San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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
Additional Info
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse to see sea lions, dolphins and whales.
What‘s Included
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
If you arrive after check in ends, you will miss the boat.
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
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
2,392 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Jkflynn,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience to have! The staff were kind and courteous, pointing out the whales and making sure all of the passengers were safe and could see the views. The trip was beautiful, we saw two humpback whales breaching and many fin whales!! Would definitely book again.
Lovely experience. The...
Ashley R,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely experience. The boat is amazing and was very smooth on the day we went out. We got to see a breaching humpback whale and a pod of four fin whales. They made sure everyone on the boat could see and they took some videos and shared them with us so we could be present and enjoy the experience!!
Excellent Adventure
Kathleen M,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is my third time on the America sailboat. I am never disappointed. The entire experience is such a joy! We always see whales. This time it was 3 Fit whales and a Humpback.
The staff was amazing and...
Micah L,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was amazing and knowledgeable. The whales and dolphins were unbelievable. I highly recommend this group.
Saw SO many whales....
Lisa B,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Saw SO many whales. Humpbacks were breeching and fin whales came so close. Incredible crew. Capt Tony and Fathom were the best.
It's worth the money!
I3046ZSjamesc,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew and cruise! We got to see several whales and sea lions! Fathom did an excellent job of narrating and answering questions. I would highly recommend this cruise. We greatly enjoyed it.
Great experience!
Aurora R,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff were very friendly, informative and accomodating. Yes I recommend this experience!
Great experience! ...
Anna P,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Beautiful sailboat and crew and especially loved Milo! Thank you for a great trip!
Grey Whale in the Bay
jackkS3723QL,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience on the America! A rare whale sighting in the bay provided a great chance to educate on the Grey Whale population and potentially help a whale at risk. Fathom was such a pro! Funny, skilled, and great with the kiddos. Out at sea we were amongst a large pod (200-300) Common Dolphins putting on quite a show. Fathom also went out of her way to capture some amazing videos which she air-dropped to us before we left. All the staff were super friendly and accommodating!
Excellent whale watching tour.
Jennifer S,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive staff! Saw lots of whales. Fin whales and humpbacks. Plenty of seating. Can move around easily.
From US$85.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing