Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego
Overview
Step aboard our 22' Zodiac expedition style boat and immerse yourself with wildlife all around you. Our Captains are fun loving, knowledgeable and respectful. We head out to see Blue & Grey whales, Fin whales and Humpback whales that put on an impressive show as they feed on krill and other small marine animals. Blue whales are the largest animals to ever live on earth and can reach up to 100’ and weigh in at 150 tons! The smaller fin whale averages about 88’ in length.
In addition to whales, there are large pods of dolphins that call the San Diego coast home. Bottle nose, Pacific white sided, Risso’s and common dolphins can be seen year round as well.
So step aboard and let the adventure begin!
What's Included
- Waterproof windbreakers
- Comfortable USCG approved life jackets
- Snacks You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic ) with you
- Minimum Passenger Count is 3 guests or the equivalent number of tickets.
Meeting Location
1500 Quivira Way
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
Your adventure begins the moment you step on board our 22' expedition boat, because this is no ordinary whale watching trip. Say goodbye to the crowds and hello to a smaller, more personalized experience, where everyone has a front row seat.
We will head out to the ocean on this amazing whale and dolphin watching cruise, but it is much more than that! Discover ocean going birds, unusual fish, sea lions and seals.
-Convenient departure from Mission Bay (closest to the ocean).
- USCG Licensed Captain with the experience to find the best wildlife locations
- Observe whales, dolphins, sea lions and more in their wild environment
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- NO children under the age of 3 years old
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 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-413911P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 156 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 Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego. 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.
- Waterproof windbreakers.
- Comfortable USCG approved life jackets.
- Snacks. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic ) with you.
- Minimum Passenger Count is 3 guests or the equivalent number of tickets.
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 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. 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 Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- NO children under the age of 3 years old
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego 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
- Waterproof windbreakers
- Comfortable USCG approved life jackets
- SnacksYou are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic ) with you
- Minimum Passenger Count is 3 guests or the equivalent number of tickets.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- NO children under the age of 3 years old
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers
