San Diego Whale Watching: Marine Biologist Guided

Embark on an exciting whale watching adventure in San Diego with a marine biologist as your guide. Depart from Mission Bay for a short journey to the open ocean, where you can spot whales and dolphins. Learn about these magnificent creatures from the moment you set sail!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ocean Beach - The tour will take you to the ocean without stopping
What's Included
  • Marine biologists provide live narration
Additional Information

Our trips depart from Mission Bay, which requires only a short 10 minute journey access to the open ocean where whales and dolphins can be seen! The search for whales and other animals begins as soon as you depart the dock and our marine biologists are on the microphone explaining exactly what to expect and what you are seeing from the get go! Typically…

Location
1617 Quivira Rd
Quivira Road
Our Ticket / check-in booth is a small grey booth between H2O rentals and the Fish & Chips shop facing the marina. [Click this link for our exact check in location](https://goo.gl/maps/2hJEu6fC3pR2)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(1316 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Margaret_s
Apr 28, 2025
Bare bones boat but they... - Bare bones boat but they found whales, dolphins and more. Excellent photos and drone video for sale. Fantastic.
Review provided by Viator
Adam_m
Apr 27, 2025
A highly recommended experience - An incredible experience, we were so lucky to see 3 Humphack whales, a grey whale and pod of around 500 dolphins in a feeding frenzy. The tour guide was really engaged with the group and the whole experience was just surreal. Would definitely recommend, but I recognise we were very lucky to see what we did as not all would get to see that
Review provided by Viator
485kateym
Apr 26, 2025
YOLO! - Totally lived up to our dream of an afternoon on the sea! Fantastic narration of what to watch for and where, smooth and expert navigating and circling by the captain, and we saw the most amazing frenzy of dolphins, birds, and lots of views of a fin whale! Highly recommend this experience!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veronica_b
Apr 24, 2025
Fun and easy - From start to finish the whole experience was so simple. Parking was so easy and accessible. We did see whales and dolphins. Some of the dolphins were so close to the boat I wanna say about 15 feet from us, I think that was our favorite part of the tour. Definitely recommend
Review provided by Viator
Nytravelingaddict
Apr 21, 2025
Fun outing - We had a fun time on this trip. The water was calm, no wind. We saw a humpback whale soon after departing but that was the only whale. We did however, see many many dolphins that jumped out of the water and swam alongside the boat. That was the real highlight. We went midweek and it wasn't packed so we were able to move around and see the dolphins. My kids were able to see, which they weren't when we did a boston whale watch that was packed. There were 2 clean bathrooms on the boat, and snacks for purchase. We'd love to go again the next time we're back. Also there was ample parking available behind the check in location on the street. We parked 45 mins before the first departure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy_r
Apr 20, 2025
The trip was wonderful, ... - The trip was wonderful, the was nice and checked on passengers all day. Cole was nonstop checking on passengers helping them out and making them feel welcome
Review provided by Viator
Doris
Apr 20, 2025
Great time - We saw one humpback whale and tons of dolphins. The water was calm and no wind the day we went so it was smooth sailing. Staff was very nice and friendly. There are snacks and drinks for purchase and 2 bathrooms on the boat. We were back in about 3 hours. highly recommend. We'll do this again whenever we return to San Diego.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jordan_g
Apr 18, 2025
This was an amazing... - This was an amazing experience for my daughter and I. The crew were attentive and very well informed about the local wild life.
Review provided by Viator
Betsy_p
Apr 17, 2025
Really awesome whale watching - The crew was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. We saw whales, seals, dolphins. The crew knew so much and was able to really give us so much information
Review provided by Viator
Nzp0ppy
Apr 22, 2025
No whales and checkin process is so slow - Our first impressions were not good when the small check in kiosk advsied there were no toilets to use before you got on the boat. checkin was at 11.30am (not before and was actually nearer 11.35am). Sadly, i was getting a brochure to read and got a firm telling off from staff member to get to back of line. i wasnt line jumping, i was getting a brochure. Check in was so very very very very slow due to all the upselling - want fries with that? Apparently this check in is always slow. we were third in the wait line and it took 15 mins. Dont get the upgrade to premium seats - they were miserable. front of boat and were so cold. The boat was comfortable, restrooms adequate, 90 people on the boat. no whales. just dolphins. we were disappointed so i cant rate it anymore than that as we see dolphins heaps. Take warm hat, sunhat, sunscreen, warm clothes, jacket - it gets cold. And lower expectations about seeing whales outside the main peak times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $71
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).