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. Check in flag located across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Please look at Inclusions/Exclusions for specific check in times. Abundant free parking at our location!
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(2033 Ratings)
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1 star
Jeffms7436wg
Jan 24, 2025
Outstanding. So glad we booked with them! - It was perfect from the staff to how they paid such close attention to all the guests and educating them on the sea life. Loved with smaller tour ship
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8791wjsharonl
Jan 17, 2025
Glorious Whale Watching Tour with Terrific Crew: So Good that the Whales Joined In - We always try to do a whale watch when in S. CA, and this one was the best yet. The weather war perfect, and we were able to follow 2 grey whales and 2 minke whales from a close, but respectful distance. We have never had a better quality tour for whaling sightings. allowing us to see the whales clearly and for many dives. The crew was alert and fun, the interpreter skilled and enthusiastic. The captain was laid back and interesting, but took good care of every one aboard and set the tone so that passengers and crew all had a great day, and a safe one. When sailing back, we found a pod of hundreds of exuberant dolphins that folliowed the boat with athletic swooping dives for about 15 minutes. It was wonderful. Although this was a gorgeous sailboat, we motored, which allowed slow manuevering to follow surfacing whales. The decks were broad so passengers could move around. Not as many people on board as the larger tour boats, which we preferred. We would look for this experience again when we return.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stuartstrickler
Jan 16, 2025
A bucket list adventure - Truly a wonderful experience. The boat is beautiful, and the crew is first rate - knowledgeable and engaging. Followed a gray whale for a bit and saw lots of dolphins and sea lions. A bucket list adventure that did not disappoint!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alicia_w
Jan 16, 2025
The absolute best whale... - The absolute best whale watching tour out there! The America ship is beautiful and my friend got to help raise the sails. The captain, his wife and the entire crew are so friendly, accomadating and amazing, very fun and knowledgeable. Highly recommend 👌
Review provided by Viator
Cynthia_w
Jan 16, 2025
Whales & Lots of Dolphins :) - Quick and easy boarding process. Super cool yacht. Beautiful day at sea. Be sure to bring cash if you want to purchase an adult beverage.
Review provided by Viator
T6222gzjulien
Jan 15, 2025
Great tour even without the whales - We went out on the boat on Friday and saw no whales, so we used the "if you don't see whales you can go again for free" guarantee and went out again on Tuesday--and saw no whales. We did, however, see HUNDREDS of dolphins and dozens of pelicans, dozens of sea lions, and many other birds. We had two lovely afternoons on the ocean with the perfectly blue sky and relatively calm ocean, so we have no complaints, despite not seeing whales. The crew was informative and we enjoyed talking with them. They saw whales on Saturday, Sunday and Monday--so maybe it's just us! We will come back next year and go again. Highly recommended experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_c
Jan 15, 2025
What a ride - Crew was amazing. Trip was fun. We loved Paul and Marie. The boat was very nice and clean. Captain was a pro and very cute
Review provided by Viator
Michael_d
Jan 14, 2025
Pleasant Experience - It was a very nice experience and the staff was extremely friendly. While we saw dolphins, sea lions, F-15s, Navy destroyers, Navy Seals, and military helicopters, we didn’t see any whales. However, all of the passengers were invited to take another tour, at no additional cost.
Review provided by Viator
Marcb812
Jan 14, 2025
See grey whales in January on a beutiful sailing boat. - It was a fantastic day in January to see grey whales in their migration to Mexico. We did see them, and it was awesome! The boat is a fairly large, mid-sized sailing vessel that comfortably held 30 of us. The crew and captain were knowledgeable and engaging and I really enjoyed their input. There were snacks, but I would recommend bringing your own food if you want something for the four-hour cruise. I believe you can also bring alcohol. I would highly recommend it and we will do it again this summer to see the blue whales! Go and do it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane_g
Jan 13, 2025
No Whales to be Seen - The crew was nice. The weather was beautiful but we didn’t see any whales. The boat was beautiful!!!
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
January 2025
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