NEWPORT HARBOR PRIVATE TOURS

NEWPORT HARBOR PRIVATE TOURS

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439 / Per Boat (Electric Boat Included)

Guests : Up to 11 Guests | Tour Guide : 1

379 / Per Boat (Electric Boat Included)

Guests : Up to 7 Guests | Tour Guide : 1

Embark on an Exclusive Adventure with Our Private Newport Beach Electric Boat Tours!

Join Kap’n Kathy on a two-hour historic tour of Newport Harbor. She will drive the boat while you eat goodies, drink champagne and be merry! She’ll share integral events which turned a bay full of mudflats into a bustling seaside city. You’ll learn about the humans, from the ancient Oak Grove People to the Irvine Company, who changed the course of history in this area. You’ll get to relax as you see the iconic Balboa Pavilion, Balboa Ferry and Balboa Fun Zone. You’ll cruise by John Wayne’s former property, extraordinary yachts and…amusing pelicans!

TOUR DETAILS

EMBARK ON A SERENE HARBOR ADVENTURE

Enjoy a 2-hour journey that takes you through the heart of Newport Beach’s stunning waterscapes. Our private electric
boat tours are not just quick spins around the harbor. They combine the rich tapestry of local history with the beauty of the bay. As you glide over calm waters, sit back and listen to legends of old while enjoying the scenery.

DISCOVER NEWPORT BEACH’S HIDDEN BEAUTY

Embark on an exploration of the harbor’s most cherished treasures. Drift by quaint Balboa Island with its many architectural styles and charming character. Explore the historic shipbuilding and sport-fishing peninsula which boosted Newport Beach’s early economy. Pass by private islands with luxurious mansions which have set local real estate price records.

WE WORK AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE

We believe in flexibility. Whether you seek a morning of serenity or an evening of enchantment, we offer tour times that satisfy your needs. Available hour are from 11 am to 30 minutes after sunset daily. Escape into paradise!

HARBOR TOUR SITES

Boating past Linda Isle and Harbor Island
Boating past Linda Isle and Harbor Island
Luxury apartments at Balboa Bay Resort
Luxury apartments at Balboa Bay Resort
Fashion Island
Fashion Island
Sailing by the hotel at Balboa Bay Resort
Sailing by the hotel at Balboa Bay Resort
Angels baseball player Mike Trout lives in the hills above Newport Harbor
Angels baseball player Mike Trout lives in the hills above Newport Harbor
In 1875, brothers from New York, James and Robert McFadden purchase 20 acres of harbor and oceanfront land.
In 1875, brothers from New York, James and Robert McFadden purchase 20 acres of harbor and oceanfront land.
1864-1870-James Irvine 1 acquires one-fifth of what is now Orange County.
1864-1870-James Irvine 1 acquires one-fifth of what is now Orange County.
The Oak Grove People hunted Wooly Mammoths thousands of years ago in this area
The Oak Grove People hunted Wooly Mammoths thousands of years ago in this area
Don Jose Antonio Selulveda was quite the dandy when he ran his rancho here.
Don Jose Antonio Selulveda was quite the dandy when he ran his rancho here.
2500 BCE-The Tongva People migrate here from Nevada
2500 BCE-The Tongva People migrate here from Nevada
American Legion Post 291
American Legion Post 291
Where do you live when you’re worth $18 billion? Linda Isle!
Where do you live when you’re worth $18 billion? Linda Isle!
Harbor Island mansion… $37 million and change
Harbor Island mansion… $37 million and change
The Balboa Pavilion
The Balboa Pavilion
John Wayne and Nicholas Cage Properties
John Wayne and Nicholas Cage Properties

NAVIGATING NEWPORT’S NAUTICAL HISTORY

Step back in time as we cruise around the historic sites of Newport Harbor. From the tales of early fishermen to the rise of a luxury seaside community, you’ll experience a rich tapestry of maritime history and modern glamour, all from the comfort of our Duffy boats.

ECO-FRIENDLY EXPLORATION

Our Duffy boats aren’t just about luxury; they’re a nod to sustainability too! Enjoy a guilt-free tour, knowing that your journey through the serene waters of Newport Beach is powered by eco-friendly, electric motors. It’s sightseeing with a conscious!

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PARADISE

Bring your camera for an unmissable photography opportunity! Whether it’s the picturesque sunset views, the vibrant marine life, or the stunning waterfront architecture, our tour offers a treasure trove of spectacular sights, perfect for both amateur and seasoned photographers.

ENJOYED BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY GUESTS

“We loved our harbor tours with Kathy. We’ve been three times! Her tours are relaxing, fun and they bring Newport Harbor to life with tidbits on the native Californian presence when it was but a tidal flat, the developers (some good, some not so), the first residents in the 1920s, and a little bit on the who’s- who of today. I highly recommend this adventure!”

L.J.

“Our guide, Kathy piloted us around beautiful homes which can only be viewed from the water. Her tour included facts and tidbits about the creation of the harbor and the past and present tenants. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time, with many opportunities for photos. We even saw some wildlife!  I look forward to bringing visiting friends and family on future excursions!”

P.C.

“I enjoyed a relaxing two-hour journey in the calm waters surrounding Balboa and Lido Islands. There was plenty of room on the comfortable cushions inside the boat, including table space for snacks and drinks.”

P.C.

“Kathy was delightful! She is flexible, respectful and demonstrates such a passion for historical background of her surroundings! We had a fantastic evening viewing the fabulous mansions and yachts of the rich and famous. A gorgeous sunset was icing on the visual cake. Kathy introduced us to several landmarks and answered all our questions. Kathy’s intrigue and enthusiasm draws you into the mystery of the past while delivering a visual feast in a quiet, safe, electric boat.”

B.C.

“You will come away with historical knowledge and the experience of a mini cruise with a pro at the helm.”

B.C.

“I truly enjoyed my harbor boat tour with Kathy. The Duffy boat is just the right size for a group of friends, not too large to hear the well-informed and historical stories about the many points of interest in and around the harbor. Kathy’s ability to answer any questions we asked was truly impressive! This harbor cruise was not only relaxing and peaceful but also educational and fun!

I highly recommend Kathy as your cruise director. Take a cruise with Kathy, you’ll be glad you did!”

C.H.

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR

Call Kap’n Kathy

Contact us at (714) 474-6199 to arrange a suitable time.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I rent the boat or does Kap’n Kathy rent the boat?

You rent the boat ahead of time.

Call me first to arrange a time.

(714)474-6199. Then call Newport Fun Tours at (949) 675-8433 and speak with a reservation agent. Confirm your two-hour tour time. Then text or call me to let me know all is well with the scheduled time. 

Where do we meet?

I will meet you outside the restrooms on the side of the building.

Then we will walk into the office where you can check in. 

Where and how do I park?

Allow 30 minutes extra to park. Really? Yes! This will give you time to casually find a parking space and you can use the restroom before embarking on your tour. 

The parking structure is located at 2901 West Coast Highway. To make sure you find the entrance driveway easily, look at the photos provided ahead of time. Go slowly as you approach so you can turn into the narrow driveway. 

You will pay for parking in the parking structure. There is no validation. Parking will cost about $25. You will pay when you leave the structure.

Download PDF Directions Here

Can I go for longer than two hours?

Yes! A three-hour tour includes “nooks and crannies” of the harbor and additional information. Also included is a 15-minute restroom

break. 

Can I use the restroom during the tour?

I must be honest. You need to know your body. There are NO, repeat NO restrooms available to us the last 30 minutes of the tour as all property is private. Imagine having three or four drinks in two hours and not being able to use the restroom the last half hour. I would recommend using the restroom right before we go on the tour and limiting alcohol consumption so that you are comfortable the entire tour. 

Restrooms are available to us for 90 minutes but it is very difficult to stop at a public dock where people are fishing and it takes time away from the tour. 

Use your best judgment for a comfortable and happy tour😉

What should I wear?

Check the temperature for Newport Beach and then subtract ten degrees. That will be what the temperature feels like on the water. 

For example, if it’s 72 degrees at NB, it will feel like 62 degrees on the water. 

There is usually a westerly wind during the last half of the tour. 

Dress in layers so that you’re warm enough. 

Can I bring food and beverages on the boat? Does Kap’n Kathy provide food and beverages?

I do not provide food and beverages. You are welcome, however to bring food and beverages! There is a small table in the middle of the boat for serving. 

Remember to bring a cork screw!! 

Also, bring a trash bag for clean up.

How many people can the boats hold?

There are 8-person boats and 12-person boats. I count as one person and adults, children and infants count as individuals.

You can have 7 party members on an 8-person boat and you can have 11 party members on a 12-person boat.

Can I bring my pet(s) on the boat?

Yes. You can pay a fee to Newport Fun Tours. There is no charge for service animals.

Do you give tours during the holiday boat parade?

No I do not. 

Are children required to wear a life jacket?

A life jacket for children 12 years and under is required to be used at all times while boating. Adults are required to keep children safe on the boat.

Can I swim or fish from the boat?

No.

What if we have an emergency?

We will call 911 for an emergency. The boat will have a fire extinguisher on board.

For vessel assistance, such as a mechanical issue or how to use the controls on the boat: 

Call 949-675-8433 and Press 5 for a Newport Fun Tours representative.