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San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure
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Enjoy the best sightseeing on the San Diego Bay—with a professionally narrated tour with San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure. Join us on the water as we search for Gray Whales (winter), Blue Whales (Summer), Minke Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, marine birds, and
About this Experience
Extras & Upgrades
- Food and beverage are available for purchase onboard
Additional Info
- Up-close views and educational moments by expert captains and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum
- We recommend warm attire, including a coat.
- The whale-watching vessel cruises in the open ocean. Our yacht is the most comfortable yacht in San Diego, due to stabilizers that greatly reduce the yacht's motion. Click here for Helpful hints for whale watching and frequently asked questions.
- If some type of whale is not sighted on your whale-watching cruise, you will receive a pass good to return for a Whale-Watching Cruise or Harbor Cruise from City Cruises San Diego.
- For information on a City Experiences annual pass, click here.
Schedule
Summer Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise June 21 – September 1 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday only)
Board: 8:45am
Cruise: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Winter Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruises December 14 - April 13 (Friday-Monday only)
Board: 9:15am
Cruise: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Cruise times may slightly vary. Please see the cruise calendar on this page and your email confirmation for the most accurate times for your cruise.
Where to Meet
Pier Two 970 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego CA
- Harbor Dr at Broadway St.
- Next to the USS Midway Museum
- Access to these outer decks is by stairs only.
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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.
