Whale Watching: San Diego Ocean Adventure

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
  • South Mission Beach Park - Located at the southern end of the Mission Beach peninsula in San Diego, South Mission Bay Park is where the ocean meets the bay channel. The Ocean Front Walk starts here and extends north along the peninsula, perfect for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks. The fire pits make it an ideal spot for a beachside bonfire in…
What's Included
  • Marine biologists provide live narration
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages - Available for purchase after 3 miles
  • Soda/pop - available for purchase
  • Snacks - available for purchase
  • Optional Gratuities
  • Parking - Free Parking on Quivira Road only
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating whale-watching journey from the picturesque Mission Bay, where you can witness some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures during a 2–3 hour excursion in San Diego. The duration may vary depending on the season and the locations of sightings. Within just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay and venture into the vast Pacific Ocean,…

Location
1617 Quivira Rd
Quivira Road
Ticket booth / Check-in: Look for a grey shed with a blue awning facing the water. Located between H2o Jet Ski rentals and the Fish & Chips Restaurant. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1P1Qt8Uea5m8ZpM56
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(1552 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Juliane_s
Dec 14, 2025
Very Cool! - It was an awesome experience! The crew was all very nice. We saw lots of whales and they got close to the boat! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Penny_a
Dec 12, 2025
Amazing trip! - It was incredible to sail alongside the whales, and when we ran into the thousands of dolphins feeding frenzy! It was astonishing to see!
Review provided by Viator
Margaret
Dec 9, 2025
Excellent trip! - We saw several whales, one of which surfaced very close to the boat, and then cross in front of our bow and came up again several times. It was awesome!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricisv2018
Dec 9, 2025
Great afternoon experience!! - It was very lovely! Crew were all very friendly and knowledgeable. From check in to disembarking, it was a great afternoon! We did see a few whales and got up close to one that surprised us right alongside the boat! Would definitely recommend to any ocean lovers
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_n
Dec 9, 2025
It was awesome!! Spent a... - It was awesome!! Spent a lot of the time with a humpback whale. Even had to navigate around a navy ship and they got it done !!
Review provided by Viator
Jeffrey_r
Dec 8, 2025
Amazing - We were on our way back after seeing hundreds of dolphins, when all of a sudden the whales appeared!
Review provided by Viator
Ankit_a
Dec 8, 2025
Really good overall... - Really good overall experience. The people are super nice- Allison is a good naturalist and the crew do a great job at explaining things and pointing things out. You will see a lot of dolphins and some whales based on luck (we saw 2) They do a good job at being organized and really putting in the effort. They will upsell a priority booking. And I promise its not worth it. Basically- you can board first and get the best seat in the house- but then people who board last will come and stand in front of you and crowd out the whole bow - so save that ten bucks.
Review provided by Viator
88xingyur
Dec 7, 2025
SD Whale Watching - Very great experience!The whale-watching cruise was incredible! We were greeted by playful dolphins riding the bow waves, then witnessed a majestic whale breach and blow a sparkling spray. The journey ended with a breathtaking sunset painting the ocean in gold and crimson as the whale’s silhouette melted into the glowing sea. A truly magical moment where the vastness of the ocean met the wonder of life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xiujing
Dec 6, 2025
Incredible Experience!!! - amazing experience!!! Highly recommend it. We had the best luck today that we saw whale right after heading out, and thanks to crew we were able to saw the whale several times. And then a large group of > 500 dolphins! It was the best experience ever. Kudos to the whole team: Capt. Brian, Naturalist Alison, Deck Sam & Oscar, Galley Brandon, for an amazing job done!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mandyklink07
Dec 6, 2025
Absolutely incredible!... - Absolutely incredible! Saw 8 whales, hundreds of dolphins, and many sea lions. Truly an amazing experience!
Review provided by Viator
From $71
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).