San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Free Parking on Quivira Road
- Restroom on board
- Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
- Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
- 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
Meeting Location
1617 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
South Mission Beach Park (pass by)
Ocean Beach (pass by)
Mission Beach Boardwalk (pass by)
Belmont Park (pass by)
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-69764P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.66 out of 5 stars based on 1,712 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Free Parking on Quivira Road.
- Restroom on board.
- Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase.
- Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
- 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.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Free Parking on Quivira Road
- Restroom on board
- Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
- Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
- 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
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
