San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
- 2–3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
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
What's not
- 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
Itinerary
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.
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.
Set sail from Mission Bay and slip past the Mission Beach Boardwalk—surfers, skaters, and the Belmont Park coaster off the beam—before we head into the open Pacific to find whales.
Palm-lined promenade, volleyball courts, and the Belmont Park coaster in view
Enjoy a pass-by view of Sunset Cliffs—golden sandstone bluffs, sea caves, and surfers below.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.6
- 51,329
- 4276
- 377
- 233
- 149
Ratings come from 1,764 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Ticket booth / Check-in: Look for a grey shed with a blue awning facing the water. Located between H2o Jet Ski rentals and the Fish & Chips Restaurant.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 100 travellers
- Operated by
- San Diego Whale Watching LLC
- 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
How it compares in San Diego
- Its from-price is 32% below the median of the 530 experiences we list in San Diego.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 530.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About San Diego
San Diego is a sunny Pacific port city in southern California, with long beaches, a park of museums, a Victorian Gaslamp district and the border close by.
San Diego is where Spanish settlers founded California's first mission and presidio in 1769, remembered today in Old Town. Balboa Park holds museums, gardens and Spanish-style buildings from the 1915 exposition, with the zoo beside it. The Gaslamp Quarter's Victorian streets, a restored waterfront, Coronado's grand seaside hotel and a retired aircraft carrier turned museum are other landmarks.
Top-ranked sights in San Diego: Downtown San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Coronado.
Special offers in San Diego
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
