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)

Jean925

Jan 2012

I went out on a cold and cloudy day not expecting to see much. Much to my surprise we spotted several pods of whales. One swam around the boat and I was able to grab some good close-up shots. This is the closest you will probably ever get to a whale. They are so beautiful and graceful, not to mention humongous! The crew was fantastic! You could tell they loved their jobs. Friendly and willing to answer questions. I would go again and bring some friends so they too can experience such beautiful creatures.

CADreamers28

Jan 2012

The Privateer is a smaller vessel, which overall just makes it easier to get around, easier to handle. I believe it only holds about 150 passengers on two decks. We went out this morning in very calm seas and saw about 6 or 8 whales fairly close to shore. Because Seaforth docks are not downtown, it's much simpler to get to, and the parking is free--a $10 savings from the big ships downtown. Plus they go out in the morning, which is the cooler part of the day--either a plus or minus depending on where you come from. The Canadians were basking and the Californians were wrapped in goosedown. Also, there are only two heads, although they are some of the best I've seen on a small ship--no complicated pumps or devices to figure out. Just flush! So if you don't time it properly, you could find yourself waiting in line. There's a simple but satisfactory snack bar with plenty of fresh coffee. All in all, I prefered it to the bigger ships, but if you aren't a very good sailor you may want to wait for a calm day or take a bigger ship, because you will definitely feel the swells. The crew is very friendly, informed and helpful.

Jeff S

Jan 2012

Very friendly and accomodating service. Prices were very reasonable compared to some other whate watching boats. Discount for seniors. Being in Mission Bay, you are out on the water more quickly than those services that go out of San Diego bay. Followed a pod of 3 gray whales for about 30-40 minutes, until the fog rolled in unexpectedly. Either take binoculars or rent some (only $3). It can get chilly once out of the harbor.