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 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
Available for purchase after 3 miles
Available for purchase
Available for purchase
(Optional)
Free Parking on Quivira Road only
What To Expect
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.
Options
Whale Watching Tour
Reviews
1,469 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wow!
Katherine E,
Oct 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Incredible experience! So easy to book and so worth the cost. I will remember this forever and so will my kids!
An extraordinary must do experience
Sheina M,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a truly extraordinary experience! Though we didn't see any whales that day, I was not disappointed at all. We saw at least three pods of dolphins! One huge pod probably had 300 dolphins in it! They were swimming and diving around the boat everywhere you looked! The crew and naturalist on board were highly conscious of safety for passengers and the wildlife we saw. I took the sunset cruise and we saw a specular sunset on our way back to the harbor. Tips: Have a waterproof case for your phone or camera; bring layers and a wind breaker to keep you warm since it gets chilly toward the end of the day; if you're on the front of the boat, be prepared to get wet. I would absolutely do this again.
Crew and staff were...
Ron W,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Crew and staff were extremely helpful and courteous. Even though we weren’t guaranteed to see anything Captain Mike put us on both dolphins and whales.
Amazing
Esther S,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excelente for families and/or couples book as soon as you can and enjoy the amazing dolphins we see like 100 of them it was awsome
Dolphin extravaganza
Stephanie P,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00This experience was wonderful. It was spectacular seeing all of the dolphins. Take warm clothes and bring a change of clothes in case you get wet.
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching LLC