San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

From: $0.00

Location: San Diego

What's Included

4.5-hr sailing cruise
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
If you arrive after check in ends, you will miss the boat.
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Sodas and snacks
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: What's the best time of year to go whale watching in San Diego?

A: The best time really depends on what kind of whales you want to see! Gray whales are more common from mid-December to April, while blue whales show up from April to August. If you can go in spring, you might see humpbacks too. I went in March and it was incredible!

Q: Do I need to bring anything special for the whale watching cruise?

A: Definitely bring layers! It can get chilly on the water even in summer. Also, don’t forget a picnic if you want to eat while cruising. The snacks they provide are great, but it’s nice to have a full meal too. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider meds just to be safe!

Q: Are there any age restrictions for the whale watching tours?

A: There aren't strict age restrictions, but it's best for kids over 5. Younger ones might get bored or have trouble staying still. If you’re bringing kids, be sure they can handle being out on the water for about 4.5 hours. Bring some entertainment just in case!

Discussions

Just got back from a whale watching trip in San Diego!

Had such a great time on the Next Level Sailing cruise! We saw a ton of dolphins and a few gray whales, it was awesome. The crew was super knowledgeable and friendly. I went in March, and the weather was perfect. Just a tip: bring layers because it gets windy out there! Definitely going to recommend this as a gift for my parents next!

Considering a whale watching trip as a gift, any thoughts?

I’m thinking about gifting the whale watching cruise to my boyfriend for his birthday! He loves the ocean and this seems perfect. What’s the vibe like on the boat? Is it relaxed? Or do people get rowdy? I just wanna make sure it’s a chill vibe.