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4 hours
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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
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!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
4.5-hr sailing cruise
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Sodas and snacks
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
2,127 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sara A,
May 28, 2025
- Viator
It's cold to start, Bring a blanket to sit on. It was amazing saw lots of dolphins and 3 whales. Be early 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Michael S,
May 23, 2025
- Viator
Bring your own lunch food. No red wine. We saw dolphins, no whales. Get to go again free because no whales were present.
Natila O,
May 20, 2025
- Viator
It was very uncomfortable seats, boarding experience did not see any whales not even one. It was waste of time and money.
Beverley T,
May 20, 2025
- Viator
The ride was terrific. We didn't get to see any whales but we got to see dolphins. They swam with the boat so we were able to watch them for at least an 1/2 hrs.
Brittanie M,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
It was a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone was so welcoming and sweet on the boat. The captain communicated so well. It was such a great time! We saw a lot of sea lions, dolphins and three blue whales. The water was a little choppy but we knew before hand because the captain told us before we even got on the boat. Even then, I didn’t get sick and the crew had things just in case people did get sick. My 3 year old son got rocked right to sleep with the waves. It was really fun. I 100% recommend going whale watching on this boat.
4.49
4.58
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4.65
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4.93
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4.99
4.09
Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing