Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Every trip is guided by a certified marine naturalist who offers live narration and expert insight into the incredible marine life we encounter. Onboard, you'll find educational materials, fun facts, and recent sighting photos to help you spot and identify dolphins, whales, sea lions, and more.
Our 2-hour tours strike the perfect balance—long enough to explore, short enough for all ages. Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic date, a private party, or a corporate event, this ocean adventure is designed for anyone who loves the sea and the wild creatures that call it home.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On board, you will find a snack and beverage cash only bar (additional expense)
No private groups may book through VIATOR, also no one person or group may buy more then 10 tickets for any cruise time.
Due to the nature of our cruises no refunds or reschedules will be given for no shows or cancellations .
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Get ready for an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Oceanside! Our crew will greet you at the ticket kiosk next to the Lighthouse in Oceanside Harbor and escort you to our 50-ft luxury catamaran—built for smooth cruising and panoramic views. Please arrive at least 45 minutes early (60 on holidays) with your full group. Oceanside Harbor gets busy, especially on weekends, and we can’t wait for late arrivals. No refunds or reschedules are offered if you miss the boat. Led by a certified marine naturalist Captain, your tour includes live narration as we explore the coast. Most trips spot dolphins and sea lions, and whale sightings vary by season, with gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales seen at different times of the year. Enjoy snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails from our cash bar. No outside alcohol or coolers allowed. Dress in layers—it’s cooler on the water. Questions? Give us a call!
What‘s Included
Local guide and professional guide
Cruise
Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (available to purchase cash only)
Options
2 Hour Whale & Dolphin Cruise
Reviews
931 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a great day to be...
Wayne P,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great day to be out on the ocean. Bring a coat as it can get chilly if you're standing on the front of the boat. The crew was great. We didn't see any whales on this trip however we did see a bunch of porpoise pods and some seals. Since we did not see any whales the captain gave us back the tickets and said we could return anytime for another try. It was nice just to be out on the ocean.
Saw whales and dolphins
Stacy W,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip out at noon on Sunday 1/18 - our captain went 10 miles out and we saw a very large pod of dolphins and three different kinds of whales. It was a great trip and plenty of room on the boat.
We saw tons of dolphins...
Kendal G,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We saw tons of dolphins so I was very happy about that however I wish if they were going to allow infants on board there would be a ramp or something to accommodate a stroller and some of the passengers were very rude to us and making comments but it was a beautiful boat and I’ve never had an experience like that it’s definitely worth the money
Dress warm and bring binoculars if you have them.
199marn,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The weather was sunny on shore and nice but it was still very chilly once we got out on the water. Wear jeans and a jacket to stay warm! The boat was very nice and clean, and the crew was great. We saw hundreds of common dolphins - up close and from farther away - and saw lots of water birds and seal. Did not see any whale, unfortunately, but still had a lot of fun.
Hundreds of dolphins and a whale!
Aengen2002,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! We saw literally hundreds of dolphins in several areas, saw 1 humpback whale surface about 4-5 times. Captain and crew were great! Knowledgeable, funny, hospitable. Great experience and would do it again!
Dolphin and whale watching tour in Oceanside.
Traveler185029,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely recommend this tour! You’ll at least see hundreds of dolphins! Amazing experience!
Great time and saw Whales!!!
Betty H,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00New catamaran boat with great seating. Plenty of room for all to see. Captain was great pointing out dolphins and whales. We saw a humpback several times.
Whale watching from Oceanside
Robert P,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Unfortunately, due to adverse weather our original trip was cancelled on the morning of the trip.The company kept us up to date quickly and we were able to book again for the day. Mee didn’t see any whales, but said see dolphins and sealions. The Captain then announced one the return to port that because we hadn’t seen whales, he would return everyone’s tickets, which could be used again for a trip anytime in the future!!! Fantastic offer. As we are leaving California on Sunday, so passed our tickets on to a family who will use them when their family arrives at the weekend.
January Whale Watching Trip
Susan M,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our trip was postponed due to a mechanical issue:. They allowed us to book the trip 2.5 hours later for free and reimbursed us for our original trip. Basically we ended up getting the excursion for FREE. We felt fortunate to see see lions and California Grey Whales on our trip.
So many Dolphins !!!
Cassie H,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00What a great way to spend an afternoon in Oceanside!! We took the 2:30 tour. The ocean was calm, the weather was perfect and we saw so many dolphins!!! We were out less than half an hour before seeing the first pod of dolphins. They were jumping with joy everywhere and were being followed by a group of seals. As we traveled south, more dolphins came around and seemed to be in a race with our boat! They swam alongside the boat and underneath us. It was so cool !!! The only thing to make the trip better would have been for the staff to give a bit of history of the local area, talk more about the different kinds of dolphins and let us know what towns we were traveling past. Thankfully, another guest figured out that we had gone as far as Encinitas. If you have a free afternoon, I would definitely recommend this tour and hopefully you will get to see dolphins or maybe even a whale. Make sure to wear/bring layers as it is always cooler on the water.
From US$64.00
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Operated by Oceanside Adventures