SAN DIEGO
San Diego’s best days out.
A short guide to the 15 best whale & dolphin watching cruises, with what each one costs, how long it runs and who you book it through.
Sail the historic America schooner from San Diego for gray whale and dolphin sightings, with onboard snacks, plus guarantees and rebook options.
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.”
2–3 hours from Mission Bay to the open Pacific for whales and dolphins, guided by naturalists, with onboard restrooms and paid snacks.
“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 2-hour luxury catamaran whale watch from Oceanside with live narration. Expect dolphins and sea lions, plus seasonal whale chances.
“Very friendly staff. The boat was very comfortable. Excellent viewing from anywhere on the boat. Make sure to bring a coat or sweater.”
A 3.5-hour San Diego whale-watching cruise with indoor and outdoor decks, a guided hunt for gray whales, dolphins, and more.
“Good time, followed mother and baby as they migrated north. The crew worked hard to make sure everyone got information and had a good time.”
San Diego whale watching on a two-story Flagship yacht with live commentary, 360 views, and a free return if no whales.
“WE WERE REALLY LUCKY. WE FOUND A POD OF DOLPHINS AND THEY HUNG WITH US ALONG THE BOAT FOR 30 MINUTES. THAT MADE THE DAY. OUR GUIDE SAID THERE WERE PROBABLY OVER 500 IN THE POD.”
Sunset whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay, San Diego. Spot marine mammals with a certified guide, then watch the coastline glow.
“It was amazing! Breathless sunset and many dolphins, pelicans and whales swimming near the boat! We really enjoyed it!”
A 3.5–4 hour San Diego whale and dolphin cruise with museum naturalists, year-round spotting chances, and a whale-or-dolphin voucher.
“Went on Aug 5th, 2019 with family of 4 (two daughters 6 and 3 years old) Saw three pods of dolphins with largest pod around 50 dolphins. The dolphins swam and zooped around the boat for quite a bit. The girls enjoyed ‘em. We did not find any Blue whales this time around but the…”
A 3-hour San Diego whale watching cruise from Mission Bay with marine biologist narration, free parking, and indoor/outdoor comfort—year-round.
“It was a perfect day for us. We were at the right time and right place. The captain located a pod of whales that kept us fascinated for an hour. To see these majestic mammals surface and see their tales in air was breathtaking. We also enjoyed several species of dolphins and seabirds. The marine…”
San Diego whale and dolphin cruise with expert captains, natural history volunteers, indoor/outdoor comfort, and a whale-check rebooking option.
“I really enjoyed the commentary from the captain, and they had people from the history museum on board to educate us on the whales and so we could ask questions. The company also donates to the history museum so in return the well trained whalers come on the boat. The boat was big and even…”
3 hours on a stable 80-ft boat from Mission Bay to La Jolla Canyon, with a whale guarantee, great onboard comfort, and lots of dolphins.
“Great guides, great price, great tour. Definetly recommend going!”
Small 22-ft whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay with USCG life jackets, waterproof windbreakers, and close-up pods in about 3 hours.
“It was an amazing experience. Alyssa was great. We would definitely recommend and do again in a heartbeat”
San Diego 3-hour whale watching cruise from $34. Quick sea lion sightings, small-group boat, onboard natural history, and ocean wildlife.
“This was great and affordable. I would do it again! One thing to note is that people (myself included) kind of crowd around to get pics of wildlife when the opportunity presents, so there were a few times I felt a little claustrophobic like at a concert or something, but it was easy to get…”
A private 3-hour whale and dolphin boat charter from San Diego, with an enclosed cabin, observation tower, and a USCG-certified captain.
“Excellent time! Captain Rich is professional, knowledgeable and fun. Comfortable and safe boat. Highly recommend!”
Up close dolphin and whale watching from Oceanside on a small boat with a guide, short cruise, and $85 all-in pricing.
“It was a fun experience, saw hundreds of dolphins, numerous pods. Nate was our captain and was great! Very knowledgeable and fun. We didn’t see a whale, but those guys will appear when they choose. Overall a great experience! Wear sunscreen 🙂”
San Diego sunset cruise with a naturalist guide spotting dolphins, whale breaches, sea lions, and birds on a smooth 2.5–3 hour ride.
“It was one of the best experience to have in San Diego. The organizers were kind, knowledgeable, organized and timely. We saw dolphins around our boat and a humpback whale too. Had a lot of fun.”
Every neighborhood, every stretch of coast, and every way to get out on the water.
