Whale Watching
in Los Angeles
Harbor Breeze Cruises has provided public seasonal Los Angeles whale watching cruises in LA for the past 18 years. Our experienced captains offer a comprehensive narration detailing all of the whales, dolphins and other marine life one encounters on a Harbor Breeze Los Angeles whale watching cruise in Los Angeles. For example, during the Gray Whale season, typically from December through April, our experienced staff offers information about the characteristics of the Pacific Gray Whale and its annual migration from the Bering Sea in Alaska to Scammon’s Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico. Summer time, May through November is typically when we see the magnificent Blue Whale, which is the largest animal on the planet. Year-round we look forward to watching the majestic Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and Orcas. This is the perfect LA adventure for every age group!
A common question we receive is, “what is the best time of day for Los Angeles whale watching?” To best accommodate your schedule, our Los Angeles whale watching tours run at different times throughout the day. While whales can be spotted throughout the day at any point, those who embark on our Los Angeles whale watching tours that leave earlier in the morning will spend more time locating the sea life. On the other hand, families that choose an afternoon departure time will spend more time viewing the already located whales. No matter the time you choose, you are sure to have a spectacular LA whale watching adventure to discuss for years to come!
Visit Our Gallery
See the Wildlife
Here in Los Angeles, Blue Whale season is typically May through November. During this time, you can expect to see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat as they breach the surface. Nature here is diverse.
Throughout the year along with Gray and Blue Whales you may also see Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Killer Whales (Orcas). Other wildlife frequently spotted are Dolphins including Common, Bottlenose, Risso’s, and Pacific White Sided. This Gallery will let you partake in the majestic wonder that is our whale watching LA experience. Please take the time to enjoy.
Los Angeles
Whale Watching
Groups of all ages that have taken Los Angeles whale watching cruises have found their experiences to be both educational and enjoyable. Biologists from the Aquarium of the Pacific and experienced staff provide engaging commentary and narratives. Learn about different species of whales and dolphins while watching dolphins frolic back and forth. Sometimes they even travel with the boat, jumping in and out of the water.
Our ships have comfortable accommodations that include lounge areas with snacks and drinks provided by our galley service. We also have lavatories and expansive deck areas for viewing and photographing the scenic wildlife and coast of Los Angeles.
Join Us And
Explore the Pacific
Booking your unforgettable Los Angeles whale watching excursion is quick and easy. Group reservations may be made over the phone, purchased on our website by credit card or purchase orders. We recommend making your group reservations as early as possible as dates begin to fill up rather rapidly as the migration season approaches.
A Harbor Breeze Cruises Los Angeles whale watching trip is truly a memorable experience for all ages! Call for reservations or information on how to best prepare for your trip, or to discuss the beautiful wildlife you might see out on the water. We’ll be happy to hear from you, and we’ll be sure to provide your group with the most extensive and informative Los Angeles whale watching cruise available in Los Angeles. Come join the fun and excitement that we experience every day and view one of nature’s most incredible mammals. You won’t soon forget your one of a kind LA whale watching tour with Harbor Breeze Cruises!
If you're visiting Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Marino Del Ray, or any other neighborhood in the city, our location is convenient and easy to access!
Click here for directions to our sister location in the Port of Los Angeles.
1150 Nagoya Way
San Pedro, CA 90731
United States
All Aboard to See
Los Angeles Blue Whales
One incredible Los Angeles whale watching attraction in Southern California is the Blue Whale! Seeing a Blue Whale on a Los Angeles whale watching cruise is an absolutely breathtaking experience and an exciting must-see attraction for both tourists and LA locals alike. If you get the opportunity to see a Blue Whale in on a Los Angeles whale watching tour and you’ve officially seen the largest animal that’s ever existed in the history of the planet Earth (this includes prehistoric animals like dinosaurs)! These majestic sea giants are estimated to weigh around 300,000-400,000 lbs and can grow up to 100 feet in length, which is equivalent to the length of 3 large buses!
The blue whale is one of the most geographically diverse animals on earth, because they can be found in so many different climates around the world. Although Blue Whales in Los Angeles CA can be spotted off the coast year-round, Blue Whale season in LA typically peaks May through November. This is because after feeding in cooler waters near the poles, Blue Whales make their way to the Pacific waters near Los Angeles to socialize, feed, and mate. While Blue Whale watching in Los Angeles, you can get the amazing opportunity to see the beautiful creatures in their natural habitat as they breach the surface in search for their favorite food, krill. To say Blue Whales feast on krill is an understatement. In fact, these giants require a minimum of almost 9,000 pounds of krill a day and can hold 2,000 of it in their stomachs at a time!
For more information on Blue Whale watching in Los Angeles, 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!
Why Whale Watch
In Los Angeles?
Whale watching in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California has been a favored pastime for decades. In fact, Southern California is believed to be the birthplace of whale watching. The Pacific waters of the Los Angeles region continue to be a favorite spot for Los Angeles whale watching tours because such a diverse set of whales and other sea life migrate to the area year round. In these waters, you can spot whales socializing, playing, and mating at any given point during the year.
Now an activity that easily attracts thousands of visitors each year in Southern California, the area is a hub for Los Angeles whale watching tours. With rigorous safety standards and regulations in place, Los Angeles is the ideal location for participating in this unique activity.
Los Angeles
Hotel Recommendations
If you are visiting the Los Angeles area for a much needed vacation, below are some LA hotel recommendations convenient to Harbor Breeze dock and other exciting tourist attractions!
1. Freehand Los Angeles | 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014 | (213) 612-0021
2. Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Midtown | 3540 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007 | (213) 748-4141
3. The L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown | 333 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | (213) 617-1133
4. The LINE Los Angeles | 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | (213) 381-7411
5. Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles | 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | (213) 381-7411
6. Ace Hotel | 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015 | (213) 623-3233
Recommended
Los Angeles Attractions
1. Griffith Observatory | 2800 E. Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027 | 213-473-0800
A trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Griffith Observatory. The Griffith Observatory sits on the south side of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles city, giving visitors a spectacular view of the basin. In addition to the breathtaking views, Griffith Observatory also offers planetarium shows and exhibitions as well. The best part? It’s free! Hiking the Griffith Observatory is completely free, but the planetarium costs under $10.
2. Santa Monica Pier | 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401 | 310-458-8900
Located west of downtown LA, Santa Monica Pier is a must-see destination for tourists as it offers one of the most iconic beach views in the United States. In addition to the incredible beach scenery, Santa Monica Pier also offers a number of excellent restaurants and nightlife spots. Extending from the pier is 26-mile path, where locals and visitors can ride bikes, skateboard, and rollerblade – there is never a shortage of activity and people-watching at the Santa Monica Pier!
3. Venice Beach | 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291
An iconic beach of Los Angeles, Venice Beach is a top attraction you should visit while in Los Angeles. Its boardwalk offers a unique scene of eclectic performers, characters and beachgoers that never fails to impress. Here you can find tons of different food spots and shops featuring hand-made items from Venice’s own artists. Also popular in Venice Beach is the Venice Skate Park and Muscle Beach which are other must-see spots!
Whale Watching
& Dolphin Tour
Adult Walk-up Price: $50.00/Mon-Fri, $55.00/Sat-Sun-Holidays
Duration: 2 to 2.5-hours
Our most popular tour, the Los Angeles 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 including the Gray Whale, Blue, Fin, Humpback, and Minke Whales! This Los Angeles whale watching tour also offers a look into other different marine life species including Dolphins, Sea Lions, Marine Birds, and other marine life. Harbor Breeze is a proud partner of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aboard every trip will be an expert educator from the Aquarium of the Pacific who will offer exciting narration of everything you might see on the ocean. Harbor Breeze’s Seasoned Captains and crew specialize in whale watching with over 30-years whale watching experience. Our promise to you? Absolutely no hidden fees or fuel surcharges.
45 Minute
Narrated Harbor Tour
Adult Walk-up Price: $20.00
Duration: 45 minutes
The 45 minute Narrated Harbor Breeze Harbor Tour offers incredible history and education about the harbor. In addition to Learn history about the harbor, you can also 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 much more! The Narrated Harbor Tour is a fun way for the family to take in all the harbor has to offer along with some stunning views on the water. Harbor Breeze tours are led by experienced Captains and crew with over 30 years of experience in whale watching and harbor tours. What you won’t get? Hidden fees or fuel surcharges. Our prices are completely transparent – we just want you to have a great time!
Come Visit Us
At Our Los Angeles Dock
All aboard! We can't wait to take you out on a Los Angeles whale watching tour. Below is where we dock:
Factoring in
The Seasons
Los Angeles Whale watching is a breathtaking experience that’s actually available all year-round. There are different whales that can be seen during the winter seasons versus the summer seasons. Check out this blog post that details which whales can be spotted during winter, summer, fall, and spring. Depending on which season your whale watching tour is in, it’s important to dress appropriately for the most comfortable experience on the boat. Below are recommendations on how to dress for whale watching tours in winter versus summer.
Fall & Winter Tours:
Winter Los Angeles whale watching tours are a great way to experience some of nature’s most majestic creatures, but be sure to dress the part! Layers, layers, layers. Even though the air on land is already cold, expect it to be much colder and windier on the boat. Bring comfy hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, and flannels to stay warm on your trip. Blankets are also a great option to protect you and your group from the cold. If you’re planning on using your phone during your trip, gloves come in very handy to have when using touchscreens.
Spring & Summer Tours:
Even during summer tours, it’s still important to dress in layers on the boat. Expect the temperature to be about 20-30°F colder on the water, so we recommend dressing in light layers to stay comfortable on your excursion. It’s easy to get wet on Los Angeles whale watching tours, so we find that light windbreakers or raincoats are the best layering options for warmer days.
Whales You Might See
on Your LA Harbor Breeze Cruise
While there is no guarantee of which wildlife you might see on your Harbor Breeze Los Angeles whale watching cruise, there is a vast list of sea life that frequents the waters in Los Angeles. Whales you could see out in the ocean include:
Gray Whales
Gray Whale season typically runs between December and April, so be sure to book your Los Angeles whale watching cruise during these months if the gray whale is at the top of your list of sea mammals to see. The gray whale is known for its incredibly long migration taken between feeding and mating grounds, which can last between 9,000 and 16,000 miles. Gray Whales make their way to the Pacific waters of Los Angeles to mate from the cooler waters of the Bering seas. When whale watching, Gray Whales can be identified by their dark, grey coloring.
Killer Whales (Orca)
Arguably the most widely recognized whale is the Killer Whale, or Orca. With their trademark black and white skin, killer whales can grow to weigh up to 4 tons and 30+ feet in length. These whales have been spotted in all parts of the ocean, though the best chance to see them in LA waters might be between December and January.
