SAN DIEGO
San Diego’s best days out.
A short guide to the 15 best whale watching, 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 time on the water! We saw two groups of grey whales, sea lions, dolphins and learned a lot from the crew. Recommend!”
2–3 hours from Mission Bay to the open Pacific for whales and dolphins, guided by naturalists, with onboard restrooms and paid snacks.
“Friendly crew! Enjoyed Jennifer’s commentary and the friendly service provided by the deck hands. Smooth sailing with a competent captain! We didn’t see whales but we did catch glimpses of dolphins. The only thing I would recommend is dress in layers. By the end I was freezing without a windbreaker!”
A 2-hour luxury catamaran whale watch from Oceanside with live narration. Expect dolphins and sea lions, plus seasonal whale chances.
“Our trip was postponed due to a mechanical issue:. They allowed us to book the trip 2.5 hours later for free and reimbursed us for our original trip. Basically we ended up getting the excursion for FREE. We felt fortunate to see see lions and California Grey Whales on our trip.”
A 3.5-hour San Diego whale-watching cruise with indoor and outdoor decks, a guided hunt for gray whales, dolphins, and more.
“There is the chance you will see nothing, as was our experience, however they provide a rain check for such.”
San Diego whale watching on a two-story Flagship yacht with live commentary, 360 views, and a free return if no whales.
“We really saw whales! Plus we saw so many dolphins. It was lovely.”
Sunset whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay, San Diego. Spot marine mammals with a certified guide, then watch the coastline glow.
“Excellent. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, caring, and attentive. The insight and commentary was interesting and useful.”
A 3.5–4 hour San Diego whale and dolphin cruise with museum naturalists, year-round spotting chances, and a whale-or-dolphin voucher.
“Voyage was great, we saw dolphins, whales and submarines (well, THOSE have mammals IN them!)”
A 3-hour San Diego whale watching cruise from Mission Bay with marine biologist narration, free parking, and indoor/outdoor comfort—year-round.
“The views were great. Guide was knowledge and all boat staff very kind. Answered all our questions and actively made it an enjoyable experience! And humpback whale came out to play today!”
San Diego whale and dolphin cruise with expert captains, natural history volunteers, indoor/outdoor comfort, and a whale-check rebooking option.
“Weather was great, very informative, saw whales, dolphins, sea lions. Staff was great and food was good”
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 Staff. Smooth boat ride.. saw 4 whales and other ocean life!”
Small 22-ft whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay with USCG life jackets, waterproof windbreakers, and close-up pods in about 3 hours.
“Ray is incredibly informative about all things sea and those which live in it. He a fun, conscientious driver who can turn on a dime when he sees something good!”
San Diego 3-hour whale watching cruise from $34. Quick sea lion sightings, small-group boat, onboard natural history, and ocean wildlife.
“Great trip! We saw a total of 4 whales and the most beautiful pod of dolphins. The crew was wonderful as well.”
A private 3-hour whale and dolphin boat charter from San Diego, with an enclosed cabin, observation tower, and a USCG-certified captain.
“Captain Rich put us right on the whales, but the huge pod of dolphins was the star of the day! Great trip!!”
Up close dolphin and whale watching from Oceanside on a small boat with a guide, short cruise, and $85 all-in pricing.
“This was an amazing experience, the tour guide was amazing, sweet and so caring. Definitely worth the funds. Trust this is a great experience to go with both friends and loved ones. Bring a jacket!”
San Diego sunset cruise with a naturalist guide spotting dolphins, whale breaches, sea lions, and birds on a smooth 2.5–3 hour ride.
“Great! Saw over 1000 common dolphins! Great team and caring service!”
Every neighborhood, every stretch of coast, and every way to get out on the water.
