Finest Los Angeles Whale Watching Tours

Harbor Breeze Cruises’ Los Angeles whale watching tours depart from West Harbor on the San Pedro waterfront — 550 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731. Located along the LA Waterfront promenade adjacent to the LA Maritime Museum, West Harbor is one of Southern California’s most exciting new waterfront destinations and an easy drive from throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The location is accessible from the 110 freeway and is a straightforward trip from neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, and downtown LA. For full directions, visit our directions page.

West Harbor in San Pedro is approximately 25–30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, making it one of the most accessible whale watching departure points for LA visitors. The drive typically takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic via the 110 freeway. The area is also served by the LA Metro, and the waterfront is walkable from nearby transit stops.

Los Angeles whale watching cruises with Harbor Breeze run approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The trip takes you out into the open Pacific, where our experienced crew locates whales and marine life before returning to port at West Harbor.

Whales can be spotted throughout the day, and both departure windows offer an excellent experience. Morning tours are perfect for early risers who want to maximize time on the water — the crew heads out first thing, covering more ground and spending as much time as possible with marine life. Afternoon tours offer a relaxed pace with plenty of time to take in the scenery and sightings. Sighting rates are high throughout the day regardless of which you choose.

Yes. Parking is available at West Harbor in San Pedro. We recommend arriving at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time for parking and boarding. For detailed parking information and directions, visit our directions page.

The waters off the Los Angeles coast are home to an exceptional range of whale species throughout the year. You may encounter Pacific Gray Whales (December–April), Blue Whales (May–November), Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and Orcas. Dolphins — including Common, Bottlenose, Risso’s, and Pacific White Sided — are spotted year-round and are a highlight for many guests. 

For more information on the whales, view our Whale Info Page.

Blue Whale season in the Los Angeles area typically runs from May through November. During these months, Blue Whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters off Southern California before heading to warmer breeding grounds. These are the largest animals on the planet — spotting one is an extraordinary experience our crew looks forward to sharing with guests every summer and fall.

Yes! Gray Whale season runs approximately December through April. During this time, Pacific Gray Whales make one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth — traveling between the Bering Sea in Alaska and Scammon’s Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico. The route takes them directly through the waters off Los Angeles, making winter and early spring an excellent time to book a tour.

Harbor Breeze has operated Los Angeles whale watching cruises for 18 years and maintains exceptionally high sighting rates throughout the year. While sightings are never guaranteed — these are wild animals — our captains have deep knowledge of the local waters and know where to look for whales across every season.

Often, yes. Dolphins frequently approach boats in these waters and ride the bow wave. It’s common to see them jumping, surfing the wake, and swimming in formation alongside the vessel. For many guests, the dolphin encounters are just as memorable as the whales!

Current ticket pricing for Los Angeles whale watching tours is available on our website. We offer tiered pricing for adults, seniors, and children. Booking online in advance saves money off the walk-up rate at the dock, and we frequently run seasonal family promotions.

Yes. Children’s tickets are available at a discounted rate, and Harbor Breeze regularly offers family promotions throughout the year. Infants under 3 sail free, but you must make a reservation for them so space is reserved. Check our current offers for up to date pricing before booking.

You can book online at 2seewhales.com or call our team directly to make a reservation by phone. Group reservations can also be made by purchase order. We recommend booking as early as possible during peak whale season, as tours fill up quickly.

Southern California weather can feel significantly cooler out on the water than on shore. We recommend bringing a light jacket or windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Binoculars are useful for spotting distant whale spouts, and a camera or phone with a good zoom will help capture the moment. If you experience motion sickness, take appropriate medication before boarding.

Yes. Galley service is available on board, offering snacks and beverages during your cruise. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks as well. The boats have enclosed lounge areas, restrooms, and expansive open deck space for viewing and photography. And when you return to port, West Harbor offers a growing collection of restaurants and dining options right at the waterfront — making it easy to extend your day after the cruise.

It’s one of the best possible introductions to whale watching anywhere in the world. The waters off Los Angeles are among the most productive on the Pacific Coast, and Harbor Breeze’s experienced crew makes the trip informative and engaging for guests who have never been out before. First-timers are always welcome and often become regulars.

Yes. The LA Metro and connecting transit options provide access to the San Pedro waterfront. From downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro A Line (Blue Line) to Long Beach and connect via shuttle or rideshare to West Harbor in San Pedro. The waterfront is also easily accessible by rideshare directly from anywhere in the LA area.

Yes. Harbor Breeze runs Los Angeles whale watching tours year-round from West Harbor in San Pedro. Different species are present in different seasons, but there is always something worth seeing on the water. The year-round schedule — combined with West Harbor’s growing collection of dining and waterfront experiences — makes for a full day out any time of year.

Absolutely. Our vessels are stable and comfortable, and the trip is designed to be accessible for guests of all experience levels. If you have concerns about seasickness, we recommend choosing a day with calm conditions (our team can advise), taking motion sickness medication beforehand, and staying on the outer deck where the horizon is visible.