We have visited the San Diego area numerous times and always thought about trying a whale watching tour and finally did it. We were there in Oceanside for a week at North Coast Village. It is an easy walk from there to the Harbor, either out the front gates and over the bridge, or along the beach to the jetty and then straight up. We booked online, which was easy. Checked in 30 minutes ahead as directed. Easy. Gave us time to browse the shops and such at the Harbor. Boarding was prompt. Space on the boat was sufficient. The benches on the boat were nice and sturdy and had cup holders built in, which I thought was a pretty novel idea, with the ocean motion. I was told there was a restroom on board, but I did not need it. Good to have though. There is a small snack bar, that has anything you would want on this length trip. Candy, peanuts, that sort of thing. Water, soft drinks and also beer, wine and a decent selection of liquors for a mixed drink. I myself love having local beers when traveling, and they had two or three options. On the way through the harbor, they pointed out a few things, including some sea lions sleeping on a dock. As we made our way into the ocean there was a large buoy with more sea lions. They made some cool sounds as we motored by. Then on out to sea. The ride was smooth. Let me qualify that. It was not smooth. It is the ocean. Be prepared to hold on. That said, considering this is the ocean, ya know.... the Pacific Ocean.... aka the large one... it was smooth. Get it? It is not a lake. Hold on to your cameras, phones, hats, etc. And if you stand, hold on to a railing. If you have been on the ocean before, you know. About an hour into the trip, there were no sightings and I was settling in for a nice ride on the ocean. I just decided that it was very nice being out on the ocean. A nice view of the coast. Cool breeze. The color of the water was incredible, and you just do not see that from the shore or the pier. In my mind, I had already decided that this was worth it already. Bottom line is, it isn't expensive.... very fair cost... even if it was just a boat ride. Then.... a pod of Dolphins. Oh, did I say a pod? It was a SUPERpod. All I can say is wow. There were easily over a thousand of them. The Captain drove towards where they were and we were surrounded. FYI, dolphins have no problem with boats being near them. They were safe the entire time, and often dolphins are the ones getting too close for OUR comfort. They are just fine. I especially liked the one I named LeBron. That one jumped a good 5 to 6 feet out of the water. Straight up. We spent a good 20 to 25 minutes with the superpod then it was time to head back.
At the end, we were given a coupon for a restaurant at the harbor, and a 25% off coupon for a re-booking, which I think is very fair. We did use the coupon (free drink with an entree - no limit), so that saved us $10 plus the restaurant gave us an extra 10% off. And as I said, the price of the 2 hour cruise was a good deal even with no sightings, so 25% off to try for whales on another day.... not bad.
Now, my ADVICE FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING.
People that complain about getting sea sick. 1. Be serious. 2. It's the OCEAN. 3. Do not EAT anything more than a light snack and do not drink alcohol heavily or at all just before the trip. 4. After a half an hour on the ocean, if you feel good, grab a beer or drink at the snack bar. 5. Do NOT nap on a boat or in a vehicle if you get sick. Only makes it worse. 6. Stare at the horizon, until there is a Superpod.
Whales? Where are the whales? Ok, listen... I live in the desert. People ask me, "where are the snakes?" Answer: Hopefully, they are OUTSIDE. So, where are the whales? They are IN THE OCEAN. My biggest piece of advice is, take ANY whale watching tour with the idea that at the very least, you will have a nice trip on the ocean with a cool breeze and enjoy it. Then, if you see something, GREAT.
Sunscreen, binoculars, hats.... cameras with full charge.... some cash for the snack bar.... all good ideas. And throw a little cash in the tip jar on the way out.