Category Whale Watching

San Diego · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best San Diego Whale Watching Trips

23 tours

Grey whales pass Point Loma from December to April and blues turn up through summer, so the right trip depends on the month you are here. These 15 sailings compare on boat size, trip length, price and sighting guarantee, with a note on which run from the harbor and which leave from Oceanside.

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

San Diego: Whale Watching Cruise - The real star: marine biologist narration that makes sightings click

1.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Sail on the America schooner replica for a 4.5-hour San Diego whale watch, with snacks, commentary, and a whale sighting guarantee.

“I took my daughter and three of her friends for her 16th birthday the 2nd of January. We had an amazing whale watching experience! The crew was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The boat was very nice and comfortable, and it never felt overly crowded, which made the experience even better. We were lucky enough to see two gray whales—a mom and her baby—migrating together, which was absolutely incredible. The crew shared so much informative and interesting information about the whales and other marine life throughout the trip. The complimentary snacks and sodas were a really nice bonus, and when one of the kids started feeling…”

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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Mission Beach and Ocean Beach views before you even start scanning

2.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

San Diego whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay. Spot gray whales and dolphins in open ocean, with onboard naturalists, snacks, and great views.

“Experience was amazing even with the rainfall we had that day. Staff was great and communicative. Wish their mic didn't have so many interruptions, but was still great! No complaints really, got to see some great stuff and wasn't expensive!”

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Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside - How the tour runs, from the Lighthouse kiosk to open water

3.Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 937 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

A 2-hour luxury catamaran whale watching cruise from Oceanside, led by certified naturalists along the San Diego coast.

“The perfect amount of time to spend out on the water, with really lovely views from a clean, modern boat. Our group was lucky to have stunning weather the day of our tour, unfortunately we were only able to see the fin of a minke whale and not much else. With the limited wildlife viewing, all tour participants were given back their ticket to do the tour again at a later date with the hope to see more wildlife another time.”

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

San Diego: Whale Watching Cruise - The real star: marine biologist narration that makes sightings click

4.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 663 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

A 3.5-hour San Diego whale-watching cruise with indoor and outdoor decks, expert commentary, and real chances to spot 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.”

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San Diego: Whale Watching Tour – Flagship Cruises & Events

San Diego: Whale Watching Tour - Flagship Cruises & Events - Checking In at the Flagship Booth and Finding Your Deck Flow

5.Whale Watching Tour – Flagship Cruises & Events

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 315 reviews · 3h 30m · from $54

San Diego whale watching on a two-story yacht with 360-degree views, free Wi-Fi, and expert commentary as gray whales migrate along the coast.

“What an amazing tour of the ocean wild life! Captain Brendan and his crew were top notch. There was education along with pure enjoyment. We saw four whales and dozens of dolphin—many swimming right alongside the boat. We were able to move throughout the boat to get the best views. The crew was great about directing the passengers to the ocean activity and amenities of the boat. It was good to have beverages and some snack/food options for purchase. I felt the ticket price was very fair for the value of the tour. Thanks for a great experience!”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise - Timing it right: what 2 to 3 hours feels like at sunset

6.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Catch San Diego’s sunset from Mission Bay Park while scanning for dolphins and whales on a 2 to 3 hour wildlife cruise.

“The crew members were very nice and knowledgeable, but we did not see any whales. We did see a pod of dolphins. We went so far out- about 10 miles in the ocean, and it was very choppy. Bring warm clothing! Be mindful Read more”

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San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise - The wildlife lineup: what you might see off San Diego

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

A 4-hour San Diego whale and dolphin watching cruise with Natural History Museum narration and a guaranteed sighting voucher.

“Saw many dolphins swimming along the ship. Furthermore lucky encountered a whale spouting. So excited, must see.”

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City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure - Boarding day vibe: the boat you are actually on

9.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

San Diego’s whale and dolphin cruise with onboard naturalists, skyline views, and a whale check if whales are not spotted.

“Crew and volunteers were great. Whales were incorporative. We could not get close. Could only see whales backs, few tails and lots air blows from a distance. We got to see a group of dolphins which came up to ship, that was great. Got to see sea lions too. Weather was cold and rainy. Maybe more info about the harbor and the sights.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego - USCG-approved gear and the real comfort wins

11.Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

San Diego whale and dolphin watching from Mission Bay on a small 22-foot boat, with USCG life jackets, windbreakers, and up-close sightings.

“We were able to see the dolphins and a gray whale, was magnificent experience! Ray is an excellent captain, highly skilled and knowledgeable. I recommend this experience to anyone who wants a close look of the dolphins and the whales💕”

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San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise - How the Crew Helps You See More Than You Would Alone

12.3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 106 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $34

3-hour whale watching from San Diego. Quick sea lions and lots of dolphins, then open-ocean searching for whales. Small group, $34.

“Wonderful! We were able to see dolphins and many whales. The staff were friendly and helpful. Gave us a great experience.”

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Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego - Inside the boat: cabin comfort plus tower-style spotting

13.Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $179

Private family whale and dolphin tour off San Diego with a USCG-certified captain, enclosed cabin, tower views, and bottled water.

“"Best birthday present ever! My mouth hurt from smiling so much, but I just couldn't stop. This was one of those core experiences for future marine biologists!" -- Mia, age 9. Captain Rich was super helpful and knowledgeable. We saw a blue whale, two fin whales, and a bazillion dolphins!”

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Up Close Dolphin & Whale Watching

Up Close Dolphin & Whale Watching - The 2-Hour Route: How the Guide Finds the Best Water

14.Up Close Dolphin & Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Small-boat dolphin and whale watching from Oceanside with a guide. Spot sea lions and dolphins, sometimes whales, on a 2-hour cruise.

“We went out with Captain Justine and had the greatest time. We seen a pod of Dolphins, there were hundreds of them. Then we seen a mom and baby humpback whales. Just the best time. Ask Captain Justine to hit it. You cannot go wrong!!!!”

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San Diego: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

San Diego: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise - Price and timing: is $70 a good value?

15.Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · from $70

A 2.5 to 3 hour San Diego sunset cruise with live naturalist commentary, dolphins, and possible whale sightings, plus a classic golden hour finish.

“We signed up for the sunset cruise day-of, and it looked like the most cost-effective last minute activity we could find. It was! We both really enjoyed it, and the crew was lovely. I would definitely go again.”

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