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

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $65.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

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)

ChadH

Feb 2012

This is a great way to try to see some whales. The boat is just the right size so you feel close to the water, but have a stable platform. It didn’t seem overcrowded even though I believe we were at capacity (about 150 gawkers). The crew is friendly and eager, with helpful commentary about where to look and what you’re looking at. I’ve gone out in a sailboat many times looking for whales and have seldom seen one. A boat like this, with more speed, offers a far better chance at seeing whales, although it’s unlikely you will see them up close. You’ll see whale spout and tail flukes and distant large bodies – very cool, but perhaps not awesome. It’s illegal to get closer than 100 meters and in some cases not even that close. My wife and I thought we saw two pairs of whales, but the naturalist on board said we simply saw the same pair more than once. The dolphins, however, were spectacular and everyone totally enjoyed them. We saw at least a hundred dolphins, many right next to the boat and on the bow wave. This tour leaves from Mission Bay, much more convenient than downtown. It’s a delightful 2 ½ - 3 hours on the ocean, which I think makes it one of the great things to do in San Diego, if you get good weather (generally not a problem). Note that even small bags of chips are expensive, like any amusement, I guess. Coors Light or Budweiser was a better value at $4. You are discouraged from bringing any alcohol or coolers on board.

Mod1971

Jan 2012

We went on the tour on a cool and windy day in mid-January. The guide and the captain were fantastic. They were very knowledgeable and explained everything that was going on to keep us well informed. We literally saw hundreds of dolphins - a "megapod" the guide called it. We also spotted a breaching humpback whale which is apparently very unusual for this time of year. One thing that really stuck out to me was the enthusiasm of the guide and captain. They literally high-fived each other when they verified it was a humpback whale that we had seen. A few people did get seasick and it was a pretty choppy ride but, overall, I'd highly recommend this excursion!

Unknown_Traveler

Jan 2012

Stumbled on them through Groupon. Our three hour tour was outstanding and we saw gray whales and numerous dolphins. The crew was very good and the marine biologist on board was very informative. The boat has outside and inside seating. There is a snack bar (extra cost) and they allow you to bring on your own food. Overall it was a wonderful trip and we would considering taking another tour with them in the future. They also have a 90 minute sunset cruise and an eight hour tour.