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
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
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.
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
2,252 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best day ever!!!
Christopher S,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dress in layers for sure, it gets cold and windy out on the water. We had the best time on this adventure! We seen so many dolphins and we were able to see 3 different humpback whales! Backs and drinks are provided. The crew is so knowledgeable about the whales and friendly! And Marie, the dog is so smart at alerting you that whales are dolphins are close by! Book the trip, you won’t regret it, was absolutely amazing start to finish! Best day ever!
Great experience. ...
Mari A,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Beautiful boat. Knowledgable crew. Easy to book. Very accurate email instructions.
A beautiful day!
Sandy G,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The ship is beautiful. The staff exceptionally friendly and capable. We were guaranteed to see a whale, and as that sadly did not happen, we are invited to come back anytime (no expiration!) for another sail absolutely free. Can’t beat that deal!
Great experience
Kaselda M,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone was so nice. Fathom was so personable and so knowledgeable. I didn't see any whales bit what a beautiful experience on the boat. I look forward to coming back.
Beautiful ship and Fabulous crew!
Emily S,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredibly friendly, hospitable and knowledgeable crew. Highly recommend! We didn't see any whales but it was such a lovely day out on the water.
friends and beautiful ocean and boat
sirena704,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00super gorgeous and fun, went with a friend and an 8 year old, all had a good time, worth the money. wish we got more lucky to see more, but still nice
Excellent
Helen S,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So much fun. Crew is so polite and keeps you entertained the whole trip. Loved it! Just a wonderful activity to do while visiting San Diego.
Beautiful vessel and terrific crew - pick this one!
Karen F,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved everything about this adventure! The crew was engaging and the sailing smooth and we learned a long about the importance of the harbor to the community. Once we were out at sea we saw plenty of whale action and it was quiet and non threatening to the whales, who came quite close. Thanks for a fabulous afternoon.
Whale Watching Cruize
DeborahA E,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The ship, America, was beautiful. The tour guide/docent was awesome! I was beginning to have my doubts about an hour into the cruise, but then we ran into a huge group of dolphins who were 'stampeding' and soon after, saw several hump-back whales. The day was beautiful, the water was glassy; it couldn't have been a better trip!!
Great Day!!
Tracy W,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful day on a fantastic ship. Saw a lot of whales at a time of year they’re hard to find. Crew was great and shared their passion for whale watching.
From $85.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing