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!

City: San Diego

Sat 16 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $65.00

Make a reservation

Sat 16 Nov

Starting at $65.00

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
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

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 (820)

Tracy G

Sep 2012

The staff on board SD whale watch are super friendly and knowledgable. We didn't see any whales, but September is not a real common time of year for whales off this coast. We did however see well over 1000 dolphins. It was quite amazing. The captains keep in touch with the other whale watching companies out on the water to ensure all customers get the best opportunity to see one of these great mammals. Throughout the tour, the captains gave informative facts about the ocean life and were quite entertaining. They were constantly on the lookout through their binoculars for signs of whales and dolphins. You could tell they genuinely wanted to give us the best experience possible. Heading back in to port, they detoured so we could experience a huge pod of approximately 600 dolphins. Breathtaking. Our tour went approximately 1/2 hour overtime in order for us to have this experience I would definitely go again. Getting off the boat they gave us 1/2 off coupons because we did not see a whale. These coupons ARE transferable. Oh... Also, Tuesday's are two for one. And even though I was by myself, they gave me the ticket for half price. Pleasant surprise. :)

Christian377

Sep 2012

Towards the end of the tour we found a group of around 200 dolphins! They were everywhere around us jumping out of the water, and swimming in groups of 2 or 3. It was an amazing experience. I wish we would have seen some whales, but that is out of the tour's control. If you don't see any whales (besides dolphins) they give you a 50% off coupon if you go again. They don't put your name on the coupons or anything, so if you plan ahead and can get one of these on craigslist or ebay before hand you can save a bunch. The tour started off well with descriptions of the local area and local wildlife such as pelicans and sea lions. There was a ton to see until we left the bay and headed out to the open ocean. The tour also ended strongly with the dolphin sighting and more info about the wildlife as we headed back to the marina. But during the middle hour, the tour guides barely said anything, and we were left staring at the open ocean for what seemed like forever. I know that they were searching for whales with binoculars, but it would have been nice if someone had manned the microphone during this time. Shade is hard to come by- there are only about 8 seats with shade, so if it's sunny bring sunscreen and a hat. There is also a strong breeze on board the ship, so bring a sweater or jacket even on warm days- you may need it. They have motion sickness pills for sale along with drinks, snacks, etc. Once you get to the open ocean the boat definitely rocks and pitches even on calm days, so be prepared if your prone to sea-sickness.

Giulia P

Aug 2012

It was an awesome trip. We saw lots of whales and dolphins jumping around our boat. The staff was really nice.