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 travelers 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 travelers

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 canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Traveler 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

374 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 374 reviews

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.

Awesome!

Deborah_D, Feb 2023

Crew was nice and cautiously safe and they Took the extra time to make sure we saw the one and only whale that day!

High seas

Leslie_D, Feb 2023

We weren’t able to stay out long due to the high waves so we didn’t get to see much. We did receive vouchers to cruise again. Just sad it didn’t work out. But the staff was great and all else was enjoyable.

Excellent Excursion with...

Margaret_C, Feb 2023

Excellent Excursion with an informative guide. We saw several whales and it was a memorable experience for the whole family. Thank you!

Beautiful day, smooth...

Bradley_W, Feb 2023

Beautiful day, smooth ride and seen a whale, tons of dolphins and sea lions. All the sights at the Naval base were an added bonus. Great experience.

Great day, would highly recommend

Robert_M, Feb 2023

Momma grey whale with very new calf gave us a nice half hour show. Lots of dolphins, seals, sea lions, tons of birds.

Excellent crew members

Kevin_K, Feb 2023

The crew members were great! The boat ride was smooth, and we learned a lot from these guys! Keep up the good work as we will be visiting again!

Fabulous

Glenn_G, Feb 2023

Actually seeing the whales and guide was wonderful by making the trip worthwhile and a beautiful day on the water

...

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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