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!
Adult Ticket for ages 13-99 years old. Child Ticket for ages 0-12.
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
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.
Options
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
What‘s Included
4.5-hr sailing cruise
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
All safety equipment and life jackets
Sodas and snacks
Restroom facilities onboard
Live guide with marine wildlife commentary
Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner)
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,466 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing dolphin sightings
Barbara K,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Though we did not see any whales, the hugh number of dolphins we saw more than made up for no whale sightings. The crew were all very helpful and friendly. The video of the dolphins taken from the front of the ship was a nice bonus, as a crew member air dropped it to each group. If we’re back in San Diego I would love to go out again!
A relaxing a beautiful day on the ocean
Karbrad47,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day on the sea with the team at Next Level Sailing. Although we were not fortunate enough to see a whale we saw thousands of dolphins, lots of birds and sea lions and thouroughly enjoyed the day. We learned about the area, sea life, the San Diego Naval stations and more. It was relaxing and beautiful. I highly recommend! And their guarantee allows us to go back for free anytime, since we didn't see a whale. Two tours for the price of one!
Amazing tour! Highly Recommended!
510assafb,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a lovely tour, our family enjoyed it very much. The staff is so nice nice and helpful! we saw breathtaking packs of Dolphins swimming next to us and under our boat. Once in a lifetime experience. Go cross it off your bucket list! We sailed about 4 hours, the group size was great, not too big or too small. Plenty of space!
Wow!
Ginger A,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing day! The ship and crew were all fantastic - very knowledgeable and checked in on passengers to make sure they had everything they needed. We weren’t sure we’d see any whales but then we saw blue whales! The whole trip was really great!
Amazing experience!
Erika M,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family (traveling with kids 13 and 9) loved this experience and we will be sure to recommend this tour to anyone traveling to the San Diego area! We were able to see humpback whales and so many dolphins up close! This is an overall amazing tour - we loved the ship, the staff, and everything we learned and saw during our time on the water.
Best whale watching ship!
Kristine O,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ship was so authentic! Made the experience so much better than the large commercial type vessels other companies use.
So fun!
Jessilee P,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing experience!! We were able to see 4 whales and hundreds of dolphins!! Tha staff was so nice and helpful making sure everyone was taken care of!
Family vacation
Rosalinda O,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family and I had a blast!! Thank you for this amazing experience. We felt very safe on the ship, and we appreciate your patience and kindness. We saw lots of dolphins, sea lions, and about 3 whales. We'll be back for sure.
Sail like it’s 1851
Cosmopolitan714620,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Professional, courteous staff, gorgeous boat. Wonderful, relaxing day on the water. Pack some food if you’re going to be hungry because they just have chips and granola bars.
Great experience!
L366BJmarieg,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unusually great trip! Absolutely recommendable because the crew is very attentive, cares a lot, shares a lot of stories, and the sailing ship is simply wonderful. And the animals are amazing!
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Whale Watching & Charters - Next Level Sailing