San Diego · WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING CRUISES
15 reviewed
Gray whales pass San Diego December through April and the big blues and fins feed offshore all summer, with dolphin pods running year round. Here are the best whale and dolphin cruises: which sail from the harbor, which carry a naturalist, how long they stay out and what a seat costs in each season.
Sail the historic schooner America on a 4.5-hour San Diego whale cruise with wind power, expert narration, snacks, and a whale guarantee.
“Loved this so much. The boat itself is worth it, and then BONUS to see the sea life. The team is so informed, caring, thoughtful, and wonderful teachers.”
San Diego whale watching from Mission Bay. 2–3 hours with naturalists, Mission Beach sights, and real-time whales and dolphins spotting.
“It was an excellent adventure. The staff was very knowledgeable and functioned in a very professional manner. The announcements were hard to hear over the system at times because of other noises and the ohs and ahhs of all the passengers. All in all it was a very enjoyable and very entertaining experience and we learned a lot about dolphins, whales and sea lions. We will definitely go again the next time we are in San Diego.”
3.5-hour San Diego whale watching cruise from 990 N Harbor Dr with indoor/outdoor decks, naturalist commentary, and flexible departures.
“Fun and we saw multiple whales. The company was persistent and really worked to find whales an was successful!”
A 3.5-hour San Diego Bay whale watch on a two-story yacht with expert live commentary, 360-degree views, and gray whales in season.
“well narrated, very informative even for those who have previously been whale watching”
See dolphins and whales on a Mission Bay sunset cruise in San Diego, with a certified guide and time on the water for golden views.
“This was the highlight of San Diego! So fun seeing whales and dolphins. Staff was extremely nice as well”
A 3.5–4-hour San Diego cruise for whales and dolphins off the Pacific, with Natural History Museum narration and guaranteed sightings or a pass.
“only got to see one whale in the distance but it was not for lack of trying on the staff's part. Service is good. I recommend motion sickness medicine as many other participants got sea sick. We saw lots of dolphins and a few sea lions. They gave out free tickets for a weekday trip still.”
A family-run whale watching cruise from Mission Bay with live marine-biologist narration, indoor and outdoor seating, and great wildlife chances year-round.
“Saw blue whale, and many common dolphins. Wonderful trip”
Spot gray whales, dolphins, and more on a 3–4 hour cruise from San Diego Bay, with naturalists aboard and a whale-check guarantee.
“We received texts and emails from this place saying the look forward to seeing us at the 9am tour Sunday August 18th. We left a hour early and the ride there said 11 minutes according to google maps. We were 4 minutes from the destination downtown San Diego and there was a marathon that day! The streets were blocked off every where! We tried calling the company which the only phone it went to was th viator number. We had no direct communication to this company! They had all my information and could have reached out to me letting me know there was a marathon that was happening and couldn't…”
A 3-hour whale watch from Mission Bay to La Jolla Canyon on a modern 80-ft boat. $34, bar, bathrooms, and a whale guarantee.
“An amazing experience We got to see whales and dolphins 👌🏼”
Small-group whale and dolphin watching from Mission Bay on a 22' boat with life jackets and windbreakers for $149 per person.
“This was really fun and exciting! Easily a top 5 experience as far as excursions I've taken before. Our tour operator Alyssa was extremely knowledgeable and personable as well. Since the boat is small it allows for a much personal experience with the dolphins and much more thrilling experience while traveling a few miles out into the ocean. The only down side is we didn't see any whales but the dolphins made up for it. I'd highly recommend this experience”
3-hour whale watching cruise from San Diego with sea lions, dolphins, and a small 20-guest boat. Restroom and parking included.
“Nice outing, got to see 5 whales and 2 sealions in the water. Would be a much better experience if they're wasn't so many people. The loud beer drinking Germans didn't help the overall experience much, but the boat did sell them the beer. We were out the full 3 hours.”
Private 3-hour San Diego whale and dolphin charter for up to 6. Captain Rich, enclosed cabin, observation tower, water included.
“Incredible! The dolphins and the whales were breathtaking! Captain was so knowledgeable and gave us every opportunity to enjoy the marine life around us.”
San Diego sunset cruise spotting dolphins and whales with a live naturalist. Look for pods, breeches, and sea birds over 2–3 hours.
“We saw a huge pod of dolphins and three whales hunting. It was a lovely day on the Pacific Ocean.”
Luxury San Diego whale watching on the Peregrine with A/C comfort, stabilizers, and expert naturalists. Spot whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
“Was fantastic! Captain Quinn great! I recommend going to Groupon first as there was a deal for half of what we paid. We saw a fin whale, and a gray whale! Saw the gray whales rear fin twice! And the blow holes of both whales!!”
A small-group 3-hour San Diego zodiac whale and dolphin watch with expert guides, life jackets, and a real shot at gray whales and dolphins.
“Got really lucky the day we went out with Captain Bree! She was fantastic giving us just the right amount of information, ensuring our safety, and getting us as close as legally possible to the sealife. Ride in the Zodiac was a thrill, too!”
