San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Set sail from scenic Mission Bay and encounter some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures on a 2–3 hour whale-watching adventure in San Diego. Time can vary based on the season and locations of sightings.
In just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay behind and be out in the open Pacific, scanning for whales, dolphins, and other fascinating marine life. Led by an expert guide and naturalist alongside a skilled captain, every moment is an opportunity for an extraordinary encounter.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your departure time
Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Dress code is smart casual. The ocean is between 10°-15° cooler than the bay
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
South Mission Beach Park
South Mission Bay Park sits at the southern tip of the Mission Beach peninsula in San Diego, right where the ocean meets the bay channel. The Ocean Front Walk begins at the South Mission Bay and runs north/up the peninsula for biking, jogging, or strolling. Fire pits make this a nice spot for an evening bonfire by the beach.
Ocean Beach
After setting sail from Mission Bay, you'll head towards the open Pacific Ocean. In just 10 minutes, you'll pass through the jetties and enjoy a scenic view of Ocean Beach's famous Dog Beach and the iconic Ocean Beach Pier before venturing into the vast blue waters.
What‘s Included
Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
Free Parking on Quivira Road
Restroom on board
Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
Alcoholic Beverages - Available for purchase after 3 miles
Soda/pop/snacks - available for purchase
Optional Gratuities
Parking Fees - Free Parking on Quivira Road only
Priority Boarding available upgrade for $10.00 a person
Binocular Rentals available for $6.00 a pair
Options
Whale Watching Tour
Reviews
1,644 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This is a must do
Lili F,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time, staff was friendly and very clear about what to expect.. the best part is they delivered with an amazing view of a couple of whales
Magical trip
Katherine H,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful morning spent out on the water. Really friendly and knowledgeable crew. We saw so many dolphins and 2 fin whales. Plus plenty of birds and sea lions. We felt really lucky
Whales spotted!
Alexa H,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring layers, sunscreen. Snacks and beverages on the boat once you get beyond 3 miles offshore. Definitely choppy water so prepare if you’re prone to motion sickness. But the tour itself was amazing. Saw a mother and calf fin whale and a pod of common dolphins, amongst other sea life. Well worth it! Would go again.
Whale Watch and Dolphin Cruise
Phyllis D,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time on the water watching many dolphins and whales! The crew were all great; so friendly and helpful! Thanks for a great end to our trip!!
The tour was very well...
Natalia B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very well organized, location, time, all the details were clear. I took a tour with my 3 years old son, we had a stroller with us but we left it on the first floor of the ship and walked upstairs. Second floor has some shaded seats which we took thanks to priority boarding and it was very nice. Although it got pretty cold in the middle of the trip, but we were prepared. I didn’t see anybody got seasick but I did take a pill just in case prior to the trip. Staff also has medication on board if needed. As for actual whales and dolphins experience - we got very lucky and saw 2 different types of whales and many dolphins jumping very near our boat. Whales were quite far but by law you can’t approach them too close. It was awesome to see these animals. Naturalist were very knowledgeable and together with the captain did their best to find best spots to see the whales.
Really fun, we saw whales & dolphins but cold
Autumn M,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Bring warm clothes! I wish this was noted in the “things you need to know” section. It’s obviously very windy, but half the boat is shaded so it’s very cold and add in the waves splashing on the boat if you are not prepared you will be cold. Our day was full sun and 72° and we were cold. If you can do priority boarding for $10 a person that would be a good idea so you can sit up top and see better. The host was really good and seems to love was she does. I do feel like it was not easy to know what we were looking for. Maybe the deck hands could walk around and show photos of what we were supposed to be looking for. Especially for little ones. It did get to be a little long driving out and back. Not sure if there are other things to be mentioned to keep people entertained. Like mentioning the different things we were passing as we passed by them. More history about the area maybe. Stories about the sea? Even some music? The audio was most good, but in some areas of the boat it was hard to hear. All and all we did see many dolphins, and 2 whales which was really cool. We really enjoyed our experience!
Fun whale and dolphin watching excursion in San Diego
C3408PAmargaretm,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The crew was friendly, the boat was clean. Crew kept everyone engaged. We saw lots of dolphins and 2 whales. Truly a fun experience
Fun experience. The crew...
Tiffany M,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience. The crew was helpful, friendly and funny. We saw whales but even if you don’t it’s a nice ocean cruise and good value for the money.
Went out on a lovely day...
Palash S,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Went out on a lovely day towards the end of March The tour guide was great, and that goes for the entire crew on board We saw about 4-5 whales and a lot of dolphins, guess it was a lucky day, as it's always a hit or miss with these things, and nothing that can be controlled by the operators The guide and the crew were just as excited to spot these animals which made us feel like they love their jobs too and it was a good day for them as well I believe even if we did not see as many whales/dolphins, it would've been a fun trip and worth the money, thanks to the staff !
An Outstanding Cruise
sst75,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything worked out extremely well. Three whales, two different species, were clearly visible and a joy to watch. We had the pleasure of dolphins swimming and diving in pace with the boat.Sea lions were also visible. The best whale and dolphin excursion I’ve been on.
From US$71.00
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching LLC