San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Whale watching season is all year long in San Diego! Our team at Next Level Sailing provides the optimal experience with guides so experienced we received a 100 percent success rate during winter whale watching when spotting the King of the Deep.
We are one of the best outdoor activities to do in San Diego. Gray whale watching season spans from mid-December through April. Blue whales and fin whales are seen feeding in San Diego from April - August. Humpback whales and minke whales are seen throughout the year, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. Aboard our 141-foot sailing yacht, the Yacht America, you will see a plethora of whales firsthand in their natural habitat. In addition to whales, we also see dolphins and sea lions, and an abundance of naval activity. Don't be surprised if you see an F-18 fly overhead!
Bring your own picnic, friends, and family for a wonderful day out on the water
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 whales.
What‘s Included
4.5-hr sailing cruise
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Sodas and snacks
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
If you arrive after check in ends, you will miss the boat.
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Reviews
2,397 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome experience!
Alexia A,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew were awesome: friendly, accommodating, informative. They engaged the kids in activities to give information about the sea life and the surrounding area. Would highly recommend!
We saw 6 whales and...
Mary H,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw 6 whales and multiple breaches! The crew was very well informed - they are whale experts. Highly recommend!
Highly recommend this tour!
Mollmollm,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First this is on a sail boat which was lovely. Given that, you sit lower and closer to the water from all seats which are bench seating. Snacks and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks are complementary. Alcoholic drinks are $5. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. They did a great job of pointing out points of interest along the way, many of which were military oriented. Their explanations for those, the whales, animals and history were informative and fun for kids and adults. They did have blankets on board, which was wonderful as even with several layers it was cold on the water when the winds were high. We managed to see a gray whale (our only whale for the day) on our trip back and they extended the tour to allow us to enjoy seeing it. Would highly recommend this tour.
Great day!
Shirley B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful boat. Amazing crew. Great day. We were lucky to see whales, seals, and dolphins. Highly recommended!
Amazing from staff, to sail and whale watching experience!
yogamatte,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Beautiful smooth sailing, very nice and entertaining crew, and the most amazing whale breaching multiple times. What a memory! Thank you America Team!
Amazing Experience
480sherrit,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Delivered all that was promised. Exceeded expectations.
Top notch adventure
Stevepattyo,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff was excellent. Very attentive. Equipment very safe and clean. On board toilet better than most marine toilets. Worked very hard to locate whales. Trip was complete success
Whales, Whales and more Whales
Cheryl B,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a sweatshirt and sunscreen! This was a great trip and the Captain did not disappoint! We saw so many whales and sea lion, which made the trip worth every penny! Would certainly do it again. Additionally, the boat was beautiful!
A whale watching experience not to be missed!
R5052RYtomc,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Whale watching experience was absolutely awesome, and the America what a beautiful boat and a beautiful sunny day. Remember your sunscreen!! Captain and crew were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. We did the 11:00 AM tour on the 27th, whales everywhere, pretty much non-stop for 1.5 hours. We were under sail for 3/4 of the trip and it was so peaceful. Highly recommend having medium weight jacket, but the boat does have blankets.
Great day! Highly recommend!
Katie H,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day with the family- didn't want it to end! Saw two different types of whales and lots of sea lions!
From US$85.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing