Long Beach
Whale Watching

For almost two decades, Harbor Breeze Cruises has provided top of the line Long Beach whale watching excursions to individuals and families from across the globe. We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach, bringing stunning sea life up close and personal to spectators on our fleet of safe and comfortable boats. The best part of a Long Beach whale watching trip with Harbor Breeze Cruises? You never know what you might see! You could catch a glimpse of the majestic Pacific Gray Whale during its annual migration from Alaska. Or, you just might see the incredible Humpback Whale flip breach the surface. No matter the time of day or season, creatures of the sea are never far from view, from Blue Whales, Orcas, Fin Whales, Minke Whales to dolphins, and so much more.

Each Long Beach whale watching cruise with Harbor Breeze is conducted by a knowledgeable captain expertly trained in manning your vessel while also providing comprehensive narration of the marine life you see. Individuals of all ages will love their one of a kind adventure out on the water. We proudly offer morning Long Beach whale watching tours for those early birds who just can’t wait to locate Long Beach’s spectacular sea mammals. Additionally, afternoon departures for Long Beach whale watching are available for those that prefer. No matter the tour you choose, we guarantee a fun-filled journey you’ll remember for years to come. Join Harbor Breeze Cruises Long Beach whale watching tours on an exciting California whale watching journey to view some of the largest mammals on the planet.

Information for Long Breach
Residents and Visitors

We offer comfortable accommodations with relaxing views. From La Espada to Triumphant, our fleet of whale watching boats have continually provided Long Beach visitors and residents with the best experience possible.

And in our two decades of operation, we've met some incredible people - people who continue to inspire us. Without the continued support of visitors and residents of Long Beach, Harbor Breeze wouldn't be where it is today. Just ask our captains and crew!

For those wanting to purchase whale watching tickets, click the BUY NOW button!

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Harbor Breeze Los Angeles Whale Watching Cruise Whale Breaching

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See the Wildlife

Throughout the year along with Gray and Blue Whales you may also see Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and Killer Whales (Orcas). Other wildlife frequently spotted off the coast of Long Beach are Dolphins including Common, Bottlenose, Risso's, and Pacific White Sided. The diversity in sea life found off the cost of Long Beach is special, and unlike any other region.

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Long Beach
Blue Whales

A Long Beach whale watching cruise can also give you the amazing opportunity to see a Blue Whale in Long Beach! Blue Whale watching on Long Beach whale watching tours is an incredibly breathtaking experience and an exciting must-see attraction for both tourists and Long Beach locals alike. Catch sight of a Blue Whale on your Long Beach whale watching cruise and you’ve officially seen the largest animal on earth – not to mention the biggest animal in the history of the planet! Believe or not, these massive sea mammals weigh an average of 150 tons, which is equivalent to three dozen elephants! Blue Whales on a Long Beach whale watching tour can even grow at a length of up to 100 feet.

Blue Whales in Long Beach can be spotted off the coast during the months of May to November.

Blue Whales are some of the most geographically diverse species on earth next to humans, so you can find them in oceans of all climates, from the arctic regions to tropical regions. Although Blue Whale sightings in Long Beach are more difficult to anticipate compared to the yearly migration of the Gray Whale, there is one indicator that can always help to predict their presence: the abundance of krill. While Blue Whale watching in Long Beach, you just might catch the Blue Whales grazing the surface of the ocean to feed on their favorite food. Blue Whales feast on krill, requiring 9,000 lbs of these tiny crustaceans a day and 40 million krill a day during their feeding season! Now, that’s an appetite.

For more information on blue whale watching in Long Beach, contact Harbor Breeze. Our tour team is experienced in navigating the waters to spot diverse range of whale species and other ocean creatures. Contact us today!

Join Us in Long Beach

Explore the Pacific

Your unforgettable Long Beach whale watching excursion with Harbor Breeze Cruises is just a few clicks away! No matter how much time you plan to spend in Long Beach, this one of a kind activity is sure to be a hit with each member of your family. Call for reservations or information on our Long Beach whale watching cruises available all seasons, year round. We'll be glad to hear from you, and we'll provide your group with the most comprehensive and informative whale watching cruise available. Come join the fun and excitement of viewing one of nature's most incredible mammals.

los angeles whale watching tour with large whale jumping out of the water onto its back
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Directions

Front view of Le Espada - Los Angeles whale watching boat
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FAQs

Long Beach

Hotel Recommendations

If you are visiting the Long Beach area for some highly anticipated relaxation and fun, below are some recommended hotels convenient to Harbor Breeze dock and other Long Beach attractions!

Marriott Long Beach Downtown: Package includes a 50% off self-parking, upgrade to a stunning Harbor View room, a 2PM check-out, and a 20% off discount for Harbor Breeze Cruises. | 111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 437-5900

The Westin Long Beach | 333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 436-3000

Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton | 700 Queensway Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 435-7676

Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach | 285 Bay St, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 432-1234

Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach Downtown | 600 Queensway Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 495-0700

Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown | 500 E First St, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 435-8511

Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center | 517 E First St, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 285-0281

Recommended

Long Beach Attractions

1. Aquarium of the Pacific | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (562) 590-3100

The Aquarium of the Pacific is must-see attraction during your visit in Long Beach. This non-profit public museum holds 11,000 different animals from over 500 species and has around 1.5 million visitors. The Aquarium of the Pacific has three major permanent galleries: Southern California & Baja Gallery, Northern Pacific Gallery, Tropical Pacific Gallery. In addition to these three permanent exhibits, they also feature the Explorer’s Cove which is the museum’s outdoor area space where you can find the shark lagoon, the Lorikeet Forest, and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Harbor Breeze is a proud partner of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Each of our whale watching tours is accompanied by a naturalist from the aquarium to answer any questions and educate passengers about anything they might see while on the ocean.

2. Long Beach Museum of Art | 2300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 | (562) 439-2119

Another highly recommended attraction during your Long Beach vacation is the Long Beach Museum of Art. Founded in 1950, the Long beach Museum of Art’s collection features approximately 3,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. It is well known for its American decorative arts objects, early 20th century European art, California Modernism, and contemporary art of California.

3. The Queen Mary | 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802 | (877) 342-0738

If you are traveling to Long Beach, one destination you don’t want to miss out on exploring is the Queen Mary located on the Long Beach Waterfront. The Queen Mary is a retired British ocean luxury liner larger than the Titanic that has been in Long Beach since 1967. The Queen Mary opened her door to tourist in 1971 and now offers dining and hotel accommodations along with tours and other exciting events. This museum is well-known for its history and art deco design, making it a top tourist attraction in Long Beach.

4. Knott's Berry Farm | 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 | (714) 220-5200

One favorite destination for the whole family will be Knott's Berry Farm. This 57-acre theme park in Buena Park, California is the tenth-most-visited theme park in North America. With over 10 roller coaster rides, 2 water rides, and 30 other family rides, this theme park attracts over 4 million visitors a year. It is sure to be a hit for kids of all ages!

Long Beach
Whale Watching

We are the top destination for Long Beach whale watching. Join Harbor Breeze Long Beach Whale Watching Cruises on an exciting California whale watching journey to view some of the largest mammals on the planet. Our experienced Long Beach whale watching crew and knowledgeable Aquarium of the Pacific educators will guide you on every voyage as we search for all types of awe-inspiring marine life.

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Why Whale Watch
in Long Beach?

When it comes to choosing your whale watching Long Beach location, you have a number of options around the globe. However, nothing beats whale watching in Long Beach, Southern California. For decades, areas including the coasts of Long Beach have served as a hub for whale watching Long Beach excursions simply because of the unmatched variety of marine life that migrate to the area year round. No matter the time of year, you just might catch a glimpse of whales feeding, socializing, and mating.

Whales You Might See

On Your Long Beach Cruise

Keep a lookout! You just might see the following whales when you book your Long Beach whale watching tour with Harbor Breeze Cruises:

blue whales seen by harbor breeze LA whale watching cruises

Gray Whales

As their name indicates, the Gray Whale can be most easily identified by its deep gray coloring peppered with white patches. Considered to be a medium sized whale, Gray Whales can reach up to 45 feet in length. The Gray Whale is known best for having one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Due to their unique migratory patterns, Gray Whales can be seen typically between November and April off the coast of Long Beach. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these majestic beauties!

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Humpback Whales

The Humpback Whale is always a crowd favorite when spotted during a whale watching excursion. With its uniquely patterned tail fluke and wing-like flippers, the Humpback Whale is a sight to behold. These whales make their way to the coasts of California during the summer months to feed, delighting whale watchers with their signature acrobatic moves. In fact, Humpback Whales regularly jump out of the water- a sight not to be missed on your tour.

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whale blow hole on Harbor Breeze whale watching cruise

Fin Whales

At an average of 65 feet long and 150,000 lbs, the Fin Whale ranks as the second-largest animal on the planet, right behind the Blue Whale. Fin Whales received their name from the trademark dorsal fin that grows to be about 60 cm high. Interestingly, few details are known about the specific migration patterns of the Fin Whale. However, they are routinely spotted in waters off the coast of Long Beach at various points throughout the year.

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Whale Watching
& Dolphin Tour

Adult Walk-up Price: $50.00/M-F, $55.00/Sat-Sun-Holidays

Duration: 2 to 2.5-hours

Our most popular tour, the Long Beach Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour is a 2 1/2-hour excursion into the open Pacific Ocean to search for all different types of whale species. Highlight whale species on this tour includes the Gray Whale, Blue, Fin, Humpback, and Minke Whales! But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to whale spottings, this tour is also in search of many other marine life species including Dolphins, Sea Lions, Marine Birds, and more! As a proud partner of the Aquarium of the Pacific, every Long Beach whale watching and dolphin tour is accompanied by an expert educator from the Aquarium of the Pacific who offers engaging narration of everything you see on the ocean. Harbor Breeze’s Seasoned Captains and crew specialize in Long Beach whale watching with over 30-years whale watching Long Beach experience. Absolutely no hidden fees or fuel surcharges.

Tour Tickets

45 Minute
Narrated Harbor Tour

Adult Walk-up Price: $20.00

Duration: 45 minutes

Learn history about the harbor, see the beautiful Long Beach skyline, California Sea Lions playing in the harbor, the world famous Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships from all over the world, and so much more! The Narrated Harbor Tour is a fun way to take in all the harbor has to offer along with some breathtaking views. Harbor Breeze Long Beach Whale Watching tours are led by experienced Captains and crew with over 30 years of experience in whale watching tours. Absolutely no hidden fees or fuel surcharges.

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Come Visit Us

At Our Long Beach Dock

All aboard! We can't wait to take you out on a Long Beach whale watching tour. Below is where we dock

Helpful Tips For

Long Beach Whale Watching

With whale watching an integral part of Long Beach culture, rigorous safety standards and regulations have been set to ensure families can continue to participate in this thrilling activity without worry. Under the care of the experienced and dedicated staff at Harbor Breeze Long Beach Whale Watching Cruises, you’re in good hands.

Once you step on your boat, we invite you to sit back, relax, and be on the lookout for all the sea life the Pacific has to offer. While we will do everything in our capacity to ensure your satisfaction, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make for a comfortable whale watching trip:

1. Pack a Light Jacket. Off the coast of Long Beach out on the water, the temperature will be cooler. By bringing a light jacket and dressing in layers, you can avoid unwanted chills that may detract from your Long Beach whale watching experience!

2. Lather on the Sunscreen. While out on a Harbor Breeze Long Beach Whale Watching Cruise, you can expect to be on your boat for a few hours. On sunny days make sure to protect your skin to prevent unpleasant burns.

3. Protect Against Motion Sickness. There is nothing worse than excitedly embarking on your whale watching Long Beach tour, only to find yourself seasick when the boat gets moving. Those prone to seasickness should take over the counter medication prior to departure, or invest in non-medicinal alternatives such as Sea-Bands.

4. Be patient. The most important tip to remember for your Long Beach Whale Watching cruise is to be patient. Catching sight of the incredible marine life Long Beach has to offer can be breathtaking, however when and where sea animals pop up is unpredictable. Until we spot a majestic whale, simply enjoy your time out on the water.

History of Whale Watching

First started in San Diego in 1950, whale watching began when the Cabrillo National Monument was declared to be a public space for the viewing of gray whales. Within that first year, a reported 10,000 visitors traveled to watch these whales. A few years later, onlookers were given the opportunity to watch whales at an even closer distance, as the first water-based whale watching initiated.

The industry continued to expand throughout the next few decades, spreading all across the world. For many developing countries, whale watching became particularly important. Making profits simply off of whales' appearances, these communities have significantly added to the support for the protection of these sea animals. And as whale watching becomes more prominent, it's important to remember that we must respect these creatures and their habitats. Having the opportunity to observe them is a privilege, and we must continue to ensure the protection of whales and cetaceans alike - something we believe in strongly here at Harbor Breeze.

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