Two reliable dolphin watching options await you in LA’s bustling harbor. I’m especially fond of the Dolphin Sightings Tour for its strategic scheduling during peak feeding times, and the Sunset Tour for combining wildlife spotting with gorgeous California sunsets. Both run efficient 1-hour excursions with English-speaking naturalists and smart cancellation policies. While dolphins aren’t guaranteed, these tours stick to proven routes where pods frequently surface. Safety protocols are solid, and scheduling is wonderfully flexible. Let’s explore these top-rated tours that showcase LA’s magnificent marine life.
Key Points
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The Dolphin Sightings Tour and Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour offer 1-hour wildlife viewing experiences focused on spotting dolphins and other marine life around Los Angeles.
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While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the tours are scheduled during optimal feeding times to increase the chances of spotting these creatures.
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The sunset tour, which is rated 2.4 out of 5, has received mixed reviews regarding the number of dolphin sightings and overall customer satisfaction.
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Flexible booking options, including a reserve now and pay later option, and a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, are available for both tours.
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Safety is a priority, with the tours subject to weather and ocean conditions, and participants advised to check availability for their preferred times.
Dolphin Sightings Tour
One of the popular dolphin watching tours in Los Angeles is the Dolphin Sightings Tour. Priced at $80 per person, this 1-hour tour provides the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
The tour features a live English-speaking guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.
The tour focuses on wildlife viewing, with a particular emphasis on dolphin sightings. Participants may also spot sea lions and potentially a juvenile gray whale.
The ocean ride offers photo opportunities, though reviews suggest disappointment in the actual number of dolphin sightings and the overall boat conditions.
While the tour is designed to maximize the chances of seeing wild dolphins, there’s no guarantee of dolphin or whale sightings on every tour.
Several boats and locations are available for these tours, so customers are advised to check availability for their preferred starting times.
Read our full review: Dolphin Sightings Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour
The Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour provides visitors with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the marine creatures in their natural habitat during the optimal observation hours. Priced at $90.00 per person, the 1-hour tour departs from Marina del Rey and includes a 30-minute guided tour in Santa Monica Bay followed by a 20-minute boat cruise with a 5-minute photo stop. A live English-speaking guide accompanies the tour.
While dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour is scheduled during the creatures’ feeding times, increasing the chances of spotting them. Visitors can also expect to enjoy a scenic oceanic sunset view.
No upfront payment is required, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. However, customer reviews indicate dissatisfaction with the service, safety concerns, and misleading advertising, with an overall rating of 2.4 out of 5.
Itineraries are subject to change, and the tour may be canceled during unsafe conditions, with customer safety being the top priority.
Read our full review: Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Visitors can choose from various dolphin watching tours in Los Angeles. The Dolphin Sightings Tour and Dolphin Sighting Sunset Tour both offer the chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. These tours provide an unforgettable experience and a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.