Go on a whale-watching expedition in San Diego on this 3-hour cruise. Get the scoop from a guide who studies the migratory patterns of grey whales as you keep a lookout for whales in the water. Board a 2-story yacht that gives you 360-degree views of the ocean. Plus, you're guaranteed to see whales or you get to ride again for free.

3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego
Cruise along the water, and keep your eyes peeled for whales in their natural habitat
Enjoy free Wi-Fi
It’s recommended to dress in layers to suit the weather

What's Included

Indoor and Outside seating

We suggest dressing in layers. The temperature and winds can be unpredictable even if it's sunny out.
warm clothing
medication - If you may be prone to seasickness, plan ahead. Medication only works when taken BEFORE boarding the vessel. Wristbands for motion sickness also can be effective. Either can be purchased at any drug store.
Snacks
Food and Drinks

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

990 N Harbor Dr
990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92132, USA

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Meet at Broadway Pier at least 30 minutes before your departure time for this 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. Your cruise takes off at 9am.

After boarding, pick a spot on the 2-story yacht either on the main level or upper sundeck. It’s recommended to dress in layers, so you won’t get cold out on the water. The yacht is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a snack bar, and multiple restrooms for convenience.

During your time on the water, your guide tells you interesting facts about the whales, their migratory patterns, their ocean habitat, and other species that call the ocean home. Keep your eyes peeled for grey whales. You might just see a quick glance of them popping up from the water, but in many cases, you’ll see them jump up and make a huge splash.

After your cruise is over, make your way off the yacht. The rest of the day is in your hands.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Chances of spotting a whale are exactly the same, whether you choose the morning or afternoon departure. Whales don't wear watches.
Same goes for the days of the week. Each day has an equal chance of sightings. Whales do not have calendars.
In the unlikely event that your departure is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we do our best to contact you in the morning at the phone number you provide. We will reschedule your tour for another day if you like or provide you with a full refund—your choice.
Guests with wheelchairs can access the vessel and interior main deck. However, the exterior top deck and the restrooms are not ramp accessible.
No touching the whales. No feeding the whales. No petting the whales. This is whale watching. We watch with our eyes.
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Indoor and Outdoor Seating
Most travellers can participate
The State of California Department of Public Health has issues a new mandate. Masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
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.

Traveller Photos

Traveller Tips

I would advise thought to pack some Dramamine for the boat can get pretty rocky once you head way out in the water.

It's a great experience over all and great opportunity to get fresh sea air.

Reviews

4.5

388 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 388 reviews

Amazing!!!!!

Kelsey_C, Mar 2023

Amazing!!!! Guide was awesome, made sure we saw multiple different things in different areas. The wildlife we saw was unbelievable. Tour even had green beer for St Patrick’s Day! Would 10/10 do this tour again!

Hump-backed Whale

Michael_H, Mar 2023

Just seeing whales and wildlife. Your guide was excellent. The ocean was smooth and the temperature was perfect. The seating was good but get in line early as all seating is first come first go.

They made sure that we...

Nancy_D, Mar 2023

They made sure that we saw a whale. Vary relaxing. Really good weather. Then they gave us a coupon for another free ride

An awkward but interesting experience

Marco_R, Mar 2023

We did not see an alive whale but a dead one!!! Still the cruise operator made the best he could in entertaining all of us....

Cold and wet

Noa_Y, Mar 2023

We went out on extremely NOT good conditions and myself, as well as, 10 or so other, got soaking wet in the first 30 minutes of the boat ride and were cold, wet, and miserable the rest of the trip. Left a bad taste in our mouth.

A great experience

Rosemary_B, Mar 2023

The crew works really hard to try to give you the most wildlife experiences possible! They took us out very far in order to find a whale, which was great they did not give up easily! We also saw dolphins and sea lions- everyone would love this trip.

Awesome trip would do again

Kathleen_K, Mar 2023

Seeing the whales One family loved the huge swells Highly recommend If prone to seasickness take meds and be careful. Staff was very helpful.

Where were the Whales.

Linda_C, Mar 2023

Well we did glimpse a part of a sea creature we were told was a Humpback whale. The captain deserves an Oscar for his excited rendition of "there she blows" ......I know nature is nature but I was disappointed that was our only citing of the day. no dolphins no other whales........BUT crew was excellent. made trip enjoyable., very knowledge. AND on my next trip to San Diego I probably rebook with your company....

Great cruise and crew

Venkata_B, Mar 2023

Great experience on the cruise, get to watch mama and baby whale, dolphins,sea lions . Did not feel and ness or vomit sensation. Smooth ride

Positive Experience

Catherine_P, Mar 2023

This was a great experience. Our narrator was funny and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend it.

A magical afternoon

Hunter_M, Mar 2023

I was so happy the whole time. I went out to see some whales but came back grateful to have seen it all. Grey whales, humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. The best part was our guide. Very intelligent, funny and welcoming. We were Able to not only witness the migrations and feeding but learn about them as well. 10/10 would recommend.

Wonderful Whale Watching!

Vikki_C, Mar 2023

Awesome experience seeing a young grey whale breach numerous times. The tour guide was knowledgeable and the crew was great! Would go with them again!

Cruise cancelled

Linda_S, Mar 2023

It was cancelled the day before. We need a refund from Viator. They said since we booked through you your site is responsible to give us our refund. Not sure how to go about it.

Porpoises!

John_S, Feb 2023

No whales today, but we visited a super pod of porpoises, which was spectacular. Worth the trip. Boat was perfect, comfy but with plenty of space.

Megapod

Danielle_C, Feb 2023

We saw a huge megapod of dolphins that surrounded the boat for at least an hour! We didn't We any whales but still worth it.

Mega pod of dolphins

Mary_C, Feb 2023

We got to see and be in a Mega pod of dolphins!!! They were all around the boat. Fantastic sight that we both enjoyed

Great Morning!

LoriAnn_M, Feb 2023

Seeing humpback whales and the amazing dolphins. Liked Amy showing us what grey and humpback whales eat.

Humpback Whales & Mega Pod of Dolphins

Carol_L, Feb 2023

We had an amazing time out at sea today! Saw humpback whales and a mega pod of dolphins. The tour guides were phenomenal and today's tour was worth the memories!!

Wonderful whales

Scott_W, Feb 2023

Saw 3 wonderful whales about a dozen Risso dolphins many seals great experience I would do again in a minute thanks for a forever memory

Definitely recommend ...

Yaroslav_V, Feb 2023

Definitely recommend Had an amazing time on the boat Great crew and amazing guide Would do it again.

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