Instant
Confirmation
Mobile
Tickets
No
Booking Fee

San Diego: Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

From $70.00
$56.00 /person
Info &
Reviews
Check
Availability

About the activity

Set sail from San Diego's Mission Bay to the open ocean where magnificent whales and playful dolphins roam year-round. Enjoy fascinating narration by expert marine biologists.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    3 hours
  • Includes
    • Whale watching cruise
    • Live commentary
    • Free parking
    • Alcoholic Beverages (Available for purchase after 3 miles)
    • Soda/Pop (Available for purchase)
    • Snacks (Available for purchase)
    • Coffee and/or Tea (Available for purchase)
    • Gratuities (optional)
    • Parking Fees (Free Parking on Quivira Road only)
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Experience thrilling year-round whale and dolphin watching
  • Sail from Mission Bay—shortest trip to the ocean means more time whale watching
  • Learn fascinating facts with narration from expert guides and naturalists
  • Enjoy the personalized touch of a family-owned and operated business
  • Relax with indoor and outdoor seating plus a full galley and bar onboard

Description

Set sail from San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay, which offers the shortest trip to the open ocean — giving you more time to search for incredible wildlife. This unforgettable 2–3-hour whale-watching adventure in San Diego. Depending on the season and wildlife activity, trips range from 2–2.5 hours in winter (Dec–Feb) to 2.5–3 hours in spring through fall (Mar–Nov). In just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay behind and be cruising the open Pacific, scanning the horizon for whales, dolphins, and other awe-inspiring marine life.

With expert guides and naturalists by your side, every sighting comes to life through fascinating stories and insights. From the moment you spot a spout in the distance to the thrill of dolphins racing alongside the boat, no two adventures are ever the same.

Experience the warm hospitality of a family-owned and operated company, where every guest is treated like part of the crew. Relax in spacious indoor or outdoor seating and make the most of your journey with a full galley and bar serving refreshments onboard.

As an added perk, enjoy free and convenient parking right on Quivira Road, making your trip even easier from start to finish.

Good to know before you go
  • Tours operate rain or shine
  • Trips may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor sea conditions for safety
  • Check in 45 minutes prior to departure to complete the process and receive your boarding pass
  • During summer months, weekends, and holidays, Mission Bay can be very busy — please allow extra time for traffic and parking
  • Free parking is available on Quivira Road
  • Restrooms are available onboard
  • Food and beverages are available for purchase from the galley and bar
  • Wildlife sightings vary — if no whales or dolphins are seen, you’ll receive a free return pass
Meeting point

Reviews & Ratings

Similar Activities in San Diego (1)

See all activities in San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    18-64 years
  • Seniors
    65-99 years
  • Children
    3-17 years
  • Infants
    0-2 years
  • Military (with ID)
    3-99 years
September 2025
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Check availability