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!
Adult Ticket for ages 13-99 years old. Child Ticket for ages 0-12.
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
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
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
Sodas and snacks
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
2,431 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun day sailing
Donald S,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable and scenic. We saw whales, dolphins, and sea lions. The crew members were very knowledgeable about the sealife we observed.
Beautiful couple of hours on the waves in a historic yacht, and some sea-life sightings.
Discover50880730430,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly and knowledgeable crew. Beautiful boat.
Great afternoon on the ocean
Arthur F,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day on the ocean. Beautiful sailing ship. Friendly informative crew, and the whales and dolphins showed up
N/a
Nancy w,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was so friendly and knowledgeable. We learned about the sailboat history, whales and about the other types of boats and what they were doing in the water.
Beautiful day at sea - this sailing trip is highly recommended
Petra-Verena,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended! Even though we didn’t see so many whales due to the seasons, the sailing trip was just beautiful. The crew is super nice and accommodating and it explains a lot what you see on the way. We would definitely do it again and can only recommend it.
Sailing, whales, and more
teresacH1143OH,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This sailboat was absolutely amazing! Such an adventure. I did see a Fin whale, common dolphins which, sea lions, and so many interesting naval vessels. Beautiful sailing with an awesome crew!
Stunning weather,...
Stephanie R,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stunning weather, gorgeous sailboat, and an amazing, knowledgeable crew. Being on the water feeds my soul & this experience was like coming home. Saw sea lions, dolphins, a fin whale, and tons of birds. Even had a puppers keeping us safe! Crew answered any & all questions, handled anyone with sea sickness kindly, and provided tons of info not only about the sealife but all the military activities going on around us. I was a solo traveler & felt really comfortable as well. 10 out of 10 recommend. Very cool!
the great blue
Jeanie B,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was beautiful. The crew was knowledgable. We saw fin whales, blue whales and humpback whales. It was fantastic
Amazing day with great crew aboard a beautiful yacht!
Jennifer M,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience is amazing! The weather on the way out was colder than on the way back but it was tolerable. We saw 3 kinds of whales as well as dolphin and sea lions! The crew are very knowledgeable and experienced so it makes the trip much better. The whole experience was so much fun even as a solo. Would definitely go again with the crew!!! I would recommend taking some sort of motion sickness prior to going if you have any chance of getting sick. I get seasickness but I did alright as long as I stayed seated and kept the breeze in my face. I also didn’t eat or drink a lot prior to boarding.
This was such a fun...
Kevin M,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun experience! The boat was incredible, staff was amazing, everything was really great. So glad we decided to do it. I really recommend these guys.
From US$85.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing