Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Every trip is guided by a certified marine naturalist who offers live narration and expert insight into the incredible marine life we encounter. Onboard, you'll find educational materials, fun facts, and recent sighting photos to help you spot and identify dolphins, whales, sea lions, and more.

Our 2-hour tours strike the perfect balance—long enough to explore, short enough for all ages. Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic date, a private party, or a corporate event, this ocean adventure is designed for anyone who loves the sea and the wild creatures that call it home.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

On board, you will find a snack and beverage cash only bar (additional expense)

No private groups may book through VIATOR, also no one person or group may buy more then 10 tickets for any cruise time.

Due to the nature of our cruises no refunds or reschedules will be given for no shows or cancellations .

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Local guide and professional guide

Cruise

Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (available to purchase cash only)

What To Expect

Get ready for an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Oceanside! Our crew will greet you at the ticket kiosk next to the Lighthouse in Oceanside Harbor and escort you to our 50-ft luxury catamaran—built for smooth cruising and panoramic views. Please arrive at least 45 minutes early (60 on holidays) with your full group. Oceanside Harbor gets busy, especially on weekends, and we can’t wait for late arrivals. No refunds or reschedules are offered if you miss the boat. Led by a certified marine naturalist Captain, your tour includes live narration as we explore the coast. Most trips spot dolphins and sea lions, and whale sightings vary by season, with gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales seen at different times of the year. Enjoy snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails from our cash bar. No outside alcohol or coolers allowed. Dress in layers—it’s cooler on the water. Questions? Give us a call!

Options

2 Hour Whale & Dolphin Cruise

Reviews

4.66

914 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

736

102

Fun trip
4cjh,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everyone was friendly. Several staff around to ask questions. Was very foggy so a challenge but we were able to see a group of dolphins and sea lions. Super cool
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Oceanside.
ceinaz,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a wonderful experience! Although it can never be predicted, we were able to see about 40 dolphins (or maybe the same dolphin 40 times?) and several sea lions. On the way back to the harbor, the captain got info from a fishing boat that they'd seen a humpback whale. Our captain made haste for that area and we were able to have a 20 minute performance of the whale exhibiting different breaching styles. Thank goodness the captain decided to stay there for so long even though it made his return to dock a little late. I would definitely recommend this group.
It was a smooth...
Elizabeth G,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a smooth experience. Parking was easy, getting the tickets was quick, getting on the boat was not bad (and we had a walker) as we helped my Mom. They were very helpful assisting my Mom too.
Oceanside Adventures cruise
W5760VKsteveb,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great outing on a newer boat with an excellent, knowledgeable captain and crew. Ocean was calm and we saw 100s of Common dolphins and a few sea lions. Great experience and highly recommended!
Whale worth the trip!!
Ross2nya,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We went on 10/30/25 at 12pm tour. The boat NALA was so clean & nice. Kenny was the Captain & very informative about sea life & going over safety tips. It’s a beautiful cruise down the coast. He said we were about 5 miles out. Very minimal waves. Perfect weather day. Saw dolphins, sea lions, a minke whale & the best of all was a mother& calf humpback whale. We were in awe of them. Got some great photos. Such a memorable experience & I highly recommend this company. Thanks again Oceanside Adventures!!!
Dolphins galore
Odyssey61761330954,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great time on the water. Saw lots of dolphins and the back of one whale. The information from the naturalist was excellent. The captain's patter resembled that of a circus barker. Could have dialed it back a bit.
Great trip
H252XGrickj,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful day to be out on the water. Although we were only able to see one whale it was still a great trip. The crew were all very knowledgeable and engaging with the guests. All around great experience.
Wonderful experience
Susan F,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a great family adventure to see these amazing creatures that God created. The only suggestion I have is the crew needs to carry motion sickness medicine or patches. That was the only bummer about the trip and yes, I got sick.
Loved it
LoveTravel308620,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Although we did not see whales, we were fortunate to see dolphins. All in all we loved it, just being on the ocean and being on the wonderful boat.
Great afternoon, not even 10 minutes out and the Captain spots a humpback whale and her calf, beautiful site!
I7484EWpatriciaw,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great day, not even 10 minutes out and Captain spots a humpback whale and her calf. We then had a school of Common Dolphins all around the boat frolicking! The Captain and Crew were awesome. Great trip would definitely recommend.