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

Tue 02 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $71.00

Make a reservation

Tue 02 Sep

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)

ScottsdaleDave

Jan 2019

We have been on the Hornblower for whale watching tours and harbor tours and decided to try something different. Overall, it was a nice experience but it was very crowded. Nowhere near the elbow room provided by other boats. We did see whales, dolphins and seals and the woman providing the commentary was very knowledgeable. HUGE TIP - To save money, buy your tickets through Groupon. You'll save about 40%.

Geo G

Jan 2019

Done this before and it was very nice, so we decided to take our grandkids during the Holidays. BIG MISTAKE! The waters were rough. Lots of sea sick people, lots of vomiting, lots of barf bags. Did get to see many dolphin jumping along our ship and a couple of whale, very cool. But all in all, not an enjoyable trip. Get there with plenty of time to find parking.

Response from Host

Jan 2019

Thank you for joining us recently, Geo. We're sad to see such a negative review, knowing that you've been with us before and thought highly of your first trip. As you've experienced, nature is unpredictable and the ocean isn't always calm. A little chop will not inhibit us from taking willing passengers out on the water. If, on any day, we expect relatively uncomfortable conditions, our guests are warned in advance. If it truly was a bumpy day on the water, you undoubtedly were given this warning prior to stepping on the boat. Another thing we cannot control is the wildlife, but luckily for you it sounds like you had a spectacular trip in regards to sightings! Seeing all forms of wildlife is exactly what a whale watching company like ourselves strive for on a daily basis, so we're thrilled to have succeeded. For any and all oceanic activities, we highly recommend taking sea sickness pills at least one hour in advance if you're prone to motion sickness. With that in mind, we hope you'll join us again in the future for another great day!

m4slcsam

Dec 2018

We booked with Groupon with Seaforth and it was awesome. We saw 2 pods of around 75 common dolphins (they were so close you could almost bnb touch them) and a pod of 2 whose species I cant remember but they were a less sociable breed. Sea lions lazing around too. Then we saw two separate sightings of grey whales migrating to Mexicos warmer waters to have their babies. I think through Groupon this cost about $87USD for 4 people. The boat was great. On board refreshments, snacks, toilets etc. I can't recommend this enough to anyone of any age. They even sell anti emetics on board for those who get travel sick! Wrap up though it's very cold!