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‘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
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
What To Expect
We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse to see many dolphins and whales.
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
2,210 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wooden 140ft sailboat. ...
Palma A,
Aug 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wooden 140ft sailboat. Snacks and drinks available. 4 hour cruise. Attentive crew focused on safety.
Great job! Very...
Sheryl A,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great job! Very knowledgeable and informative. I would definitely recommend them. We saw a pod of dolphins and a whale.
Sailing
bobnwil1,
Aug 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00A great experience, everything they said in the ads. What a new experience, sailing, what an enjoyment !
5 stars!
Andrea P,
Aug 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00A friend and I took the 11 a.m. whale cruise. The captain, tour speaker, and first mates were all diligent in their jobs, explaining everything while being extremely time-efficient, which gave us a great experience! There were snacks/water on board; they were safety-conscious, had charts and pictures to facilitate further learning about the things we encountered, answered all questions, and were extremely knowledgeable. Above and beyond was when one of the crew took incredible pictures and videos and airdropped them to whoever wanted them! They also offered to take pictures of each party on the boat! I don't often write reviews, but this experience warranted one! It will be a memory for a lifetime!
All aboard!
Deborah M,
Aug 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Prepare with sunscreen and snacks. Seasickness patches worked for us. The crew is amazing. So knowledgeable and so professional. You can feel their love for the sea and her animals. Deck dog, Marie listens for the sounds of sea life. Watching her excitement is the cherry on the top when you see the dolphins and whales. We saw the smallest whale and I was shocked at how big it was. The dolphins are such show offs! Bursts of excitement in between long stretches of simply sailing. Seating is not comfortable. Water and soda provided. Two small snacks so bring your own.
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing