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
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.
Options
Whale Watching Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,696 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best experience of my life highly recommended
lilishea,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Omg this ship the captain the whole crew they go the extra mile to be sure u see the whales I went with them In the morning and because we did not see any they invited us to go back
Whales and More
Laura E,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw a bunch of whales, dolphins and sea lions. It was spectacular! The best boat trip I have ever been on!
Dolphin view
Scott G,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The dolphins running next to the boat was amazing, Had a great time until getting back slapped with a vomit bag, followed by complete sedation once we arrived back at the hotel, laid down at 5pm woke up groggy at 7am with headache, but we didn't get seasick
First timers
Adrianna M,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first whale watching tour! We’ve done others but this has been by far the best one we’ve done. The crew were interactive and funny. It was a good time! We were able to see dolphins and humpback whales. It was a great time!
Whale tour! Wonderful tour
Robert P,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Make sure and take a jacket just in case! Put on some sunblock too or at least take some with you just in case
One of the highlights of our San Diego trip!!
Q8964VVmelissah,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did a whale watching tour the morning of 6/13/26 with my family. We had an amazing time. All of the crew were so friendly and helpful. Recommend paying the extra $10 a person for the priority boarding as we got to be one of the first to board the boat and pick the best seats for us(there was around 100 people on this tour). We chose the very back corner on the lower level of the boat and it was perfect for us. Got to have a great view but not get splashed and deal with extra choppiness like the front of the boat. We all took some dramamine before the tour and it really helped. We got lucky and saw so much wildlife. We saw multiple sea lions, bottle nosed dolphins, and multiple humpback whales. I would absolutely recommend taking this tour!
Friendly dolphin cruise
Nina V,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was pretty cold. Make sure you wear lots of layers and if you get seasick at all, be sure to take meds. Lots of people were sick. We saw hundreds of dolphins, but didn’t see any whales so that was sad but not something that could be controlled. All the crew were friendly and moved around the boat talking to folks throughout the cruise.
Whale and Dolphin watching
Fredrick F,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The dolphins stole the show. It was a nice and professional cruise overall. I know that some people got sea sick though.
Best excursion
Collin K,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip and crew couldn't have been better. No whales, no problem. Seeing so many dolphins was a amazing.
Whale Watching Tour Tuesday June 9
Michael M,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We didn’t see any whales or dolphins on our trip which is no ones fault. The major disappointment was the crew and naturalist could be seen in the wheelhouse chatting amongst themselves for a good portion of the voyage. We would have hoped they could have spent more time actually looking for whales, dolphins… In addition, the naturalist could have spent time educating the people on whale, dolphin behaviors etc…
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Operated by San Diego Whale Watching LLC