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
2,260 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Friendly and...
Carlos d,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly and knowledgeable crew that keep you entertained. Seeing the animals is not guaranteed for a single trip.
The best experience.
Paul K,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience with a great crew. Could not have been better. We enjoyed it tremendously.
The Perfect San Diego Experience
Jim P,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife rated this as her favorite experience on our honeymoon and I have to agree. We got lucky and saw 2 different specials of whale. Besides that, being on the boat felt very relaxing. The staff here are incredibly patient and very knowledgeable. You can tell they really care about all the animals.
Excellent experience for family
Rahul R,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on thanksgiving weekend and it was an awesome experience. Staff was very very friendly and was careful of comfort and safety. Restroom on board was very clean, they even had blankets for folks who were unprepared for cold weather. We were able to see two species of whales in one trip but no dolphins. Overall an excellent experience.
Highlight of San Diego Trip!
Tse Shao C,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highlight of my San Diego trip! Nice crews. Fun sailing. We saw both humpback whales and gray whales! Can even have our dog on board with us! Love it. Will be back again to see other types of whales.
Must do in SD
Amy H,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was very accommodating and helpful. They were informative and openly communicative. We had a great time, the crew was respective of both the passengers and whales.
On top
Eloise C,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was well organized. We haven't seen whales, we've seen dolphins. It was definitely worth it!
Great experience
F1069MSmelaniep,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing. The tour guides were great and the humpback whale that decided to surprise us was so cool. The playful dolphins were a joy to see.
Awesome!!!
F6143EZjoannep,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a perfect experiance for my sons 21st Birthday!!! The staff was great, it was a small group and the boat was beautiful. Definatly worth the price. A beautiful day on the water.
Bucket list trip for my wife to be.
Ronald D,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful excursion and the ship was wonderful and the crew was outstanding and very friendly v
From US$85.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing