San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

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 poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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 - available for purchase

Snacks - available for purchase

Optional Gratuities

Parking - Free Parking on Quivira Road only

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Whale Watching Tour

Reviews

4.58

1,540 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1148

251

Dancing Whales
Harry S,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It takes about an hour to get to the whale area, but if you’re lucky, you will be mesmerized by the amazing sight of the blowing and swimming giant animals. We were overwhelmed by the experience.
Very Disappointing – Not Worth the Money
Mar S,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
We did not see a single whale, and only a few dolphins. The experience was nothing like what I expected from the description. Also, it was extremely cold out on the ocean with strong wind, but it never mentioned in the ticket information. Luckily I brought an extra jacket myself, otherwise I would have been freezing. The boat also has very limited indoor seating, so most of the time we had to stay outside in the cold, which made the trip really uncomfortable. For about $70 per person, this tour is definitely not worth it. For the same price in other places, you can get a much better environment, clearer information, and better service. Overall, I would not recommend this tour and I would not book it again.
Fun enjoyable Whale/Dolphin Tour
William K,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Had an amazing time on the Whale Watching Tour! Saw a few whales and dolphins, the tour guide was very friendly, knowledgeable providing interesting facts about whales. Would definitely recommend when visiting San Diego!
Dolphin Frenzy
Krissy D,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing crew! Fun and happy group. Saw 1000's of dolphins. AMAZING! Would recommend! Beautiful sunlight also.
Great experience!
Belkis A,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I highly recommend this experience. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I felt safe knowing we had such an experienced captain and staff! I got lucky and saw multiple sightings. When you get on board you can rent binoculars and purchase snacks, drinks, medicine, souvenirs, and merch. I even saw some hoodies and a blanket. Keep in mind that it’s colder once you get out into water so dress warmly/ in layers. I’ll definitely come again and bring family next time!
Dolphin cruise
Elizabeth A,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Saw a large pod of dolphins in a feeding frenzy Saw a humpback whale, but boat didn't stay with whale so we could see more. He went back to shore.
Get there early, had a...
Michael T,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Get there early, had a wonderful time. We saw hundreds of dolphins and one whale. The crew was great.
Overall a Good Experience.
L4773HVcaseyl,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The fee was fair in my opinion. I paid extra for Priority boarding but I don't think it would have mattered. We found whales within 30-45 minutes and didn't have to go far out into the ocean. We saw two humpback whales and that was all. I did not see any dolphins or anything else. I would recommend the tour to people who want to do something like this. I wasn't like "WOW I have to do this again!" but I would do it again if given the opportunity. I am from across the country so I wasn't sure when I would have the opportunity to do this again, so I am glad I did.
Great crew and hundreds of dolphins made it amazing
AKBFL,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an amazing tour. We didn’t see any whales but did spend a lot of time with about 250 dolphins. It was incredible. If you’re up front, you will get wet. Many folks in our trip got seasick, so take meds if you’re prone to it. The crew remind you to do so as well. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great experience.
Great tour.
Margarita T,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was amazing. We saw the whales in the first 20 mins of the tour. Then crew was so nice and helpful.