Up Close Dolphin & Whale Watching
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Get ready to witness nature’s majestic giants up close and personal like never before! Unlike crowded tours, our intimate setting ensures an unparalleled experience, granting you the unique opportunity to experience these magnificent creatures from up close. Our expert guides, well-versed in marine biology, will provide captivating insights into the fascinating behaviors of these gentle giants. With our limited capacity, you’ll never feel rushed or jostled, allowing for uninterrupted moments of awe and tranquility. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure—book your exclusive spot now and embark on an intimate journey with whales and dolphins that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
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Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Oceanside Harbor Village
We specialize in creating an intimate and exhilarating experience for our guests, with the rare opportunity to be closer than ever to some of the most incredible marine mammals in our local coastal waters of Oceanside, Carlsbad and Encinitas without the jostle of an over crowded boat.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Cruise
Options
Up Close Dolphin & Whale Watching
Reviews
92 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
9 am Whale watch
caroleh472,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great weather and great vovage at 9 AM. Morning fog was gone and bright blue sky and calm waters. Comfortable ride with 6 persons on the rehabbed Navy Seal boats that are bullet proof. We saw dolphins 3 whales and a few more. Seals along shore dock and trip to harbor bouy to see the young seals. Our guide Nate was experienced and informative. Great tour and visit --- highly recommend *****
Whale watching
Sabine H,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a sweater or jacket even if it’s warm out. When the boat is going fast, it can be cool. It was fun being out on the water. The dolphin pod was awesome, the fin whales were a little elusive but we did see them.
Ruined Trip
andreajY7279RX,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00BUYER BEWARE: This excursion looks appealing because it promises a small group and a fun, fast boat experience. However, booking with this company comes with a real risk: if the boat isn’t completely full, they may cancel your trip. We planned a special outing around this excursion for our wedding anniversary, only to have it canceled with less than 12 hours’ notice. Ironically, their own policy requires customers to give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel. If you don’t want your plans disrupted at the last minute, I strongly recommend booking with a more reliable company.
Fantastic Experience.
294beverlya,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE. We saw 3 species of whales and a bottlenose dolphin. Visualization is exceptional due to the small size of the boat and only 6 passengers. Our captain was friendly and knowledgeable.
Amazing experience
Kristen W,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience great tour guide very informative learned a lot felt safe. It was an amazing experience.
So many Dolphins!!!
melodymE7516CN,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the BEST experience!!! Me and my husband had a fantastic time!! We didn’t see whales but multiple pods of Dolphins!!! So many Dolphins and even little baby Dolphins… it was magical!! Our boat captain Nate was Amazing!!! Will go Again when we are in Oceanside
Wonderful trip,
T3854CKjesseh,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful time!! Saw a lot of dolphins!! Did not see a whale but the dolphins were amazing! Even saw a baby dolphin!
Harmonized with Ocean Nature and Sights
JOSE E,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00GO! looking for great family fun and adventure, you found it. The driver was excellent and was our own personal DJ. Well worth the time investment into your family!
Up Close to Wildlife
Jenny C,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Rib boats! The boats only allows 6 passengers . Up close to wildlife. Excellent experience! How gel Recommended!
Right in the action
eileenbI7085ZW,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing feeling to be on the water amidst all the action! We got lucky with weather and whales. Nate brought us right into a feeding frenzy of dolphins, sea lions and humpback whales, then sped us around to let the dolphins play next to us which is super fun. Warm clothes helped, and I don’t know if it was necessary but we took some Dramamine beforehand to ward off any possible seasickness and were fine.
From US$85.00
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Operated by Oceanside Dolphin & Whale Watching