisor!
Follow Us @SocalWhaleWatching
A couple shots from our recent sightings 🙌 We’re still working on capturing one of the acrobatic leaping Devil Rays we’ve been glimpsing as well 🤞🏻
📷 @inthefronds
The San Pedro channel was lively today. This Humpback Whale joined well over a thousand common dolphins and countless shearwaters, terns and pelicans to feast on abundant schools of bait. Here’s hoping the feasting continues!
Baby humpback got curious and came over for a closer look! This cow/calf pair were foraging along the edge of the deep underwater canyons near Long Beach this morning. Have we mentioned we reeallly love baby whales? 💙
Baby Booby on the Buoy! 😍 The beautiful Nazca Booby who’s been hanging out on the navigation markers near Long Beach lately was joined today by what appears to be a juvenile Nazca!
#nazcabooby #boobybird #birdwatching
This mom and baby pair of humpback whales almost gave us a double fluke this morning!
It was wonderful to spend some time this morning with this seemingly very healthy, happy and friendly humpback! 😍
Jessamy and captain Matt relocated this injured humpback from Tuesday in collaboration with @empty_drone from the beach today. We’ve been in touch with NOAA to document sightings and behavior. It still seems to be swimming well which is hopefully a good sign!
These humpback photos are hard to look at but illustrate how dangerous life can be for our beloved whales. This injury appears to be consistent with a ship strike or propeller strike being the most likely cause. This individual was making its way south across the San Pedro Channel in front of Long Beach on Tuesday and seemed to be able to swim normally considering the serious injury. We will be keeping a lookout in the hopes that we can share photos of a healing fluke in coming years 🤞🏻
📷 @inthefronds 8/4/26
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