4.8 (2.5 k) · San Diego · By San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
Experience whale watching in San Diego year-round! Our expert guides on the Yacht America, a 141-foot sailing yacht, have achieved a 100% success rate during winter whale watching. This is a premier outdoor activity in San Diego.
The gray whale season runs from mid-December to April. From April to August, blue and fin whales are commonly seen feeding in San Diego waters. Humpback and minke whales are visible throughout the year, especially in spring, summer, and fall.
Witness whales in their natural habitat, along with dolphins and sea lions. You might also observe naval activities, including F-18 flyovers.
Feel free to bring your own picnic, friends, and family for an enjoyable day on the water.
✓ Approximately 4 hours (3.5-4.5 hours depending on weather)✓ Sightings Guarantee: No whales or dolphins? Come back for free (no expiration, non-transferable)✓ Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.✓ No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one✓ All safety equipment and life jackets✓ Sodas and snacks✓ Restroom facilities onboard✓ Live guide with marine wildlife commentary✓ Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner)✕ Gratuities✕ Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included✕ Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!Activity Schedule
4 h
We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse to see sea lions, dolphins and/or whales.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Check-in opens one hour before departure and closes 30 minutes prior. Arriving after check-in closes means you will miss the boat. The check-in flag is located across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Specific check-in times will be provided in additional information.
Check-in opens one hour before departure and closes 30 minutes prior. Arriving after check-in closes means you will miss the boat. The check-in flag is located across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Specific check-in times will be provided in additional information.
We suggest dressing in layers as conditions can change hourly. Blankets are available onboard.
Check-in begins one hour before departure and concludes 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Late arrivals will miss the boat. Check-in Times:
9:00 AM: Between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM: Between 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
1:15 PM: Between 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
2:00 PM: Between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
In case of emergency, please call: 619-922-6215
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. Specialized infant seats are available upon request. This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss boarding options. Guests with wheelchairs have enjoyed this experience. Please note there are 5 steps to board the vessel and a single step on the deck. Thank you! Adult tickets are for ages 13-99. Child tickets are for ages 0-12. For the 9:00 AM trip, check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM. For the 11:00 AM trip, check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM. For the 1:15 PM trip, check in between 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM. For the 2:00 PM trip, check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM. Bring layers, blankets, and jackets as it can be cold on the water! San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Dress in layers, as the weather on the water can change quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in. Bring a camera to capture the incredible wildlife and scenery. Consider bringing binoculars for a closer look at marine life. Pack snacks and drinks if you prefer not to purchase them onboard. Check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5170WHALE
Activity offered by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Nature enthusiasts Tourists Individuals seeking outdoor activities Year-round whale watching opportunities in San Diego. Guaranteed sightings or your next trip is free. Cruise aboard a historic replica sailing yacht. Observe diverse marine life including whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Enjoy commentary from a live guide knowledgeable about marine wildlife. Unique views of naval activities and landmarks.
Population 1,386,932 (2020)
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 12° Jan 12° Feb 14° Mar 15° Apr 17° May 19° Jun 23° Jul 23° Aug 22° Sept 19° Oct 16° Nov 12° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the best time of year for whale watching in San Diego? + Whale watching season is all year long in San Diego! Gray whales are typically seen from mid-December through April, while blue and fin whales are often spotted from April to August. Humpback and minke whales are visible throughout the year, particularly in spring, summer, and fall.
What should I bring on the whale watching tour? + We suggest dressing in layers as conditions can change hour to hour. Blankets are available on board. It is also recommended to bring layers, blankets, and jackets as it can be cold on the water!
What happens if we don't see any whales or dolphins? + We offer a Sightings Guarantee: If you don't see any whales or dolphins, you can come back for free with no expiration and the ticket is non-transferable.
Is there a risk of seasickness? + We offer a 'No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one.
What are the check-in times? + Check-in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before. For the 9:00 AM trip: Between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM. For the 11:00 AM trip: Between 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM. For the 1:15 PM trip: Between 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM. For the 2:00 PM trip: Between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM.
Are there any accessibility concerns? + Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss the boarding options as we have had guests with wheelchairs enjoy this experience. We do have 5 steps in order to board the vessel. There is a single step on the deck.
★★★★★ Viator review
Enjoyable experience, great atmosphere.
Matthew_H, October 2026
Absolutely awesome, the boat and the crew made it an enjoyable experience ! Totally well worth the travel and time spent to get here and experience whale watching !
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great sailing experience
R1400RMrogerr, October 2026
Great experience
Crew was attentive and knowledgeable
Ship was fantastic
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Had a great relaxing cruise despite of not seeing a sea life out there.
SirHoot, September 2026
This was a four and half hour whale watching cruise. I really enjoyed the cruise. It was relaxing, peaceful and I felt like all the stress and tiredness of the past several days went away with ease. Only real issue was....I didn't see a single whale, orca, dolphin or whatever out in the ocean. I did see host of naval helicopters and few flying fishes in the distance. Some people claims to have seen something but the rest of the boat did not. The schooner, America is a real treat and the boat was well helmed by its captain, Troy Sears who also owned the schooner. The schooner handled the water very well and the ship was well handled. I am pretty sure that he and the crew did their best to find something, but this is southern California, not Hawaii or Alaska. I didn't hold it against them for not finding what wasn't out there. Like I wrote earlier, I was enjoying the cruise and relaxing. It would have been nice to have a cold beer in my hand but even paradise got its limit. If Capt. Sears is reading this, my owl gave his best to you.
★★★★★ Viator review
Beautiful trip and great crew!!
Geraldine_M, September 2026
We weren’t fortunate enough to see whales on our tour; however the boat is beautiful and the crew provided us with great information on whales and history. They also will allow us to book another trip at no cost. They tried hard to find us some whales but sometimes nature doesn’t cooperate.
Did see sea lions, herons, cormorants, other birds, lighthouses and naval vessels.
Thanks to Captain Troy, Fathom, Matt and Adrianna!!! I will be back!
★★★★★ Viator review
We didn't see any whales...
Rachel_L, September 2026
We didn't see any whales but still had a great time! It gets chilly, bring a jacket. Beer and wine available for purchase. Water, limited soda choices and small bag of assorted chips are provided. You can also bring your own snacks.
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