San Diego Whale Watching Tour

Overview

Our trips depart from Mission Bay, which requires only a short 10 minute journey access to the open ocean where whales and dolphins can be seen! The search for whales and other animals begins as soon as you depart the dock and our marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect and what you are seeing from the get go!
Typically our trips are 2.5-3 hours in length, but time can vary based on seasons and locations of sightings.

City: San Diego

Wed 09 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $71.00

Make a reservation

Wed 09 Jul

Starting at $71.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Ocean Beach

The tour will take you to the ocean without stopping

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

yesarek

Aug 2019

Perhaps picked the wrong time. Lots of dolphins seen but not a whiff of a whale. Disappointed but the crew were friendly and the weather was good. Had better experience at Monterey bay and Santa Barbara where we saw over 10 humpbacks

davidsco27

Aug 2019

We've been on several whale watches on the East Coast before, and an Orca watch in Seattle. This is the first time we didn't see any whales, though they tried. We did see a lot of dolphins. I think the end of August just isn't a good Whale Watching time for San Diego, and unlike off of MA, they don't have any man made feeding grounds. The crew was generally nice, although the naturalist didn't come out and answer questions and talk with the passengers like they usually do on these. That was a bit of a bummer as I'm sure it would've added to the experience. They did give us a half off voucher for another watch, but since we were visiting from out of state I doubt we'll use it

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Thank you for joining us recently David! Every single trip is different, as you have experienced while embarking on many whale watches. During the month of August, we typically do like to say that it is quality over quantity. During the months of August, September and October, we experience some of the most diversity you could see in coastal water across the US. We actually just enjoyed a sighting of Orcas a few weeks ago! In previous years, we have spotted False Killer Whales and Pilot Whales as well during these months. Throughout the fall, we typically enjoy regular visits from Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Fin Whales. Due to it being a slower day, the Naturalist was spending as much time as possible searching for whales! We hope you'll put those vouchers to use in the future if you are ever back in San Diego. They never expire and we'd love to give it another shot for you!

Robin1954

Aug 2019

The boat was very clean, the knowledgeable speaker helped us observe the animals and interpreted the actions of the animals. We saw lots of dolphins, mostly from a distance. We saw a glimpse of a whale at the far end of our trip and quickly reversed course to return to the dock for the next cruise. We went in August. (Not exactly whale season.) My only real drawback was the push of "save the environment!" I went out to see dolphins, whales and enjoy a lovely time on a nice boat. I don't want to feel guilty for living.