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
2,300 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jan 23 2026 Tour.
Mauricio S,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Great staff! Informative and friendly. Highly recommend this tour if you are in San Diego for a few days. Fun ship and lots of whales.
Great experience and skilled crew
WorldTraveller010111,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very streamlined arrangements right from the time you book the sailing to the final execution. The crew is very skilled and provides very useful and pertinent information to the customers. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Do this one!
Sara M,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved 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.
Beautiful ship - great day on the water
Chris D,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun day - lots of sightings. We quickly saw a grey whale and her baby among hundreds of dolphins. The crew went out of their way to make sure everyone had a great time and was well cared for. We will definitely go out with them again. Thanks!
Best day ever!
Theresa A,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I took my sister-in-law visiting from Illinois and my 8 yr old grandson. My sister-in-law enjoyed the day, loved the trip and the weather. My grandson said it was "his best day ever!" He likes boats and He loves animals. He knows so much about whales and was just thrilled to see a mommy and her baby, and the dolphins were a special treat. He told his mom and dad he thought he saw 500 of them. I am sure he will be taking this trip again with his parents. The crew was excellent. They were all very personable and great communicators. Marie was a hoot, we just loved her. This could not have not have been a better day.
Great day
Edie N,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very professional crew. Grandson helped hoist the sails! Saw a few whales and lots of dolphins. Dress warmly! Blankets, soft drinks, snacks (chips, etc.) provided. Bring some lunch.
Amazing time on the...
Jill B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing time on the water! We saw two groups of grey whales, sea lions, dolphins and learned a lot from the crew. Recommend!
Such a lovely day out on...
Carlos C,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a lovely day out on the water. The crew of the America made sure that everyone on board was having a wonderful time. We saw a gray whale and her calf migrating south, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions. Crew was professional and knowledgeable and shared lots of wonderful facts about the animals that we were watching and San Diego landmarks. Be sure to book this adventure, it is awesome.
Fantastic experience!
Resort02404972057,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time. Everyone was so knowledgeable and we were lucky enough to see a mama whale with her new born calf. Not only did we see whales, but we saw dolphins and sea lions as well. Highly recommend!!
No iiPhone for tour video
Barre M,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Didnt receive email with lino to captured video since I dont have an iPhone. But tour was nice watching 1 momma whale and babt
From US$85.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing