Water activity

San Diego: Whale Watching Tour

4.4  / 5199 reviews
Activity provider:Flagship Cruises and Events.
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Water activity
San Diego: Whale Watching Tour
Activity provider:Flagship Cruises and Events.
4.4  / 5199 reviews

Get an up-close look at whales with San Diego's most experienced crew. Between December and April, approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate along the coast of San Diego.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights

  • Venture out into the open ocean on a San Diego whale-watching cruise
  • Learn about the ocean's ecosystem through live commentary by expert guides
  • Discover the beauty of the San Diego Bay on a two-story sailing yacht
  • See gray whales in their natural habitat as they migrate along the coast
  • Soak in 360-degree views from the main level or head to the upper sundeck

Full description

Marvel at the amazing views of San Diego Bay as you look out for sightings of marine wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, gray whales, and more. Your tour will be led by ocean experts as you get a deeper understanding of the ocean ecosystem and the sea creatures that live in it. Discover the San Diego coast on a two-story whale watching yacht, featuring 360-degree views from the main level and upper sundeck, multiple restrooms, and free guest WiFi. You will follow the whale migration path to bring you up close for the best sighting spots, which change every day. Early in the season, whales swim closer to the coast, so the maximum distance is about 3-5 miles. On their return trip, northbound whales swim further out, up to 9-12 miles off the coast. Make sure to wear layers as it can get pretty cool on the bay and don't forget to wear your sunscreen and hat while on this excursion. Bring your camera to capture all the memories you'll make on this exciting adventure.

Includes

  • Cruise on a two-story whale watching yacht with 360-degree views
  • Free guest WiFi
  • Commentary and tour led by ocean experts
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drink

Not suitable for

  • People prone to seasickness

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please check in at the "Flagship" ticket booth before departure.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars
  • Thermal clothing

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

Know before you go

  • The vessel is partially handicap accessible to indoor main deck, restrooms are downstairs and open exterior is upstairs (no elevators available).
  • See whales or you'll get to go out again for free on your next trip
  • Children 3 and under ride for free
  • If you are prone to seasickness, consider medication in advance

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 199 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

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N
Nexus – United StatesMarch 3, 2024  – Verified booking
Even though we didn't see whales, we did see a pod of dolphins; but even if we hadn't, the ride was a really nice temporary escape from all the usual stressors everyone has to deal with -- and having that fresh ocean breeze against your face is truly undescribable. Having a raincheck ticket in the back pocket for not having seen whales (with no expiration) is an extremely generous bonus!
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L
Lisa – United StatesJanuary 9, 2024  – Verified booking
Even though I didn't see any whales, however; baby sea lions and dolphins were a sight to see! With Flagship they have a guarantee to see at least one whale if not they give you a "RAIN CHECK" a free voucher/ticket to come back anytime and it doesn't expire!
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – United StatesDecember 29, 2023  – Verified booking
Although they typically see whales 95-98% of the time, we struck out. Big storm in the Pacific combined with a pod of orcas the previous days, meant very little marine life. They did a good job of ahead of time, and keeping us interested as we searched for things to see. In the end we found a pod of dolphins, which was cool, and they gave out vouchers for any of their local harbor tours to be used in the future with no expiration date.
Helpful?

Product ID: 208806

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