San Diego Whale Watching: Year-Round Marine Adventure

Experience year-round whale spotting on our San Diego whale watching cruise. Join us aboard the Yacht America for a thrilling adventure with experienced guides and the chance to see gray whales, blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and naval activity.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Next Level Sailing - We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse to see many dolphins and whales.
What's Included
  • 4.5-hr sailing cruise
  • Free Parking with convenient check-in
  • Complimentary snacks and sodas onboard
  • Guarantee against seasickness
  • Whale sighting guarantee or sail again for free
  • Bring layers for warmth
  • Multiple trip times with specific check-in windows
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
Additional Information

In San Diego, whale watching is a year-round activity! Our expert team at Next Level Sailing guarantees a premier experience, with such skilled guides that we achieved a 100 percent success rate in detecting the King of the Deep during the winter season.
Recognized as one of the top outdoor experiences in San Diego, the period for watching gray whales…

Location
Next Level Sailing
Shelter Island Drive
Check in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive after check in, you will miss the boat. Check in flag located across street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Check Inclusions/Exclusions for specific check in times.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(2214 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Patty0414
Sep 1, 2025
Amazing Cruise - This cruise was the highlight of our 3 days in San Diego, away from the blistering Arizona heat. The crew was amazing and the boat is huge. We must have seen hundreds of dolphins - it was like nothing I've ever seen in my life. What a memorable experience! We didn't see any whales, so we can come back any time and get a free cruise. This is their guarantee and it doesn't expire. I HIGHLY recommend this whale watching tour operator!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larry_r
Sep 1, 2025
The crew was very... - The crew was very knowledgeable and amazing! Everything you need to know and prepare yourself for the tour was seamless.
Review provided by Viator
Leslieha6684hz
Aug 29, 2025
Birthday Cruise - Beautiful boat and lovely crew! Enjoyed the trip. Very comfortable. Loved the dolphins❤️ Sad to report no whales but I will return
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Palma_a
Aug 28, 2025
Wooden 140ft sailboat. ... - Wooden 140ft sailboat. Snacks and drinks available. 4 hour cruise. Attentive crew focused on safety.
Review provided by Viator
Corey
Aug 26, 2025
Super! - Such a wonderful day on thr Pacific with friendly and knowledgeable guides. We were fortunate to see many dolphins, sea lions, and yes- a WHALE! Taking this off my bucket list. Thank you Diana and crew for a fabulous trip. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheryl_a
Aug 25, 2025
Great job! Very... - Great job! Very knowledgeable and informative. I would definitely recommend them. We saw a pod of dolphins and a whale.
Review provided by Viator
Bobnwil1
Aug 23, 2025
Sailing - A great experience, everything they said in the ads. What a new experience, sailing, what an enjoyment !
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_p
Aug 22, 2025
5 stars! - A friend and I took the 11 a.m. whale cruise. The captain, tour speaker, and first mates were all diligent in their jobs, explaining everything while being extremely time-efficient, which gave us a great experience! There were snacks/water on board; they were safety-conscious, had charts and pictures to facilitate further learning about the things we encountered, answered all questions, and were extremely knowledgeable. Above and beyond was when one of the crew took incredible pictures and videos and airdropped them to whoever wanted them! They also offered to take pictures of each party on the boat! I don't often write reviews, but this experience warranted one! It will be a memory for a lifetime!
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_m
Aug 22, 2025
All aboard! - Perfect combination of relaxation and excitement. Prepare with sunscreen and snacks. Seasickness patches worked for us. The crew is amazing. So knowledgeable and so professional. You can feel their love for the sea and her animals. Deck dog, Marie listens for the sounds of sea life. Watching her excitement is the cherry on the top when you see the dolphins and whales. We saw the smallest whale and I was shocked at how big it was. The dolphins are such show offs! Bursts of excitement in between long stretches of simply sailing. Seating is not comfortable. Water and soda provided. Two small snacks so bring your own.
Review provided by Viator
Marlo_h
Aug 30, 2025
Really great excursion.... - Really great excursion. We saw tons and tons of dolphins but no whales. It was pretty warm and not much sun cover so 4 hours was a bit long. I think 3 hours would be perfect for this activity. But the staff was excellent and very knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
From $85
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).