Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

Venture out into the open ocean on a San Diego whale-watching cruise
See whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural environment
Boat captain and onboard biologists know the best places to look for wildlife
Cruise across scenic Mission Bay with a convenient departure point

What's Included

Marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Our Ticket / check-in booth is a small grey booth between H2O rentals and the Fish & Chips shop facing the marina. [Click this link for our exact check in location](https://goo.gl/maps/2hJEu6fC3pR2)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Ocean Beach (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Gretchen_J

This experience was incredible! The staff was so accommodating. The Captain was so knowledgeable. He knew the behavior of the whales, which made it easier to get pictures and videos. I highly recommend this tour.

Reviews

4.5

1,049 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 1,049 reviews

I'd do it again with Viator!

Dawn_B, Apr 2024

Excellent navigation of what was happening. Kept us informed. When we did find whales, it was interesting to get information on what species we were seeing, what to look for and their natural migration, feeding habits, etc.

Good Family Activity

Joydeep_B, Apr 2024

Good crew, helpful , now where to go to find the Wheal . Nice boat . Well maintained. Good location. Family owned so they listen to people .

Great

marieLouise_M, Apr 2024

Lots of fun and very relaxing on the water. Great. I have nothing more to say .thank you. Nnmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnmnmnnn

Great day out on the ocean

Erica_S, Apr 2024

The deckhands were amazing and so attentive to the guests. Definition We didn’t see any whales, but we saw a ton of dolphins. It was a great experience being out in the ocean. The crew even stopped and picked up some trash out of the ocean, which I was really impressed by.

Great!!

Maximus_J, Apr 2024

You pay to see whales… and Whales you see. Pretty cool.!! Amazing way to see the coast and the Beaty of San Diego !!

So many dolphins.

Samantha_B, Apr 2024

Amazing tour team and we got to see 3 fun whales and around 100 dolphins. The dolphins swam under and around us then gave a rushing line across the bow of the ship.

FIN WHALE AND DOLPHINS

Drea_S, Apr 2024

Very knowledgeable, crew was nice and accommodating, my daughter got sea sick and they were very nice helping her. They one member went and purchased her a hoodie with my card, brought her vomit bags, peppermint, and anytime i would get up to use the restroom or walk to the other side of the boat she stood beside her. We went really far out into the ocean. it was kind of scary. I recommend taking dramamine prior to getting on the boat for the full experience. I was inhibited to seeing the whales due to caring for my teen.

Amazing wildlife and accommodating staff

Carly_W, Apr 2024

This was the highlight of our trip! We saw a huge pod of dolphins that swam along our boat, 2 fin whales that swam within 50 feet of the boat, and a feeding frenzy of more dolphins and pelicans. The staff was very accommodating and knowledgeable on top of that. 10/10!

Amazing crew great experience

Elmedina_J, Apr 2024

Crew is extremely nice and knowledgeable We come out from Chicago and our whale watch was amazing! We seen whales, dolphins and many birds seals. Yes book this even if you don’t see whales the Pacific Ocean is amazing.

Beautiful sights and wonderful time

Mary_F, Apr 2024

It was amazing!! We saw a whale and we followed with seeing it four times. It was pretty close to the boat too! Saw many dolphins, sea lions, many types of birds and jellies. The back of the boat gives best views but they also tell people to go to the back of you feel sick and about 10 people got sick. Unless you know for sure you don't get sea sick take preventative medication!! It is a wonderful experience Don't have it ruined by sea sickness. They have stuff on board to take. The staff is amazing and attentive. A all around wonderful time!

Whale Watching

David_A, Mar 2024

Great experience! Amazing crew! Best whale watching event ever! Very easy to find the place and very affordable.

Fantastic experience

Kerstin_N, Mar 2024

So fun watching the dolphins all around the boat. The naturalist was very knowledgeable and took great pics of the journey. A great experience-would do it again.

An exciting time at sea.

JERRY_W, Mar 2024

The ride out to the continental drop off was rough but exciting and memorable. As we arrived at that location a school of dolphins swam alongside our boat. Then we saw a pod of whales. It was a great day, which I and my grandchildren will neve4 forget.

San Diego Whales !

Roger_M, Mar 2024

It was a beautiful day and we were able to see four gray whales and a sea lion. The crew was super friendly and knowledgeable.

Go see the whales!!

Beth_B, Mar 2024

We had the BEST time! Whales and dolphins were easy for Captain Brian to find.. Vanessa, the on board biologist rattled off facts about the wildlife that was fun and informative. Great choice for a fun family day!!

Avoid like the plague

Jeffrey_P, Mar 2024

Cancelled with little notice, no explanation and so far no refund. Avoid. What more can I say. Found an alternative that were better located and cheaper

Lovely trip

Julia_C, Mar 2024

We were unlucky that there was a huge number of naval ships in the water the day we went and whales were scarce but the crew went above and beyond to go further out than normal to find us some whales. We did eventually see a few and with good weather it was a a great boat trip regardless as the crew pointed out sights and gave us some interesting facts along the way.

Great Trip

Susan_N, Feb 2024

The staff was very nice and competent. They explained everything about the animals we saw we were able to see several whales and a lot of dolphins. It was a very nice trip I would recommend it.

Gray Whale Highway

Kathryn_F, Feb 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip! We got so lucky the seas were quiet and glassy with very little wind. We saw 2 gray whales, spouting, and even breaching several times! We harbor seals, and lots of birds but the highlight of the day was a huge pod of Common Dolphins. Hundreds of dolphins swimming, jumping and showing off for us. Incredible! The guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic ~ the experience was memorable and would definitely go again!

Awesome trip!

Dora_N, Feb 2024

2 whales playing around and going back and forth under our boat, then popping up to mug for us! Crew was informative, fun and enthusiastic! Great value for the price!

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