San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Overview
Each year approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja California and back again. Come witness this amazing journey off the coast of San Diego on this educational whale watching excursion.
What's Included
- All safety equipment and life jackets
- 360-degree ocean viewing yacht
- Marine wildlife spotting (whales, dolphins, sea turtles when visible)
- Indoor and Outside seating
- Live guide commentary on marine life and whale migration patterns
- Snacks
- We suggest dressing in layers. The temperature and winds can be unpredictable even if it's sunny out.
- Medication - If you may be prone to seasickness, plan ahead.
- Food and Drinks
Meeting Location
990 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101, 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
Enjoy breathtaking view of the beautiful San Diego Bay before departing out into the ocean where you will have the chance to see whales, turtles, dolphins and so much more!
Please not the bathrooms are not accessible for wheelchairs.
Flagship's whale watching cruises are educational and fun for the whole family. The incredible connection with nature will leave a lasting impression.
Reservations recommended.
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
- Chances of spotting a whale are exactly the same, whether you choose the morning or afternoon departure. Whales don't wear watches.
- Same goes for the days of the week. Each day has an equal chance of sightings. Whales do not have calendars.
- In the unlikely event that your departure is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we do our best to contact you in the morning at the phone number you provide. We will reschedule your tour for another day if you like or provide you with a full refund—your choice.
- Guests with wheelchairs can access the vessel and interior main deck. However, the exterior top deck and the restrooms are not ramp accessible.
- No touching the whales. No feeding the whales. No petting the whales. This is whale watching. We watch with our eyes.
- Indoor and Outdoor Seating
- .
- 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-5144WHALE
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 681 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.
Filter by:
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).
- All safety equipment and life jackets.
- 360-degree ocean viewing yacht.
- Marine wildlife spotting (whales, dolphins, sea turtles when visible).
- Indoor and Outside seating.
- Live guide commentary on marine life and whale migration patterns.
- Snacks.
- We suggest dressing in layers. The temperature and winds can be unpredictable even if it's sunny out.
- Medication - If you may be prone to seasickness, plan ahead.
- Food and Drinks.
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
- All safety equipment and life jackets
- 360-degree ocean viewing yacht
- Marine wildlife spotting (whales, dolphins, sea turtles when visible)
- Indoor and Outside seating
- Live guide commentary on marine life and whale migration patterns
- Snacks
- We suggest dressing in layers. The temperature and winds can be unpredictable even if it's sunny out.
- Medication - If you may be prone to seasickness, plan ahead.
- Food and Drinks
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
- Chances of spotting a whale are exactly the same, whether you choose the morning or afternoon departure. Whales don't wear watches.
- Same goes for the days of the week. Each day has an equal chance of sightings. Whales do not have calendars.
- In the unlikely event that your departure is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we do our best to contact you in the morning at the phone number you provide. We will reschedule your tour for another day if you like or provide you with a full refund—your choice.
- Guests with wheelchairs can access the vessel and interior main deck. However, the exterior top deck and the restrooms are not ramp accessible.
- No touching the whales. No feeding the whales. No petting the whales. This is whale watching. We watch with our eyes.
- Indoor and Outdoor Seating
- .
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
