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
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
If you arrive after check in ends, you will miss the boat.
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
2,406 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glorious Day on the America!
Amy F,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was amazing! The yacht was gorgeous, the staff was so friendly and knowledgeable and the ocean and its inhabitants so beautiful! It was a glorious day! Highly highly recommend. Thank you!
Definitely book this experience
226brianab,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a once in a lifetime experience for me and it was incredible!! The crew are all so kind and knowledgeable, the sailboat is gorgeous, and I saw so many dolphins and a couple of whales!! I highly recommend booking this experience. I felt as if I was transported into another world…especially as someone who lives in a landlocked state in the middle of a valley lol. The dolphins had me giggling and the whales had me in awe.
Beautiful view, wouldn’t return
Emily H,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00While the views were stunning and it was a beautiful day, this is a cruise I would likely not return to or recommend to a friend. We did not see any whales and I appreciate them giving us the opportunity to come back for free, as this is completely not their fault. The cruise itself was lovely. I guess I was under the impression it would be more private and fewer people? Not a sold out event of nearly 80 people and several dogs. The seats themselves are hard and angled, so after 4 hours it’s decently uncomfortable. Going back into the harbor nearly an hour early was also unexpected and not explained, although I couldn’t hear the gal using the mic very well. There seemed to be some tension between the crew and we noticed some awkward/tense interactions during and at the end while docking. All in all, was a bit disappointing. Wanted to suprise my partner with a whale watching cruise, didnt get that.
Struck out on whales, but an awesome experiences anyway!
Adam W,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. While we unfortunately struck out on seeing whales, Fathom and the rest of the crew were absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to spend a few hours relaxing on a boat cruising around the ocean. The crew was very knowledgeable about landmarks and history of the area. Would definitely recommend taking a bag with extra clothes, snacks, and drinks. It gets a bit chilly on the open water, so we were very glad to have extra hoodies/jackets. Having your own snacks/drinks isn't necessary, but it made the trip really awesome. If you're taking kids, I would definitely recommend packing snacks & drinks for them.
A whale of an experience!
Jacob S,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and crew on a beautiful boat. Enjoyed every minute. Crew shared a lot of information of all the surroundings and the whales while also allowing space and time to relax and enjoy the views. Very accommodating, kind, and helpful staff. My wife and kids loved it!
Fun for Families!
Allison T,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a ton of fun on this tour; most of it is riding, but the boat is cool and they let the kids pull some rigging, which they loved.
Dress warm, and don’t be...
Kameron G,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dress warm, and don’t be afraid to let the crew know if you get sick. It’s extremely common for people to get sea sick, and the crew handled it amazingly
The America Sailboat Whale-Watching Cruise
Yevgeniya B,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great experience all around!!! First of all, the cruise is on The America sailboat that is beautiful in itself. Secondly, Captain and the crew are so knowledgeable and made the cruise very informative. We did get to see multiple whale and baby whale sightings. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary (alcoholic are $5-7). Totally would recommend!
The America Sailboat Whale-Watching Cruise
264janeb,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience all around!!! First of all, the cruise is on The America sailboat that is beautiful in itself. Secondly, Captain and the crew are so knowledgeable and made the cruise very informative. We did get to see multiple whale and baby whale sightings. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary (alcoholic are $5-7). Totally would recommend!
Whale Watch
Alejandra K,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will ride in a beautiful tall ship. Everything was enjoyable. We got to see whales, dolphins and sea lions. Will recommend 100 %
From US$85.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing