
Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories. Currently, she’s drifting through California, whale watching from Newport Beach
As the sun rose over Newport Beach, I couldn’t help but think of all my childhood memories, dreaming about lying down on the beach, enjoying the sun without a care in the world.
Little did I know, my trip to Newport Beach would be so much more! As I stood on the creaking dock, waiting to board the whale-watching boat, I became increasingly excited. I was about to meet the majestic creatures I had only seen in books and documentaries.
Here’s how everything went.
Choosing a Tour for Whale Watching
Whale watching is a highlight at Marina Beach Park, and my search for the perfect tour confirmed just how popular it is. I found at least 10 places on Yelp with good enough ratings to consider.
There were smaller, more intimate boats that promised up-close encounters and larger vessels with multiple viewing decks and onboard amenities. After some thought, I chose a tour on the “Destiny,” a spacious passenger boat that looked like it could handle any waves and had pretty good views.
Setting Sail
Stepping aboard the “Destiny,” I was immediately welcomed by a friendly crew and a diverse group of fellow whale watchers. There were families with excited kids, couples on a romantic getaway, and even a few seasoned birders with their binoculars at the ready.
Our guide was upfront with us before we departed: spotting wildlife was not guaranteed. But as it turned out, luck was on our side. Shortly after leaving the harbor, we spotted grey whales, humpbacks, and even a pod of orcas.
The three-hour tour flew by, filled with memorable encounters and shared smiles.
If you’re considering a similar adventure, expect to invest between $40 and $90 per person, depending on how intimate you want the excursion to be — and let me tell you, it was totally worth it at any price point.
Things I Learned About Whales
As luck would have it, there was a marine biologist on board named Sarah. She was very excited, and her passion for these gentle giants was contagious.
Throughout the trip, Sarah shared fascinating facts about the whales we encountered, and I couldn’t help but soak up her knowledge like a sponge. Here are a few things I learned:
Gray whales are the ultimate athletes – These incredible creatures migrate over 10,000 miles each year, from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja California. That’s like swimming from New York to Los Angeles and back… twice! Sarah explained how they rely on their thick blubber layer to stay warm in those cold Alaskan waters.
Humpback whales are the singers of the sea – Those haunting songs we heard echoing through the water? They’re actually complex vocalizations produced by the males, possibly to attract mates or defend their territory. When she was talking about it, I looked up humpback recordings on YouTube on my phone, and they were quite haunting yet mesmerizing.
Whales are facing serious threats – Pollution, climate change, and entanglement in fishing gear are just some of the challenges facing these magnificent creatures. Sarah emphasized the importance of conservation efforts and responsible whale-watching practices to protect these animals for future generations.
Want more of my travels? Check out this page for my dive into the Great Barrier Reef.
Returning Shore with Unforgettable Memories
I swear I could spend more hours whale-watching, but all things end, even the good ones. Even if I felt like I wanted to spend more time on Destiny, I still felt a sense of gratitude as soon as I stepped on land again.
I can say that my whole experience was more than I expected, and we just really got lucky with everything we saw. It totally helped that Destiny had a knowledgeable crew and that we had Sarah on board.
So yes, if you’re ever in Southern California, you have to go on any of those tours. The whole experience will live rent-free in my head.
Whale Watching at Newport Beach – FAQs
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go Whale Watching in Southern California?
Gray whales are best seen during their migration season, which typically runs from December to May. However, other whale species, such as humpbacks and orcas, can be spotted throughout the year.
What Should I Wear for a Whale-Watching Trip?
Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly on the water. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Of course, if you visit in the summer, wear something light and comfortable.
Is There a Chance I Might Get Seasick?
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medication before the trip. You can also try to stay on the deck and focus on the horizon.
However, if you feel like you just won’t be able to help but be seasick, be sure to bring your bag.
What Are the Chances of Actually Seeing Whales?
In Southern California, the likelihood of spotting whales is generally quite high. The experienced captains know where to look for whales, and they’ll do their best to ensure you have a memorable experience. So before you pick a tour, it’s also good to check reviews online and see how others got lucky with a specific tour in the past.