San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Spot migrating whales and playful dolphins off the San Diego coast with onboard marine biologists.

From$62/ person

Duration

2.5–3 hrs

Includes

Biologist guide, Free return pass

Highlights

Sail from Mission Bay on a 2.5–3 hour wildlife cruise to search for whales and dolphins year-round. Marine biologists share live commentary as you scan the Pacific for breaches and bow-riding dolphins.

Watch migrating gray, blue and fin whales close to shore
Spot playful pods of common and bottlenose dolphins
Learn fascinating facts from onboard biologists
Capture sweeping ocean views from spacious decks
Receive a free return pass if no whales or dolphins appear

Things to know

Please dress in layers; temperatures on the water can be 10–15°F cooler than on land. Wear non-slip footwear and do not bring glass containers or alcohol.

Cancellation policy

Full refund or credit with at least 24 hours' notice. Full refund or credit if the operator cancels before departure due to weather or other factors. No-shows are charged in full. Trips may be canceled for low enrollment or weather.

Meeting location

1617 Quivira Rd., San Diego, CA

Experience provided by San Diego Whale Watch

Handpicked for you, so you can book with confidence

Best local prices
Flexible cancellation
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Each booking directly supports small businesses in our community.

San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Spot migrating whales and playful dolphins off the San Diego coast with onboard marine biologists.

From$62/ person

Duration

2.5–3 hrs

Includes

Biologist guide, Free return pass

Highlights

Watch migrating gray, blue and fin whales close to shore
Spot playful pods of common and bottlenose dolphins
Learn fascinating facts from onboard biologists
Capture sweeping ocean views from spacious decks
Receive a free return pass if no whales or dolphins appear

Things to know

Please dress in layers; temperatures on the water can be 10–15°F cooler than on land. Wear non-slip footwear and do not bring glass containers or alcohol.

Cancellation policy

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

3.8K reviewsGoogle Maps

The crew consistently stands out as the heart of this operation. Reviewers repeatedly praise the naturalists and staff for being knowledgeable, attentive, and going above and beyond to ensure everyone has a great time. They're particularly noted for helping seasick passengers, checking in frequently on guests' needs, and working hard to find wildlife even when sightings are initially slow. The VIP upgrade gets specific mentions as worthwhile for those wanting premium positioning. Wildlife sightings vary by trip, but most guests report seeing something memorable, from massive pods of dolphins to humpback whales breaching multiple times. Some trips deliver hundreds of dolphins circling the boat, while others might yield just one whale sighting after patient searching. The ride out can be rough (about an hour each way), and you'll need layers since temperatures fluctuate significantly on the water. The naturalists do an excellent job explaining animal behavior and helping guests anticipate photo opportunities, which adds educational value beyond just spotting wildlife. Even on trips with limited sightings, guests seem to appreciate the peaceful ocean experience and the crew's genuine effort to make it special.

What people are saying

Had a great time out on the water with San Diego Whale Watch! We were on the "Inspiration," which the crew said was one of their newer boats—and it was a smooth ride. The crew was fantastic, super friendly, and full of interesting facts. While the whales must have been having a spa day and decided not to show up, the dolphins more than made up for it. We saw tons of them, including some adorable babies! The water was stunningly beautiful, so even on a day when the whales are playing hide-and-seek, it's still a gorgeous cruise. Plus, the free refills on soft drinks are a nice touch, especially for those of us who tend to get a little thirsty from all the dolphin-spotting excitement. It's definitely a fun and family-friendly activity, even if the whales decide to ghost you!