Step aboard the legendary 139-foot schooner America and let Next Level Sailing carry you across San Diego’s sparkling waters. Their Coast Guard–inspected crew blends seasoned seamanship with genuine local warmth, guiding you on gr...
The crew aboard the historic replica yacht America consistently earns praise for their warmth and expertise. Captain, Diane, Ed, Axel, and Jonathan (plus Marie, the ship's dog!) create an engaging atmosphere with storytelling, marine life facts, and genuine enthusiasm for their work. Guests appreciate how attentive the staff is to everyone's comfort, helping with seasickness when needed and providing complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the journey. What really stands out is how genuinely pet-friendly this operation is. Multiple reviewers mention the crew going above and beyond for their dogs, providing beds, water bowls, and plenty of attention. Wildlife sightings vary by day—some guests saw orcas, humpbacks, and blue whales while others encountered massive dolphin pods or no whales at all. Even on days when whales don't appear, most travelers still rave about the sailing experience itself and the beautiful boat. The four-hour tours on the open water feel like authentic adventures, and the company offers return trips if wildlife doesn't cooperate, showing their commitment to customer satisfaction.
As someone who gets seasickness it wasn’t that bad. I took some meds prior to going so that helped. NOW…..This is an amazing experience! We saw Blue Whales, fin whales and a Humpback along with dolphins and sea lions. The crew were very knowledgeable and professional and I feel made the experience enjoyable.
Jennifer Mack
May 1, 2026
As someone who gets seasickness it wasn’t that bad. I took some meds prior to going so that helped. NOW…..This is an amazing experience! We saw Blue Whales, fin whales and a Humpback along with dolphins and sea lions. The crew were very knowledgeable and professional and I feel made the experience enjoyable.
Jennifer Mack
May 1, 2026