Tourists Meet Massive Blue Whale Off Newport Beach Coast: Video

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Passengers aboard a small boat just a few miles off of the Orange County coast were treated to a rare surprise on Friday: a roughly 90-foot blue whale swimming in the water below.

The boat was operated by the ocean navigators from Newport Coastal Adventure, Davey's Locker & Newport Landing Whale Watching Education Manager Jessica Roame told Patch. Passengers aboard the agency's small Zodiac boat spotted the whale underwater as it made multiple passes around and underneath the boat.

"These Blue Whales have been hanging out a bit too far offshore for our large whale watching boats to get to," Roame said. She added that blue whales tend to stay about 15 to 18 miles out to see during their migration.

"Spotting a blue whale so close is something that requires patience, luck, and most of all - a gentle touch operating the boat," She said.

Newport Coastal Adventure offers two-hour tours on their Zodiac boats all year long. For more information on scheduling a tour, visit the agency's website.