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Water activity

San Diego: Whale Watching Tour

4.6  / 5
81 reviews
Activity provider:Flagship Cruises and Events.
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Water activity

San Diego: Whale Watching Tour

Activity provider:Flagship Cruises and Events.
4.6  / 5
81 reviews

From US$ 55 per person

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.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
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
  • Face mask or protective covering

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

Know before you go

  • 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
  • The vessel and interior main deck are wheelchair accessible but the exterior top deck and restrooms are not

From US$ 55 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 81 reviews

Review summary

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

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Great tour. Got to see all kinds of wildlife and navy ships. Sea lions, birds, 2 different types of dolphins. A pod of dolphins of about 300 surrounded the ship for a while. Also, spotted a couple of gray whales. Staff was very informative and experienced.

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March 19, 2023

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GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Excellent experience. We went on the 3.5-4 hour tour as a family, with my three kids (10, 6, 4 years old). We saw 9 whales and a huge pod of dolphins…a very memorable experience for all of us. The boat guide did a great job moderating and explaining what to look out for. Additionally, the boat was very spacious and clean

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February 9, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

What an amazing tour of the ocean wild life! Captain Brendan and his crew were top notch. There was education along with pure enjoyment. We saw four whales and dozens of dolphin—many swimming right alongside the boat. We were able to move throughout the boat to get the best views. The crew was great about directing the passengers to the ocean activity and amenities of the boat. It was good to have beverages and some snack/food options for purchase. I felt the ticket price was very fair for the value of the tour. Thanks for a great experience!

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January 23, 2023

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GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

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Product ID: 208806

  • United States
  • California
  • Things to do in San Diego
  • San Diego Harbor

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