The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in San Diego

1.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Sail San Diego’s historic America replica in search of gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions, with snacks, expert narration, and a whale guarantee.

“This was incredible. The staff was so kind and helpful. They were so knowledgeable about the marine life found in San Diego. The instructions to find the check in point were very clear. We traveled with two kids 6 and 11 and a whole group with our family. The boat was so fun ! It’s a replica of a very old sailboat and it’s very beautiful. There’s no cover though so if it’s bad weather make sure to bring a raincoat. They have blankets and small snacks on board to give out. We saw grey whales, a huge pod of common dolphins, and sea lions.”

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2.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

San Diego whale watching cruise from Mission Bay with expert naturalists, dolphins, whales, coastal views, and practical tips for a better trip

“They're friendly knowledgeable and safety oriented would recommend for anybody. it was an amazing time can't wait to do it again”

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3.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 663 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

San Diego whale watching cruise with gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, expert guides, indoor seating, and a flexible 3.5-hour ocean trip.

“Great experience and value! We saw (4) Gray Whales come up at the same time and many more whale and dolphin sightings! There were hundreds of dolphins and several pods that swam along with the boat. We loved the additional information from a group that would come around with visual aids, such as the baleen plate of a gray whale, and talk about the whales, dolphins, and answer any questions.”

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4.Whale Watching Tour – Flagship Cruises & Events

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 315 reviews · 3h 30m · from $54

Review of Flagship’s San Diego whale-watching cruise, with gray whales, dolphins, expert guides, bay views, boat tips, and honest value advice.

“WE WERE REALLY LUCKY. WE FOUND A POD OF DOLPHINS AND THEY HUNG WITH US ALONG THE BOAT FOR 30 MINUTES. THAT MADE THE DAY. OUR GUIDE SAID THERE WERE PROBABLY OVER 500 IN THE POD.”

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5.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Watch dolphins, whales, and a San Diego sunset from Mission Bay on this 2 to 3 hour cruise with an expert crew and open-water views.

“The crew members were very nice and knowledgeable, but we did not see any whales. We did see a pod of dolphins. We went so far out- about 10 miles in the ocean, and it was very choppy. Bring warm clothing! Be mindful Read more”

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6.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

Watch whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds off San Diego on a four-hour cruise with museum naturalists and a whale-or-dolphin guarantee.

“We didn't see any dolphins or whales, and because of that we were given a voucher for a future trip.”

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7.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 173 reviews · from $70

Cruise from San Diego’s Mission Bay to spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds with a marine biologist guide.

“The team/crew did a great job job. The digital photos were delivered quickly.”

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8.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

Review of City Cruises San Diego whale watching, with gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, naturalists, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“So nice and relaxing! No whales but we were given a voucher to come back free of charge. We got to see Seals, Pelicans, Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphins. I thought there would be so many guests on the boat. But there was room for us all to spread out and walk around while the boat was in motion. We brought our 7 year old who had a blast as well.”

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9.3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 142 reviews · 3 hours · from $34Best value

Review of San Diego’s $34 whale watching cruise, with seasonal whale tips, boat details, parking advice, wildlife highlights, and honest drawbacks.

“The guide was very knowledgeable and super enthusiastic! Great trip and would definitely do it again!!”

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10.Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

San Diego whale and dolphin watching on a 22-foot boat, with small groups, expert captains, dolphins, whales, sea lions, and open ocean views.

“Had a great time. We saw 2-3 whales. Dolphins swam along side the boat. Ray was very professional, and knowledgeable and very friendly.”

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11.3 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 106 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $34

A budget-friendly San Diego whale cruise with sea lions, dolphins, seabirds, and possible gray, humpback, or fin whales.

“Awesome weather, Captain & Crew were very friendlly & gave us great information on the marine life around us. We saw a few whale spouts, but unfortunately they didn't make a full appearance. We saw a spectacular Common Dolphin group of about 1000 or more that were leaping in the water around the boat going SUPER FAST! So many surrounding the boat as far as your eyes could see!! Such a thrill!! We live here in San Diego, so we will be doing this tour again!!”

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12.Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $179

A private San Diego whale and dolphin trip with Captain Rich, tower views, an enclosed cabin, and a real chance to see pods and whales.

“Great Boat and Tour Guide. We did not see much on the trip but a few sea lions you can see from shore. All in all still a good time.”

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13.Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · from $70

Watch whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds on a three-hour San Diego sunset cruise with live naturalist commentary.

“Great! Saw over 1000 common dolphins! Great team and caring service!”

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14.San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76

A practical review of San Diego’s Peregrine whale watch, with dolphin sightings, expert narration, comfort, seasickness tips, and honest value advice.

“The crew was amazing from start to finish, seeing the dolphins, whales, tuna, and the birds was an awesome experience, I would definitely do this again.”

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15.3-Hour Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

A small-group San Diego whale and dolphin tour with fast Zodiac boats, expert captains, close wildlife encounters, and practical cold-weather tips.

“As they tell you, dress in layers. It’s gets chilly, but it’s totally worth it. We saw dolphins and sea lions up close swimming right by the boat. Our captain, Rick, was so knowledgeable about the water and the animals. We will definitely book another outing with them. We highly recommend taking a tour with this company.”

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