San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

1,650 Reviews 4.66 out of 5 stars Based on 1,650 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This adventure is highly rated and has met our top quality standards.
San Diego, USA

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On average, this is booked 26 (9.33) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Set sail from scenic Mission Bay and encounter some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures on a 2–3 hour whale-watching adventure in San Diego. Time can vary based on the season and locations of sightings.
In just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay behind and be out in the open Pacific, scanning for whales, dolphins, and other fascinating marine life. Led by an expert guide and naturalist alongside a skilled captain, every moment is an opportunity for an extraordinary encounter.

What's Included

  • Free Parking on Quivira Road
  • Restroom on board
  • Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
  • Alcoholic Beverages - Available for purchase after 3 miles
  • Soda/pop/snacks - available for purchase
  • Optional Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1617 Quivira Road
San Diego, CA 92109, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your adventure begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

South Mission Beach Park (pass by)

South Mission Bay Park sits at the southern tip of the Mission Beach peninsula in San Diego, right where the ocean meets the bay channel. The Ocean Front Walk begins at the South Mission Bay and runs north/up the peninsula for biking, jogging, or strolling. Fire pits make this a nice spot for an evening bonfire by the beach.
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Ocean Beach (pass by)

After setting sail from Mission Bay, you'll head towards the open Pacific Ocean. In just 10 minutes, you'll pass through the jetties and enjoy a scenic view of Ocean Beach's famous Dog Beach and the iconic Ocean Beach Pier before venturing into the vast blue waters.
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Mission Beach Boardwalk (pass by)

Set sail from Mission Bay and slip past the Mission Beach Boardwalk—surfers, skaters, and the Belmont Park coaster off the beam—before we head into the open Pacific to find whales.
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Belmont Park (pass by)

Palm-lined promenade, volleyball courts, and the Belmont Park coaster in view
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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (pass by)

Enjoy a pass-by view of Sunset Cliffs—golden sandstone bluffs, sea caves, and surfers below.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your departure time
  • Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-69764P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.66
1,650 reviews

Average 4.66 out of 5 stars based on 1,650 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,273
4 stars
269
3 stars
58
2 stars
21
1 star
29

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (9.33) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Free Parking on Quivira Road
  • Restroom on board
  • Galley with Food & Drink options for purchase
  • Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone.
  • Alcoholic Beverages - Available for purchase after 3 miles
  • Soda/pop/snacks - available for purchase
  • Optional Gratuities
  • Parking Fees - Free Parking on Quivira Road only
  • Priority Boarding available upgrade for $10.00 a person
  • Binocular Rentals available for $6.00 a pair

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your departure time
  • Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code is smart casual. The ocean is between 10°-15° cooler than the bay
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the adventure for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the adventure start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the adventure start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the adventure local time (PDT).
  • This adventure requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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