San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

4.8 (2,547 Viator reviews) 4 hrs San Diego area

Breaching Humpback!
Kids folding the American Flag
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise and Maritime Museum Entry
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise and Maritime Museum Entry
View of Orcas from the Yacht America

Photos: Viator · 7 more on Viator

About this activity

Whale watching season is all year long in San Diego! Our team at Next Level Sailing provides the optimal experience with guides so experienced we received a 100 percent success rate during winter whale watching when spotting the King of the Deep.

We are one of the best outdoor activities to do in San Diego. Gray whale watching season spans from mid-December through April. Blue whales and fin whales are seen feeding in San Diego from April - August. Humpback whales and minke whales are seen throughout the year, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. Aboard our 141-foot sailing yacht, the Yacht America, you will see a plethora of whales firsthand in their natural habitat. In addition to whales, we also see dolphins and sea lions, and an abundance of naval activity. Don't be surprised if you see an F-18 fly overhead!

Bring your own picnic, friends, and family for a wonderful day out on the water

What's included

  • Approximately 4 hours (3.5-4.5 hours depending on weather)
  • Sightings Guarantee: No whales or dolphins? Come back for free (no expiration, non-transferable)
  • Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
  • No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
  • All safety equipment and life jackets
  • Sodas and snacks
  • Restroom facilities onboard
  • Live guide with marine wildlife commentary
  • Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner)

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included
  • Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Check in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before. If you arrive after check in, you will miss the boat. Check in flag located across street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Additional Information will show specific check in times.

End point: Check in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before. If you arrive after check in, you will miss the boat. Check in flag located across street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Additional Information will show specific check in times.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss the boarding options as we have had guests with wheelchairs enjoy this experience. We do have 5 steps in order to board the vessel. There is a single step in the deck. Please call Thank you!
  • Adult Ticket for ages 13-99 years old. Child Ticket for ages 0-12.
  • 9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • 11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
  • 1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
  • 2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8/5

2,547 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star2,249
  • 4 star175
  • 3 star76
  • 2 star27
  • 1 star20

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

119 RV rentals with pickup within 25 miles of the center of San Diego; showing the top 6.

See all RV rentals near San Diego · RV rentals in Coronado

Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of San Diego (Viator lists this tour under San Diego; it has no meeting-point coordinates).