Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

Venture out into the open ocean on a San Diego whale-watching cruise
See whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural environment
Boat captain and onboard biologists know the best places to look for wildlife
Cruise across scenic Mission Bay with a convenient departure point

What's Included

Marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect.

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

1617 Quivira Rd
1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Our Ticket / check-in booth is a small grey booth with a blue awning between H2O rentals and the Fish & Chips shop facing the marina. [Click this link for our exact check in location](https://goo.gl/maps/2hJEu6fC3pR2)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Ocean Beach (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

859 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 859 reviews

Whale watching

Tyrone_L, Mar 2023

A wonderful excursion to be on. Didn't see any action until it was time to go back but it was an excellent trip to see.

Great trip!

Lynette_V, Mar 2023

The crew was very attentive to everyone to make sure they were doing ok and not feeling sea sickness. As someone who is prone to it, it was very appreciated. (I took Dramamine 2 hours prior and was fine) They also explain where the best locations on the boat are if you are prone to getting sick. The description says 2-3 hours. We were in a mega-pod of dolphins (Amazing!) & spotted one Humpback whale. We watched the whale for quite awhile, but headed back while we could still see it. I feel we could’ve maybe stayed another 20 min more as we reached the dock around the 2 hour 15 min mark. Other than that, no complaints. Highly recommend.

Excellent Excursion

Kristi_R, Mar 2023

So many dolphins! And a humpback whale. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great experience!

Dolphins are cool!

Thomas_B, Mar 2023

We followed a humpback whale and saw it surface 4 or 5 times which was really cool. The best part though was going through a pod of 250 common dolphins. The 250 was the guides estimate, I would have put it at 500….they were everywhere! The crew/guides did an excellent job and were very informative. We also cleaned up a pod of Mylar balloons.

An Amazing Whale Watching Experience

Larry_C, Mar 2023

The crew did a great job quickly locating whales (we saw three different groups) and a mega pod of dolphins. We saw our first whales shortly after the 3 mile away from shore announcement and continued to see whales and dolphins throughout. It was an amazing experience.

Amazing

Lindsay_C, Mar 2023

Absolutely amazing!!! The crew was so nice and friendly and even walked around asking if we’d like her to take a family photo. We were lucky enough to see a dolphin stampede which was breathtaking. We also saw three humpback whales. Money well spent! We plan on doing this again the next time we are in San Diego!

Water experience

Patrick_R, Mar 2023

Enjoyed see the 2 species of Dolphins. Also, the crew was attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Whale watch tour

Ruben_D, Mar 2023

No whales during the whole round trip of aproximately 70 to 80 minutes, staff was very friendly, few sick people during the ride ... it was average ok for the price,

Worth it

Stefani_D, Mar 2023

It was good. Nice staff, felt safe. Didn’t see any whales so we’ll have to try again another time when it’s not foggy.

Fun bucket list item achieved!

Lynn_K, Mar 2023

Super fun- had several amenities on board (for fees, of course)- including the fuzzy blankie pictured. And the option to buy pics taken by the guide who was with us- also pictured. We saw 4 different pods on this trip!

Very nice trip

Gregg_S, Mar 2023

We did get to see one Fin Whale...he surfaced several times. We also got onto several pods of Dolphins including one Mega Pod that we estimated had over 1000 Dolphins.

Amazing family tour

Jamie_T, Feb 2023

My family and I had a amazing trip. I would highly recommend doing this tour. We saw dolphins and whales. It was outstanding.

Amazing Experience

Melanie_Q, Feb 2023

Amazing Trip ! Will do again Lots of dolphins and saw a few whales .Went on my birthday and weather was fantastic as well !

Great once on the water

Beth_E, Jan 2023

We saw a grey whale and dolphins. The boarding process could be a lot more efficient so that people don’t have to spend 20 mins plus in the hot sun. They could also use some dedicated parking.

Great tour

Erica_S, Jan 2023

We were surrounded by dolphins! The experience was great. We also saw a couple gray whales, including a mom and a baby.

Wonderful memories!

Martha_L, Jan 2023

First time on the Pacific Ocean, we will always remember the huge pod of dolphins dancing along the boat! Bonus when we thought the trip was winding down and not one, but two whale’s waved their tails at us! 🥰

Whale cruise

April_B, Jan 2023

Fantastic experience! The views were so amazing. We saw sea lions, lots of dolphins and two whales. I definitely recommend this experience.

Awesome venture

Lolita_C, Dec 2022

Seeing the whales and Dolphins particularly the group Dolphins those were awesome. I will definitely will do this activity on my next visit to San Diego

Dolphins up close

Tammy_C, Dec 2022

We saw pacific dolphins that followed right beside the boat. So cool. They were so close it was awesome

Family Holiday whale watching Trip

Kim_D, Dec 2022

We saw dolphins and a few humpback whales. It was a very cold day and it would have been nice if lap blankets had been made available. The overall experience was great and the staff was very welcoming.

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