2024 Summer Whale Watching Report
| Date | Morning Cruise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8/31/24 | 1500 common dolphin | A gray day with overcast skies for the entire trip. Calm seas made for great viewing of more than 1500 common dolphin in four different pods. We traveled out to the 9-mile bank, but encountered no whales. Did spot a marlin and a few flying fish. |
| 8/30/24 | 1200 long nose common dolphins | Nice marine layer day on the Pacific Ocean. 1200 long nose common dolphins were encountered during this cruise. |
| 8/28/24 | 400 Common Dolphins 50 Bottlenose Dolphins 1 Mako Shark 2 Mola mola Several sea lions |
The day started out a little gray and cloudy to start but we kicked the trip off with a few smaller pods of common dolphins coming to swim around the boat. Once we got to 9-mile bank we encountered a large pod of bottlenose dolphin and later another larger pod of common dolphin. There were a few mola mola throughout the trip and some lucky guests also happened to catch a mako shark breaching. |
| 8/26/24 | 150 short beaked common dolphins 40 offshore dolphins Pod of 30 Risso Dolphins Pair of Bottlenose Dolphins 4 Flying Fish |
Shortly after passing Point Loma, we saw 150 Short Beaked Common Dolphins in a nursery pod. We were able to stay among them for quite awhile and they were entertaining to watch with lots of aerobatics. Wonderful photo opps for the guests! Further out, we saw 40 Offshore Dolphins and then a pod of 30 Risso's, closely followed by a pair of Bottlenose Dolphins. The Risso's were a thrill to see as they are not a common sighting. There were also 4 flying fish spotted. |
| 8/25/24 | 350 Common Dolphins 4 Bottlenose Dolphins 3 Mola Mola 2 flying fish |
A beautiful day on the water with super visibility as we saw several different pods of common dolphins - along with many juvenile and baby dolphins! A group of bottlenose dolphins greeted us returning to the harbor and several big Mola Mola cruised along with us today! |
| 8/24/24 | Brydes: 1 Mola Mola: 2 Common Dolphin: 1200 Bottlenose Dolphin: 80 Flying fish |
Headed out about 13.5 miles and were surrounded by dolphins for a long portion of the ride. About 10 minutes before heading back, we saw a Brydes whale that circled the boat and came right up to it affording us great views. We also saw mola mola and flying fish! |
| 8/18/24 | 1000 Common Dolphins 1 Humpback Whale |
It was a sunny day with calm seas and multiple pods of Common Dolphins entertained passengers throughout the cruise. There were leaps and splashing close to the boat and in the distance. Our search for whales was successful with a Humpback who fluked several times before we had to head back to shore. |
| 8/12/24 | 1000 different pods of dolphins Flying Fish Mola Mola Fin Whale |
We encountered three different pods of common dolphins totaling about 1,000 animals! They were feeding, playing, and some were jumping sky high. It was phenomenal. There were several baby dolphins with their moms. We also saw about a dozen flying fish and a mola mola. And we were fortunate enough to see a fin whale! |
| 8/11/24 | 300 Common Dolphins | There were no white caps on the ocean, so our visibility for sightings was good. We observed approximately 300 common dolphins feeding with some jumping near our vessel. |
| 8/10/24 | 130 Common Dolphins 2 Flying fish |
At the 3-mile mark, we were greeted by a small pod of about 50 long-beaked common dolphins. Their playful interactions as they swam alongside our boat, delighting everyone on board. Continuing on to the 9-mile bank, Captain Rick spotted a pod of short-beaked common dolphins and as we headed towards the splashing in the distance a small pod of bottlenose traveled past us heading east while we were traveling west. When we arrived at the short beaked common dolphins they put on an incredible show with great leaps, breaching, and tail slaps. |
| 8/5/24 | 150 Common Dolphins 2 Mola Mola 2 flying fish |
A nice morning with a group of common dolphins, many leaping out of the water. A giant pacific sunfish also made a great close pass to the boat as well! |
| 8/3/24 | 2 Adult Blue Whales 1 Cow/Calf Pair 100 short beaked common dolphins 1 large mola mola Flying Fish |
We headed out on a beautiful sunny morning and soon found about 25 bottlenose dolphin and then a pod of 100 short-beaked common dolphin, thrilling the passengers. But the highlight was finding 2 adult Blue whales and 1 cow/calf pair! As we headed back to San Diego harbor, we saw a large mola mola (sunfish) and a very energetic flying fish! |
| 7/29/24 | 1 undetermined whale (possible Fin) 12 bottlenose dolphin 6 common dolphin |
On the way out, we encountered approximately 12 bottlenose dolphin who spent about 15 minutes bow riding with us. A short time later, we came to the common dolphin, who enjoyed the same thrill. We finally saw a blow and a back-arch about 300 yards ahead of us. But the whale disappeared for a good 20 minutes. A whale reappeared, but again at a distance. We were never able to determine the type. The fact that the whale was hard to spot plus the darkness of the skin suggests it was a (notoriously fast) fin whale. |
| 7/28/24 | 400 Common Dolphins 1 Mola mola Several sea lions |
On our way to 9-mile bank we encountered a few small pods of common dolphins as well as the occasional sea lion swimming along. There was not too much marine life along 9-mile bank but on our way back we encountered a huge pod of common dolphin including many mom/calf pairs. Right before we re-entered the bay we also saw a lounging mola mola. |
| 7/22/24 | 125 Common Dolphins 25 Offshore Bottlenose Dolphins 1 Mola Mola |
While no whales were spotted, a pod of 125 Common Dolphins provided excitement with jumping and stampeding while feeding. A pod of 25 Offshore Dolphins swam close to the boat. |
| 7/20/24 | 2 blue whales 120 dolphins |
We saw a Cow Calf blue whale pair around 12 miles, as they swam alongside the boat for a good amount of time ranging for a few minutes. Everyone on the boat got excited to see multiple blows from the pair, especially the tall blow from the mother whale. Adding to our delight, we spotted a pod of approx.120 dolphins with multiple nurseries in the group. |
| 7/19/24 | 2 Blue whales (Mother/calf) 20 Common Dolphin 50 Bottlenose Dolphin |
On our way to the 9-mile bank, we saw a small pod of Common Dolphin (about 20) and then a larger pod of Bottlenose Dolphin (about 50) that were quite active, giving everyone a fun display of their jumping abilities. By the time we were about 14 miles out, just west of the bank, we spotted 2 spouts of mother and calf Blue whales. We saw them multiple times, with at least 3 tail flukes from the mother, and then the calf came up at the stern of the boat and traveled up the side. |
| 7/12/24 | 50+ common dolphins 1 juvenile humpback 2 blue whales 2 mola mola |
We headed out of San Diego Bay and soon after entering the ocean saw 50+ common dolphins. Then the captain spotted 1 juvenile humpback whale rolling, displaying its pictorial fins, and positioned the boat for all guests to enjoy. With time left on the cruise, we headed out about 12 miles and found 2 blue whales showing their dorsal fins and occasionally a fluke. |
| 7/8/24 | 10 bottlenose dolphins 300 common dolphins 1 elephant seal |
No whales were sighted. 10 bottlenose dolphins were seen in the San Diego, CA harbor at the beginning of this cruise. Out on the ocean, 1 elephant seal were sighted. 300 common dolphins in a large pod were a joyous event for the guests. |
| 7/7/24 | 50 Bottlenose dolphin 700 Common Dolphins |
We left under a marine layer with high expectations for seeing Blue Whales, given the last two trips where many were spotted. But the whales had other ideas and must have moved on to other areas more rich with krill! The dolphins saved the day: first, a pod of about 50 Bottlenose dolphin and then several large pods of very active Common dolphin that leaped through the air, swam with the boat, and kept everyone entertained. We returned under blue skies after a beautiful cruise with calm seas the whole time. |
| 7/5/24 | 8 Blue Whales 50 Common Dolphins 1 Mola Mola |
Captain Rick took excited guests out about 5 miles off Point Loma for an incredible outing where we encountered EIGHT blue whales over a several hour period. Lots of really close looks, amazing big blows and several tail flukes. |
| 7/1/24 | 3 adult Blue Whales and 2 juvenile Blue whales 12 inshore bottlenose with one baby 25 Common Dolphins |
We headed out in a westerly direction about 5 miles from the tip of Point Loma. Where we came upon a small pod of 25 Common Dolphins enjoying themselves near the vessel. Shortly after seeing the Common Dolphins we encountered a small pod of Inshore Dolphins and 1 calf within the mix. They enjoyed taking the thermal glide near the bow of the vessel. Guests were delighted to see two types of dolphins so soon after leaving the bay. There were several large spouts that could be seen about 1/2 mile away from where our vessel was when we heard the exciting words,"There she blows!" Adventure had found 3 Blue Whales. As we observed the Blues we noticed that none of them were showing us their 25 foot flukes. Adventure continued to observe these 3 Blues when we noticed several more spouts about 300 yards away from the vessel. We came upon 2 juvenile Blue Whales and observed that they did not show their flukes too. |
| 6/29/24 | 6 Blue Whales 50 Bottlenose Dolphins 3 Mola Mola 1 False Killer Whale |
! We spotted 6 different blue whales out at the 9 mile bank, relaxing and spouting in the sun. Three mola molas were out sunning themselves. We encountered 2 pods of bottlenose dolphins, frolicking in the waves. There was even a false killer whale hanging out with one of the dolphin pods! |
| 6/28/24 | 2 fin whales 1 blue whale 5 bottlenose dolphin 50 common dolphin |
We made our way to the nine mile bank were delighted to find two fin whales and a blue whale feeding in the area upon our arrival. The blue whale emerged close to the boat and guests got to hear the whoosh of the whale’s breath and see a huge tail fluke. Soon after, we were joined by a pod of about 5 bottlenose dolphins. On the way back we encountered a pod of common dolphins that played in our wake. |
| 6/24/24 | 1 Blue Whale 500 Common Dolphin 1 Mola Mola |
Saw several sea lions on buoys on the way out of the bay and more at the bait dock upon returning. The boat mostly stayed between 3-9 miles out or so from shore, eventually in over 1100 feet of water. On the way we saw several fairly large pods of common dolphins that rushed to the boat to bow ride, much to the children's delight. They were relieved to be out on the ocean with a cool breeze looking for what rises - one blue whale, hundreds of common dolphins, and the spectacular sunfish or Mola Mola. |
| 6/21/24 | 0 dolphin 0 whales |
The ocean had 3-4 ft swells at 12 second intervals with occasional larger swells, especially at the 9 mile bank. The ride back was smoother with the sun burning through the marine layer, providing sunny skies, at about 12pm. Occasional sea lions we spotted swimming & sunning with 1 flipper out of the water. Sea gulls and turns occasionally flew by. No other marine wildlife was spotted. |
| 6/15/24 | 2 Blue whales 600 Common dolphins |
We sailed out under marine layer conditions and saw several sea lions before leaving San Diego Bay. Soon a large pod of common dolphins was sited just beyond Point Loma. Heading west, we found 2 blue whales frequently showing their backs and small dorsal fins. We stayed with them for quite a while. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do whale watching tours in San Diego?
You sure can! City Cruises offers some of the best whale watching tours around in 2024. Enjoy a narrated experience by our expert guides and see whales up close and personal. If you are looking to see specific whales, be sure to visit during the appropriate season!
How much is whale watching in San Diego?
Prices for whale watching tours in San Diego usually range from $60 to $75 per person. It depends on the day, time of year and a few other factors. It is well worth the experience!
When can you see gray whales in San Diego?
Gray whales can be seen in San Diego from mid-December to early April. This is the time of year when they migrate from Alaska to Baja California. Book your whale watching cruise for the winter season!
When can you see blue whales in San Diego?
Blue whales are more likely to be seen in the summer months, from June to September. This is the time of year when they migrate from Central America to California. If you want to see blue whales, book your whale watching tour for the summer!
How long are whale watching cruises in San Diego?
They are usually about three and a half or four hours long. This includes time for boarding, the cruise itself, and disembarking.
What should you bring on a whale watching cruise?
Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can change quickly out on the water. It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars and cameras. And don’t forget your sense of adventure!
Will you see dolphins on the cruise in San Diego?
It is very likely! San Diego is home to a large population of common dolphins. They often swim alongside the whales, so you may get to see them up close.
What other wildlife will you see on the tour?
In addition to dolphins and whales, you might see California sea lions, seals, pelicans, birds and more. Keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars handy! San Diego is home to some of the best wildlife in the state.
What is the best time of day for whale watching?
The best time of day for whale watching is usually early morning or late afternoon. This is when the sun is not as harsh and the whales are more active.
When is whale watching season in San Diego?
The whale watching season in San Diego runs from mid-December to early April. This is when the gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. The blue whale season runs from June to September, when they migrate from Central America to California.