San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Set sail from scenic Mission Bay and encounter some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures on a 2–3 hour whale-watching adventure in San Diego. Time can vary based on the season and locations of sightings.
In just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay behind and be out in the open Pacific, scanning for whales, dolphins, and other fascinating marine life. Led by an expert guide and naturalist alongside a skilled captain, every moment is an opportunity for an extraordinary encounter.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your departure time
Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is smart casual. The ocean is between 10°-15° cooler than the bay
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
South Mission Beach Park
South Mission Bay Park sits at the southern tip of the Mission Beach peninsula in San Diego, right where the ocean meets the bay channel. The Ocean Front Walk begins at the South Mission Bay and runs north/up the peninsula for biking, jogging, or strolling. Fire pits make this a nice spot for an evening bonfire by the beach.
Ocean Beach
After setting sail from Mission Bay, you'll head towards the open Pacific Ocean. In just 10 minutes, you'll pass through the jetties and enjoy a scenic view of Ocean Beach's famous Dog Beach and the iconic Ocean Beach Pier before venturing into the vast blue waters.
What‘s Included
Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
Free Parking on Quivira Road
Restroom on board
Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
Alcoholic Beverages - Available for purchase after 3 miles
Soda/pop/snacks - available for purchase
Optional Gratuities
Parking Fees - Free Parking on Quivira Road only
Priority Boarding available upgrade for $10.00 a person
Binocular Rentals available for $6.00 a pair
Options
Whale Watching Tour
Reviews
1,594 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day had by all
Laurie O,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time! It was a beautiful day and the crew was really great. Everybody was super friendly and nice. We had a great day.
Best thing to do in San Diego!
Matthew S,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a fantastic experience, the team were friendly and knowledgeable and having a naturalist answer your questions is amazing. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting San Diego
Super San Diego Whale Safari's
Jay D,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw a review of this company 1 year ago in The Times of London newspaper. We came from the UK for this & a cruise to The Sea of Cortez. We did the sunset cruise on Friday & the 1030hrs on Saturday. Lots of dolphins Friday & numerous grey whales Saturday. The Captain used a drone to get over the Whales which made spotting easier as the naturalist was able to announce their blowing & dives in advance. Attentive crew that made us feel safe, comfortable & cared for. Fab company. Do go
Whales. But No Dolphins.
Jeff J,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The Crew was great. Found a Pod of Whales. Spent an Hour Looking for Dolphins. No Luck. Enjoyed the Cruise.
Enjoyable sailing
Hephzibah C,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly crew! Enjoyed Jennifer’s commentary and the friendly service provided by the deck hands. Smooth sailing with a competent captain! We didn’t see whales but we did catch glimpses of dolphins. The only thing I would recommend is dress in layers. By the end I was freezing without a windbreaker!
Dolphins ruled the day
Bill D,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whales took the day off, but we saw plenty of dolphins up close. The boat is spacious, leaves right on time, and the crew is very helpful. They are constantly checking the passengers to see if any are experiencing motion sickness, and, if so, have remedies to make the trip as pleasant as possible. Although the seas were not choppy, there were swells that made it difficult to stand without holding onto something, or someone. Definitely take precautions if you are prone to motion sickness.
Experience of a lifetime
antoniasC682AB,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was so lucky to experience a once in a lifetime sighting of a super pod of dolphins in a feeding frenzy of terns, pelicans and sea lions... approximately 600 dolphins surrounding the boat. Literally the experience of a lifetime. The staff were super helpful and friendly and really knew their stuff. The crew were respectful of the animals and tried not to crowd the animals, although the dolphins seemed to enjoy the presence of the boat and followed us. Altogether highly recommended.
The best part of our trip to San Diego
John K,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip. The boat and the crew/naturalist made this fun as well as educational. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue water, sunshine and a nice boat ride … what’s not to love? This was the best of our many experiences while vacationing in San Diego! Do not pass up this company and their whale watching trip. Highly recommended tour.
Fin Whale, Grey Whale, extra large pod of common dolphins and one sea lion, we saw it all.
Eric F,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an excellent adventure. The staff was very knowledgeable and functioned in a very professional manner. The announcements were hard to hear over the system at times because of other noises and the ohs and ahhs of all the passengers. All in all it was a very enjoyable and very entertaining experience and we learned a lot about dolphins, whales and sea lions. We will definitely go again the next time we are in San Diego.
A whale of a day
Kenneth H,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat 🛥️ is great; not a ‘bad seat’ in the “house”. The crew is exceptional….especially the captain (who has an eye for spotting whales) and the naturalist who offered whale 🐳 info in an engaging, interesting way. This was a spectacular experience.
From US$71.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching LLC