Whale watching | Newport ⋆ Explore California with kids

Davey’s Locker Whale watching in Newport

Have you ever heard a phrase: “Don’t collect things, collect experiences?” Well, a whale watching cruise from Newport peninsula could be that unforgettable experience that you’ll always look back upon with a good things to remember.

If I’m not mistaken, there are several whale watching tours going out from Newport to choose from. Davey’s Locker Whale Watching & Sport fishing

We chose Davey’s Locker after reading a few reviews online and had a pretty good experience. Furthermore, you can take a Catalina Island Express to explore a quaint little town on the island off of LA’s coast – Catalina Island, check out my experience hiking and Camping at Two Harbors on Catalina island with REI.

What to expect from Davey’s Locker whale watching in Newport?

You will go around Corona Del Mar Bend and head through the entrance Channel along the Newport Harbor Jetty. After going out for a couple of miles or so into the Pacific Ocean you captain will find a feeding spot.

Our cap took us right to the feed spot and we spotted a humpback whale 20 min later. We’ve never seen those majestic creatures in the wild, and having an opportunity to see them up close was really special.

Apparently they throw chum into a specific spot to attract the whales, dolphins and other ocean animals. Along the way, most likely pods of friendly dolphins will accompany your smooth ocean ride.

The whole tour took about an hour and a half and was easy going the entire time.

Feeling sea sick during a whale watching tour ?

If you typically feel sea sick don’t forget your dose of dramamine. You can also keep your sight on a non-moving steady object in the distance to help you stabilize and better control your cochlear apparatus.

Before going on a whale watching tour at Newport

I would recommend doing some research to learn about migration patterns of the whales and the times of year that you can catch them along the coast of California. We were lucky enough to spot a Grey humpback whale during Christmas time.

Additionally you can go deep sea fishing with boats leaving Davey’s Locker practically every day.

Parking for Davey’s Locker whale watching

You can usually park for free on the residential side streets or the Balboa Blvd. There are several parking spots around the Davey’s Locker , typically not very expensive.

Whale watching excursion with kids.

We wouldn’t recommend doing the whale watching tour in Newport with kids younger than 5-6 years of age. It’s a pretty rocky ride and it might get pretty cold on the way out to the feeding spot. In fact a more appropriate appreciation age would be closer to 10-11 years old.