San Diego Whale Watching Cruise: Year-Round Whale Spotting Experience
4.8
1,913 Ratings
San Diego
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: 1 day learn more
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 lasts from mid-December through April. Blue and fin whales appear from April to August as they come to feed. Humpback and minke whales can be spotted at any time of year, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. From our 141-foot sailing yacht, the Yacht America, you’ll witness a multitude of whales in their natural environment. We frequently encounter dolphins, sea lions, a wealth of naval activity, and don’t be shocked to see an F-18 soaring above!

Pack along your own picnic, invite your friends and family, and spend an unforgettable day on the ocean waves!

  • Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss the boarding options as we have had guests with wheelchairs enjoy this experience. We do have 5 steps in order to board the vessel. There is a single step in the deck. Please call Thank you!
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
(1913 Ratings)
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Monica_l
Jun 30, 2024
Best Tour Ever! - Most AMAZING thing I have seen in nature! Captain and Crew were professional, knowledgeable and accommodating! BEST. TOUR. EVER!
Review provided by Viator
Rickcp
Jun 30, 2024
Amazing family experience onboard 'America', the 3 mast schooner - Best customer service. The captain was experienced and guaranteed whale watching. We sighted many whales including the rare blue whale from as close as less than 200 feet from the boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jsukrad
Jun 30, 2024
10 out of 10 Stars - My family of four had an unforgettable experience on the whale watching tour! The crew was knowledgeable and friendly, providing fascinating insights into whale behavior and marine life. We saw several blue whales up close, breaching and feeding on krill right by the boat. The scenery was stunning, the ship was also quite beautiful, and the tour was well-organized, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. Highly recommend this adventure for anyone looking to witness the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat!
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_b
Jun 29, 2024
Beautiful day seeing nature. - Enjoyed the trip, we saw numerous sea birds, dolphins, seals, and of course whales. Several blue whales followed be an informational session on blue whales.
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_w
Jun 29, 2024
My group included my 2... - My group included my 2 year old daughter! We were in San Diego visiting for a week and had so many excursions planned. My 2 year old stands firm on the exclamation that whale watching was her favorite part of her trip! Such a fun experience and wonderful memory!
Review provided by Viator
Renee_m
Jun 29, 2024
Take this tour - no matter what!! - By far has to be the absolute best whale watching tour from SanDiego ever! When they say they guarantee seeing whales, they are not kidding! We saw 3 blue whales on our tour - absolutely beyond unbelievable!
Review provided by Viator
224jenniferb224
Jun 28, 2024
Bucket list- blue whales - Beautiful and relaxing - we saw at least three blue whales- amazing!!!! Crew is great- highly recommend . Truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator450652
Jun 27, 2024
Blue whales watching experience! - We had a fantastic experience, enjoying a fun outing in this gorgeous schooner, and being delighted with an encounter with blue whales in the wild, majestic creatures that left us in awe. We also enjoyed sea lions, dolphins and plenty of Navy equipment right out of the San Diego bay. Definitely a worth while experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane_w
Jun 27, 2024
Great Whale Watching!!! - A fabulous trip!! Friendly crew! Clean sailboat. We saw sea lions, a ton of dolphins and about 8 Blue Whales. The Captain was very informative and answered all questions! Good selection of snacks and drinks, which were included. Already recommended to everyone we have spoken to since going.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_c
Jun 25, 2024
Absolutely spectacular—thanks for ordering amazing weather too!!!😊 - Actually seeing a blue whale—also seeing several whales and the effort of the captain to ensure this
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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