Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Cruise on the sailing ship America from San Diego
Spot migrating whales and dolphins frolicking in the Pacific Ocean
Choose the only whale-watching cruise by sailing yacht in San Diego
Includes whale sighting and 'no seasickness' guarantee

What's Included

4.5-hr sailing cruise
Sodas and snacks
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Next Level Sailing
2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Check in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before departure. Check in flag located across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Please look at Inclusions/Exclusions for specific check in times. Abundant free parking at our location!

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Travel back in time when sailing on the America, a replica of the sailing ship that won the first America's Cup sailing competition in 1851. Your classic sailing vessel provides a smooth ride and spacious decks, perfect for sailing on the Pacific Ocean in search of gray whales and other marine life. Since your boat principally moves under wind power without using the engine, your captain can get closer to the marine animals without scaring them. The boat's deep keel provides excellent stability and large decks offer unobstructed views, making the America a prime vessel for whale-watching.

Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) are offered during the cruise. You are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch or your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy onboard.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on your cruise. If no whales are sighted, you can return for a complimentary whale watching cruise on another day in the same season. The America also provides a 'No Seasickness' guarantee.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse (Pass By)

We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse

Additional Info

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

Infant seats available
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 in the deck. Please call Thank you!
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 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

Traveller Tips

I would recommend that you bring your own beverages and snacks.

Reviews

5.0

1,419 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 1,419 reviews

Wonderful Experience

Marietta_L, Mar 2023

The captain and his wife were welcoming and knowledgeable as was the on board guide. We saw literally hundreds of dolphins as well as 3 grey whales "performing"! The on board guide gave a great educational presentation to the children. I highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it! I am glad to hear you had a wonderful experience sailing with us. Thanks!

Incredible Whale Watching Experience

Mariela_B, Mar 2023

Saw a mom humback whale traching her baby how to eat along with thiusands of dolphins and some sea lions!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

We see WHALES!

Lexi_L, Mar 2023

This was a very well thought out exertion. The team they had us with today was very nice, kind and informative. When they say we leave for the boat at the half hour you better be there. They will not wait as they have many people to get to the location and our onto the water so you have the most time available to see the whales. Be on time! As for the whale sighting we had an incredible experience and spent a good amount of time around the whales. We saw a cow/calf pair that was feeding. The huge pod of dolphins was an added bonus! Would us them again if I come back.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful time whale watching with us. We can't wait to see you again next time you're in town.

Well organized tour and...

Alain_D, Mar 2023

Well organized tour and friendly operators. Timely departure and arrival. Wishing we could have more time with the whales and used the sails a bit more.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review. Every day is different, sometimes it takes us more time to get to the whales. If the winds are in our favor, we are more than happy to shut off the engines and sail. That said, we appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

My first experience on...

Lita_C, Mar 2023

My first experience on the ocean, on a sailboat, sailing beside dolphins and seeing a whale! It was a beautiful experience. I also learned about the different kinds of whales. I would do it again in a heartbeat

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review! I am thrilled to hear it was a great first experience. We can't wait to have you aboard again.

Sealions, Dolphins and Whales

Courtney_B, Mar 2023

Such an awesome experience. Loved being on the sailboat. The captain and crew were so nice and knowledgeable. We saw sealions, dolphins and whales!! Well worth the price.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

Must do!

Lindsay_R, Mar 2023

Amazing experience! Highly recommend. Boat was amazing, guide was very personable and knowledgeable. Saw Grey and Humpback’s and hundreds of dolphins!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

Best money spent!! breathtaking experience

Shonda_Y, Mar 2023

Athos was the most amazing day trip we took. we saw hundreds of dolphins feeding all together which is not something they see all the time we were told. We got up close with 2 grey. whales and got great video. The crew was very friendly and Fathom was very entertaining. Wonderful experience..we will go again!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful experience whale watching with us. Thanks for your feedback. We can't wait to have you again. Thanks!

Cool family Activity

Omar_M, Mar 2023

The captain and his crew were very attentive and professional. Kids had a blast. We got to see some whales rising up. Just a fun activity.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review! I am so glad to hear this was fun for the whole family. Thanks again :)

Perfection!

MaryJaneBroge, Mar 2023

AMAZING! The tour was the highlight of our vacation. I looked at many different whale watching cruises and can say with complete confidence this is the best one. Everything was perfect. Fathom, Captain Troy, and all the crew were amazing. We stayed out a little longer to see a huge group of dolphins. We saw three grey whales. The boat was beautiful. The experience was everything we could have hoped it to be.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it! I am thrilled to hear you had a wonderful time sailing with us. Thanks!

You can barely see whales...

Jackie_C, Mar 2023

You can barely see whales . I don’t know if it was the time of the year it was very short the period of time we stayed out where the whales were.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review. The whales are wild animals, so sometimes they are further off the coast than other days, so it takes longer to get to them. It is always very helpful to notify the crew if you're having a tough time seeing the whales. We can always help you sit at a better spot if needed. Thanks again!

Amazing

Jessica_C, Mar 2023

Amazing crew, super family friendly and was so informative! Plus seeing the dolphins and whales made this trip topnotch!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

The boat is beautiful 🤩....

David_H, Mar 2023

The boat is beautiful 🤩. The crew was very kind and helpful. We saw whales and it was amazing! Definitely recommend this trip.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your recommendation, we really appreciate it!

Best Day Ever

Kendal_R, Mar 2023

Cruise was amazing. Seeing all the majestic creatures was thrilling. Crew was knowlegeable and so friendly.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful time.

Incredible trip aboard beautiful boat

Jennifer_K, Mar 2023

We saw a megapod of dolphins (literally hundreds) and a blue whale cow and calf aboard this beautiful sailing vessel. The weather was challenging, but the crew was incredibly attentive.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

Great experience!

Jennifer_S, Mar 2023

Excellent experience, very professional, snacks & beverages provided with cost of ticket, and saw a lot of wild lide...sea lions, whales, dolphins, and birds.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!

Amazing must do activity in San Diego

Terrion_T, Mar 2023

Seeing the mother whale and calf for nearly 45 minutes. It was amazing to see hundreds of dolphins, dozens of sea lions, and the main attraction this is the whales.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review! We really appreciate your fantastic feedback.

Book this cruise now!

Zachary_C, Mar 2023

Awesome cruise, even cooler people. Everyone was very nice and informative. We saw two blue whales, one adult and it's calf, and hundreds dolphins! Highly recommend it!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much! We sincerely appreciate your recommendation.

Family Adventure

DAWNALENA_L, Mar 2023

Once in a lifetime experience seeing the dolphins and the whales up close. I would recommend this to anyone who is in the San Diego area.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much! We really appreciate your review.

Amazing day at sea.

Patricia_C, Mar 2023

Amazing trip! Whales and THOUSANDS of dolphins. A magical day. Captain Troy and the whole crew are great. Professional and well run tour.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a wonderful time sailing with us.

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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What's Included

Meeting And Pickup

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What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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