SAN DIEGO · WHALE WATCHING
The trips worth booking.
The 13 san diego whale watching tours travellers rate most highly, gathered in one place. What you are likely to see, when the season runs, who skippers the boat, and what a place on deck costs.
Sail aboard the America schooner from San Diego to spot gray whales and dolphins, with snacks, cold-weather tips, and a free return.
Most Popular“Amazing day! Crew were very knowledgeable and friendly. The boat (the America) was immaculate. We were fortunate enough to see 3 whales! They provided snacks and sodas/water during our 4 hour sail. Definitely bring layers, as it was brisk on the ocean.”
San Diego Mission Bay whale cruise for $71: 2–3 hours on the open Pacific with naturalist spotting tips, snacks, and parking included.
“What an amazing experience. We saw 2 Grey Whales and several pods of dolphins throughout our cruise. The weather was perfect and the staff were very accommodating. I highly recommend this cruise.”
A 3.5-hour San Diego half-day whale cruise with indoor/outdoor decks, expert guide talks, and a real shot at gray whales.
“Great crew, boat and easy to get to loading and unloading area. The weather also cooperated which was a bonus”
Mission Bay sunset cruise in San Diego to spot dolphins and whales, learn from a certified guide, and watch the sun set on the water.
“Saw whales and a school of dolphins! Excellent and knowledgeable crew. Awesome weather for Whale watching.”
City Cruises San Diego whale and dolphin watching from the bay. Gray whales in season, expert narration, and a whale check if none.
“We missed the experience because the trip details were incorrect information. Still awaiting for a full refund for this unfortunate situation”
A small 22-foot whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay with life jackets and windbreakers, aiming for close wildlife sightings.
“Amazing. Captain was very knowledgeable and she allowed us to just chill and enjoy. Didn’t talk too much. We’re a bit antisocial so it was nice lol.”
3-hour San Diego whale watching cruise from Quivira Rd with sea lions, dolphins, and marine naturalist talks for $34 per person.
“Excellent trip with interesting information about different whale and dolphin species and habits. Sue from the Natural History Museum was very good at explaining things to the younger audience. So lucky to see a hump back whale.”
Private 3-hour whale and dolphin boat adventure off San Diego with a USCG-certified captain, enclosed cabin, tower views, and family-only access.
“Captain Rich put us right on the whales, but the huge pod of dolphins was the star of the day! Great trip!!”
Luxury Peregrine whale and dolphin cruise from San Diego Bay with expert marine narration, A/C comfort, and a real chance at whales.
“It was an awesome experience. The captain and the crew went above and beyond to ensure we had a great day. I highly recommend it.”
Small-group zodiac whale and dolphin watch from San Diego’s Harbor Island, 3 hours of wildlife spotting with life jackets and cold-weather prep.
“Unfortunately we were unable to find a whale but it was a blast. The boat was a 6 seater zodiac which in itself was fun. We did see a dolphin and many sea lions close up. The captain, Kyle, was informative and humorous. I highly recommend”
High-speed, air-conditioned whale and dolphin tour from Point Loma with expert narration, great decks, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Excellent had the best day 🤩 staff were very informative & friendly”
Small-group Zodiac speedboat in San Diego to chase dolphins year-round and seasonally spot gray, blue, and humpback whales.
“Spend the money for the smaller tour. Boat is much faster and can cover much more ground and the crew is amazing!”
Small-group speedboat whale and dolphin watching from San Diego, guided by experts in Zodiacs with seasonal whale sightings year-round.
“It was a great time. Very nice, friendly, and knowledgeable crew. Clean boat”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
