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Whale Watching: Quick Ocean Wildlife Views
4.8
48 Ratings
San Diego
Embark on a thrilling 3-hour whale watching tour from Mission Bay. Spot sea birds and pinnipeds before encountering majestic whales up close.
Embark on a thrilling 3-hour whale watching tour from Mission Bay. Spot sea birds and pinnipeds before encountering majestic whales up close.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- San Diego - The journey begins at the dock, where California Sea Lions are often spotted almost immediately. Numerous species of sea birds are typically observed before exiting the bay. The adventure continues into the open ocean, where the search for whales, dolphins, other marine mammals, and sea birds takes place.
- San Diego - The journey begins at the dock, where California Sea Lions are often spotted almost immediately. Numerous species of sea birds are typically observed before exiting the bay. The adventure continues into the open ocean, where the search for whales, dolphins, other marine mammals, and sea birds takes place.
What's Included
- On-board restrooms
- Parking fees
- On-board restrooms
- Parking fees
What's Not Included
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
Additional Information
The starting point offers immediate opportunities for wildlife observation. Bird enthusiasts accompanying the tour often spot sea birds while waiting at the dock, even before boarding. As the tour departs the bay, there are numerous chances to identify various Pinnipeds and sea birds. Unlike other whale watching tours, this one begins less than a mile from the ocean, providing quick opportunities to spot whales.
The starting point offers immediate opportunities for wildlife observation. Bird enthusiasts accompanying the tour often spot sea birds while waiting at the dock, even before boarding. As the tour departs the bay, there are numerous chances to identify various Pinnipeds and sea birds. Unlike other whale watching tours, this one begins less than a mile from the ocean, providing quick opportunities to spot whales.
Location
1717 Quivira Rd
Quivira Road
We depart from Seaforth Sportfishing. Please check-in inside Seaforth Tackle Shop at the top of the dock and then we will all walk down to the boat after a brief introduction. Please do not park in Seaforth Boat Rentals, Seaforth Marina, Marina Village parking lots, as you do risk being towed.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(48 Ratings)
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Julieth_g
Nov 15, 2025
It was great, the crew... - It was great, the crew was kind, and having museum whalers on board teaching us about the whales was awesome. We were lucky to see several humpback whales crossing to Mexico.
Review provided by Viator
Akbar
Nov 11, 2025
Friendly Crew and Great Family Experience on the Water - A great experience for anyone looking to enjoy the ocean and see marine life up close. The staff is incredibly helpful and welcoming from start to finish. They make sure everyone feels comfortable, whether it’s your first time on a boat or you’re a regular on the water. If you’re not used to being on a boat, you might feel a bit of seasickness, so it’s a good idea to take precautions before heading out. The overall trip is well worth it. The crew does a great job keeping the atmosphere fun and family-friendly, making it a perfect outing for all ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthonycl3351oh
Oct 10, 2025
Amazing experience - Very cool experience! Definitely recommend getting nausea medicine and bags ahead of time. Staff was very helpful with nausea issues. Dolphin sighting was awesome, unfortunately no orcas. Be aware it’s guaranteed. Would definitely recommend a ride with Legacy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scohar70
Jan 14, 2024
Great time on the ocean - I took the Legacy whale watching tour, and these guys really gave us a good time. Of course, it's always random if you'll see whales or not, but they did their best communicating with radio with other boats to make sure that we found the whales, but keeping us safe and respectful distance as well. It's definitely worth a 3 hour tour. Highly recommended if you've never done it before.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G6946pvmpb
Jul 30, 2023
Great whale watching tour choice! - Went on the 10am tour whale watching tour and it was a great time! Lasted about 3 hours and we got to see two pods of dolphins and a group of false killer whales. It was a good experience and would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a good boating experience in San Diego!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Littlescoots
May 30, 2023
We saw a whale!! - We went on the 3 Hour Whale Watching Tour. We saw tons of Dolphins and thought we were going to miss out on a whale but the captain and the staff made one last effort to an area. They made the right call on that. We came upon a juvenile Humpback whale! It was amazing! We watched it for a bit dive and come out the water multiple times. Great experience! Make sure to listen to the staff about being sea sick and take all the precautions. We had never been sea sick and did not want it to start that day. We took what they recommended and we were all fine. Many others on the boat did not and it looked like they had a miserable time!! Be sure to take all precautions before heading out!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bridgetby123jb
Jan 30, 2023
Highlight of our trip to San Diego! - We got a real treat on our tour as it was only 15-20 minutes into the trip and we spotted 3 gray whales.
It just went on and on from there with three different types of dolphins and more whales on our way back! The naturalist on board along with the rest of the crew were very excited, and they talked all about the whales and dolphins and their behaviors.
This was really the highlight of our trip, and I highly recommend! In addition, there is a little outdoor café right next to where you check in called Royal Rooster..they are known for their amazing ceviche.
Since we didn’t have time to stay, my daughter went back the next day, and said it was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
664makaylas
Jan 26, 2023
Such a great day on the water! - This was such a great time! The speaker was absolutely amazing at explaining everything about each whale and dolphin! We saw four whales and so many dolphins! Definitely a once in a life time trip! I highly recommend Legacy Whale Watching!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E5784rstoddj
Jan 23, 2023
Fantastic Tour - Boat was very clean. Quinn the naturalist was fantastic. Beautiful weather. Saw a ton of dolphins as well as whales. Great experience for our family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_d
Oct 25, 2025
Was nice - This was a big boat. We did see dolphins and whales. But I would go on a smaller boat next time. This boat rocks a lot when it’s standing still watching the dolphins. I took Dramamine and I was ok but I started to feel sick when we stayed still for over 30 minutes watching the same
Single male whale just going in and out (could hardly see his body). When I originally booked it, I thought a bigger boat would be better but once you get a seat, it’s hard to move around and get a different view. We had whale volunteers on the cruise, which was nice. Next time, smaller boat, which will go faster and maybe only 2 hours for total. Everyone was ready to get off the boat at the end of 3 hours.
Review provided by Viator
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