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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

star-4.5291 Reviews
|
San Diego, United States
Safety measures
icon3 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Safety measures
icon3 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

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Safety measures
icon3 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

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Overview

Go on a whale-watching expedition in San Diego on this 3-hour cruise. Get the scoop from a guide who studies the migratory patterns of grey whales as you keep a lookout for whales in the water. Board a 2-story yacht that gives you 360-degree views of the ocean. Plus, you're guaranteed to see whales or you get to ride again for free.
  • 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego
  • Cruise along the water, and keep your eyes peeled for whales in their natural habitat
  • Enjoy free Wi-Fi
  • It’s recommended to dress in layers to suit the weather
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Indoor and Outside seating
We suggest dressing in layers. The temperature and winds can be unpredictable even if it's sunny out.
warm clothing
medication - If you may be prone to seasickness, plan ahead. Medication only works when taken BEFORE boarding the vessel. Wristbands for motion sickness also can be effective. Either can be purchased at any drug store.
Snacks
Food and Drinks
990 N Harbor Dr , 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Open in Google Maps
This activity will end right where it started.
Meet at Broadway Pier at least 30 minutes before your departure time for this 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. Your cruise takes off at 9am.

After boarding, pick a spot on the 2-story yacht either on the main level or upper sundeck. It’s recommended to dress in layers, so you won’t get cold out on the water. The yacht is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a snack bar, and multiple restrooms for convenience.

During your time on the water, your guide tells you interesting facts about the whales, their migratory patterns, their ocean habitat, and other species that call the ocean home. Keep your eyes peeled for grey whales. You might just see a quick glance of them popping up from the water, but in many cases, you’ll see them jump up and make a huge splash.

After your cruise is over, make your way off the yacht. The rest of the day is in your hands.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Indoor and Outdoor Seating
  • Most travelers can participate
  • The State of California Department of Public Health has issues a new mandate. Masks are required for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Flagship Cruises Events
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise .
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise ?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise ?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise .

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "I would advise thought to pack some Dramamine for the boat can get pretty rocky once you head way out in the water." See review
  • "It's a great experience over all and great opportunity to get fresh sea air." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
291 Reviews
5 stars
210
4 stars
37
3 stars
20
2 stars
12
1 star
12

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 291 reviews
star-4
I enjoyed myself. We...
Suzanne_K
, Apr 2022
I enjoyed myself. We didn't get to see any whales but we were given a voucher to return. But the trip was amazing. I loved it.
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star-1
Didn’t see any whales....
Erick_V
, Apr 2022
Didn’t see any whales. Only saw a few seals and pelicans. Also, my partner felt seasick once the boat reached open water. The exhaust fumes from the boat didn’t help either and the smell was overwhelming. Would’ve been worth it to see at least a single whale. Be careful if you’re prone to motion sickness.
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star-5
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
Ejiro_U
, Apr 2022
Enjoyed this cruise. This was the last week of the watching season so unfortunately we didn't see any whales. We were given non expiring vouchers for another cruise! We got to see some seals and sea lions and numerous dolphins playing around the boat. The dolphins were worth the cruise alone. I can definitely recommend this cruise.
... MoreLess
star-4
Nice Tour
Touche_P
, Apr 2022
Even though we didn’t get to see any whales, our overall experience was nice. The staff was very nice and boat ride was relaxing!
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star-5
This was a great tour....
DAndre_B
, Apr 2022
This was a great tour. The staff was friendly, fun and informative. Most importantly we saw wildlife.
... MoreLess
star-5
Fun but didn’t see whales
Sade_R
, Apr 2022
We had a fun time even though we didn’t see any whales. The company offers vouchers for another ride if we don’t get to see whales, Which I appreciate. Also, a few people got sea sick, so just be weary if that possibility.
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star-4
Dolphins, good guidance...
Kerstin_A
, Apr 2022
Dolphins, good guidance about whales and the area. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any whales. Wrong season?
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star-5
Worth your time, relax, and have fun!
Sally_W
, Apr 2022
This trip is worth your money and time (especially if you’ve never been out on the ocean) and though we didn’t see whales this time we saw plenty of dolphins plus it was just a beautiful day to be out and so relaxing. So glad we read instructions and brought sunscreen, layers, and took motion sickness meds.
... MoreLess
star-3
Very disappointing…
Esther_T
, Apr 2022
Dolphins… But it supposed to be whale watching… Very deceptive… you already know there would be no whales… Just want to get business… Who is going to come back to San Diego again to whale watching？
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Whale search fun!
Jennifer_B
, Apr 2022
It was a beautiful day for a boat ride. Staff was very nice and informative. We unfortunately did not encounter any whales! BUT we saw hundreds of dolphins and got to spend some great time enjoying them. We were honestly even having before that. It was a good afternoon. Bri g layers because it turns COLD in seconds. Very cold. Stays that for a good while. Again, great trip, thanks!
... MoreLess

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