Los Angeles Cruises & Water Tours — Whale Watching, Kayak & Brunch Compared
The LA coast is built for the water — choose a Long Beach whale-watching cruise, a relaxed brunch cruise, a Laguna Beach kayak or paddleboard tour, or a calm Echo Park lake ride.
Available
4 options
Avg. rating
4.7 - 3,352 reviews
From
$14 USD
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Cruises & Water Tours: what to know before booking
The LA coast is built for the water — choose a Long Beach whale-watching cruise, a relaxed brunch cruise, a Laguna Beach kayak or paddleboard tour, or a calm Echo Park lake ride.
- Availability
- 4 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $14 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.7 stars across 3,352 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Departures from Long Beach harbor, Laguna Beach, and Echo Park (confirmed at booking)
- Best time
- Morning for calmer seas and better wildlife sightings; winter–spring for gray whales
- Ticket note
- Date- and time-specific; trips can be rescheduled for weather or sea conditions
Cruises & Water Tours in Los Angeles
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Everything you should know before you book
Los Angeles meets the Pacific along a coast full of marine life, harbors, and protected coves. Long Beach whale and dolphin watching cruises head out to spot gray whales, blue whales in season, and resident dolphin pods. Closer to shore, the brunch cruise pairs food with skyline and harbor views, and the Echo Park lake boat ride is a calm, central option right in the city.
Go south to Laguna Beach for the clearest water. The kayak and paddleboard tours there explore protected coves and sea caves with some of Southern California's best visibility. Whale-watching peaks in winter and spring for gray whales and summer for blue whales — check the season on each listing, and bring a layer, as it's cooler on the water.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching from Los Angeles?
Gray whales migrate past in winter and spring, and blue whales appear in summer. Dolphins are seen year-round. Morning trips usually have the calmest water and best sightings.
Are the Laguna Beach kayak and paddleboard tours suitable for beginners?
Yes — they're guided and start with basic instruction, exploring calm coves and sea caves. Reasonable fitness helps, but no prior experience is needed.
What's the difference between the brunch cruise and a whale-watching trip?
The brunch cruise is a relaxed harbor-and-skyline outing with food included; whale watching heads offshore to find marine life. Choose the cruise for views and dining, the watch for wildlife.