San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Overview
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
What's Included
- Approximately 4 hours (3.5-4.5 hours depending on weather)
- Sightings Guarantee: No whales or dolphins? Come back for free (no expiration, non-transferable)
- 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
- Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner)
- Live guide with marine wildlife commentary
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included
- Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Meeting Location
2050 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92106, 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
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/or whales.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 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-5170WHALE
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 2,470 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 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.
- Approximately 4 hours (3.5-4.5 hours depending on weather).
- Sightings Guarantee: No whales or dolphins? Come back for free (no expiration, non-transferable).
- 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.
- Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner).
- Live guide with marine wildlife commentary.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included.
- Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!.
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..
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 Cruise is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for San Diego Whale Watching 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
- Approximately 4 hours (3.5-4.5 hours depending on weather)
- Sightings Guarantee: No whales or dolphins? Come back for free (no expiration, non-transferable)
- 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
- Replica historic sailing schooner experience (1851 America's Cup winner)
- Live guide with marine wildlife commentary
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off NOT included
- Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 travelers
