Newport Beach Outdoor Activities
Whale Watching Cruises
Serving visitors and residents from Los Angeles and Orange County, Davey’s Locker has been providing whale watching cruises for over 30 years. With a year-round thriving whale population, the Newport Coast is recognized as one of the top whale watching destinations in the world!
Witness the gray whale migration during the winter and spring months and blue and finback whales during the summer and fall. The whale populations are so large that a single cruise may encounter over half a dozen whales! Relax and enjoy the beautiful Newport Beach coastline on our 65-foot ship that was custom designed for marine life viewing with a large upper sun deck, wrap around outdoor seating, indoor seating with large windows, and a snack bar with food and beverages. Cruises depart from the historic Balboa Fun Zone and return 2-2 ½ hours later. In addition to the annual blue, gray, and finback whale migrations we have encountered orcas, minke, and humpback whales. We also regularly encounter several species of dolphin, including the giant risso’s dolphin, the playful common dolphin, and the bottlenose dolphin which is unique to Southern California. Common and/or bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen in mega pods of a thousand or more dolphins! Sea lions and a wide range of sea birds also make regular appearances during our cruises.
We are always happy to answer questions you may have about the species of marine life we may encounter. Davey’s Locker captains and crew members have backgrounds in marine biology. They are incredibly knowledgeable about marine creatures, the environment, and the local ecosystem.
If you are looking for things to do in Newport Beach, make sure whale watching is on your list! Burr White guests receive exclusive discounts, including a free whale watching cruise and additional guests are just $20!
Get Directions (949)673-1434 Visit Website
Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Established in 1990 by a coalition of government, community, business and environmental leaders, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, a private, not-for-profit organization, provides services that inspire and connect all generations through community involvement and leadership in hands-on restoration and education in wetland science, watersheds, coastal ecology and environmental sustainability.
Get Directions (714)846-1114 Visit Website
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve represent approximately 1,000 acres of open space. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve surrounds the Ecological Reserve. The park includes the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve totals approximately 135 acres. The Nature Preserve is made up of the bluffs surrounding the Bay. Three sensitive species use the bluffs: The California Gnatcatcher, San Diego Cactus Wren, and Burrowing Owl. Two important plant communities are found on the bluffs – grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Upper Newport Ecological Reserve totals 752 acres. This coastal wetland, one of the largest in southern California, is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America. During winter migration up to 35,000 birds may be using the Bay at one time. It is home to six rare or endangered species: Light-Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. The Bay is home to one endangered plant species – Saltmarsh Bird’s Beak. Considered a “critical estuary” habitat – Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.
Of all county facilities, Upper Newport Bay is one of the best in Orange County for recreation and wildlife viewing. Upper Newport Bay is a Mecca for birders, joggers, bicyclists, hikers, horseback riders, educators…and more! The availability of camping at Newport Dunes Resort makes Upper Newport Bay a desirable destination for families, as well as individuals.
Come visit Upper Newport Bay’s Muth Interpretive Center. Located in the County’s premier nature preserve, Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach features the area’s natural beauty within a state-of-the-art facility.
Get Directions (949)923-2290 Visit Website
Newport Beach Gondola Cruises
Romantic, relaxing, exclusive…
Cruise through spectacular Newport Harbor in one of the world’s most beautiful gondolas. Create a memory with that special someone as you glide silently through quaint canals guided by a charming gondolier.
Looking for romantic anniversary ideas or a unique date ideas? This is romance at its finest. Tradition dictates that couples kiss under every bridge. Greeting others in Italian as they pass by is encouraged and enjoying life to its fullest is a requirement.
The gondolas are stunning…
The sunsets on the water breathtaking…
The mood perfect…
This is the stuff that dreams are made of.
Great for: romantic proposals, special celebrations, fun and romantic anniversaries, date nights, special occasions, family gatherings, weddings, unique elopement ideas, or “just because.”
Gondola Adventures® was featured on the cover of American Way Magazine
Many companies claim to have “Venetian” gondolas, but often their gondolas are not actually imported from Venice. The Venetians have been making gondolas for nearly 1000 years, and it is truly an art form. All of Gondola Adventures’ rowing gondolas are imported from Venice and are propelled by oar and oarlock (“Remo e’ Forcola”) in the manner that gondolas are traditionally rowed in Venice, Italy. Additionally, Gondola Adventures has the only operating “wedding gondolas” west of the Mississippi. Wedding gondolas have carved decks and the most ornate decorations. One of our wedding gondolas, the “Lucia,” has a canopy cover (available upon request). For more information or to see photos about our rowing gondolas, click on “Photos.” There is nothing that quite compares to the real thing.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are our “Neo-Venetian” gondolas; these boats have silent electric motors so the gondoliers steer, rather than row. Some are all black, while others are mahogany and black with inlaid roses and beautiful canopy covers. The elegant and distinctive interiors surround you in comfort. These more contemporary craft have a little more range and can, if requested in advance, travel further (which is nice in a harbor that is six miles long from one end to the other). Almost all of our cruises include a leisurely tour through the canal area at the north end of Newport Harbor – a very romantic and relaxing experience.
Amenities and Specialty Enhancements
We are the only company in Orange County with an ABC license, which not only means that we have very reasonably-priced wine and champagne available for purchase, but also that you can legally bring your own favorite bottle for a corkage fee. All of our beverages are served in glassware — we do not have plastic cups — and presented in a silver bucket with ice.
We are also the only company in Orange County licensed to have singing gondoliers. When a singing gondolier is requested and available, you can count on hearing at least one or two “live performances” by your gondolier, and sometimes as many as six or seven songs. How much your gondolier sings will depend on his repertoire as well as how receptive his passengers are to singing (if you are in conversation with your guest or guests, he may not want to interrupt).
Gondola Adventures has other custom features and specialty enhancements that we have pioneered in the industry. The President of our company developed the “Message in a Bottle” in 1993, wherein a custom love-note is silently dropped in the water by your gondolier, and then spotted and retrieved by your guest.
We offer an array of specialty items, such as rose petals scattered on the gondola, custom chocolates, and even a foot-long solid chocolate gondola!
We are the only company in the United States to offer heated electric blankets (available upon request).
Surf Lessons
Surfers like to have more fun than anyone on the planet and every lesson is just that a fun-filled experience where the art of surfing is taught upon a foundation of water safety. Thus we not only train surfers but watermen (and water women). A waterman is a surfer who knows how to safely navigate ocean tides, currents, hazards and control their board in all situations. Safety is paramount when learning to surf and we take the utmost pride in being qualified watermen that will teach you how to respect and navigate ocean waters. All of our instructors are CPR certified and actual surfers (some surf schools just employ babysitters to push you into waves).
Here is a break down of what a lesson looks like:
1. Stretching (10 min) We aim to promote flexibility and prevent injury in the water.
2. Beach demo (10 min) There is no reason to just jump out there in the water we want to show you on land before you hit the waves.
3. Paddling/popping up/safety brief (10 min) Your first few waves out in the ocean are the most crucial to develop good habits.
4. Surfing (1hr & 30 min) You will have an expert waterman with you showing you advanced techniques.
Get Directions (714)313-4577 Visit Website
Luxury Cruising, Fishing and Sailing Charters!
We make chartering an option for everyone. Through our network with private boat owners, we offer a range of vessels and charter rates to fit every budget. All vessels are equipped with advanced navigation and comfort systems and are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and professional crew whose purpose is to provide a fun, safe and memorable experience on the water.
Call today and schedule a day on the water you won’t forget!
20th Street Beach & One Stop Beach Shop!
Bikes, Paddleboards, and Surfboards are essentials on the Newport Beach Peninsula. Premium hospitality, top-quality rental equipment, and competitive pricing are just a few things that have propelled us to the number one bike shop in Newport Beach. We have the tools to ensure a fun and memorable visit.
Burr White Guests enjoy exclusive savings:
- FREE delivery, a $35 savings!
- $50 Weekly Bike Rental when you rent 3+ Bikes – Regularly $210
- $60 Weekly Bike Rental when you rent 1-2 Bikes
All Bikes are brand new for the 2017 summer season and include bike helmets and bike locks for free!
As a Burr White Guest, you receive a 50% discount on the daily rate for paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and more!