Whale Watching: San Diego's Marine Adventure

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 - Departing from the dock, California Sea Lions are often spotted quickly. Numerous sea bird species are typically seen before leaving the bay. The journey continues into the open ocean to find whales, dolphins, other marine mammals, and sea birds.
  • Mission Bay Park - Quivira Basin (Mission Bay)
    Depart from Quivira Basin, a bustling…
What's Included
  • 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour
  • Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
  • San Diego Natural History Museum Certified Naturalists
  • On-board restrooms
  • Free Parking
What's Not Included
  • Food and Beverages (available to purchase)
  • Binoculars (available to rent)
Additional Information

Experience one of San Diego’s premier whale watching tours aboard the spacious 80-foot Legacy. Departing from Mission Bay, it offers quick access to the open Pacific for optimal whale sightings. Before leaving the bay, spot seabirds, sea lions, and coastal wildlife. Then, venture offshore to observe California gray whales, humpbacks, and playful…

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.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(162 Ratings)
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Joshua_b
Feb 7, 2026
Bummed but most likely my fault! - Hopefully someday I will actually get to go, I must of accidentally booked a month early. We live in Montana so not much I can do about it.🤨
Review provided by Viator
Joleen_r
Feb 5, 2026
Awesome weather, Captain... - Awesome weather, Captain & Crew were very friendlly & gave us great information on the marine life around us. We saw a few whale spouts, but unfortunately they didn't make a full appearance. We saw a spectacular Common Dolphin group of about 1000 or more that were leaping in the water around the boat going SUPER FAST! So many surrounding the boat as far as your eyes could see!! Such a thrill!! We live here in San Diego, so we will be doing this tour again!!
Review provided by Viator
Brenda_n
Feb 4, 2026
Whale watching - It was really good- we saw dolphins and the backs of whales as they arched in the water. We also saw a few whale tails. The US boats can’t go up to the whales because of a law. They keep a distance of about 100feet
Review provided by Viator
Dhyana
Feb 2, 2026
Great family outing! - This was a super fun family outing! We were really like and saw a few dolphin pods really close to the ship as well as 8 whales. We even saw some whales break the surface and show their tails. Captain and crew were great! The volunteers from the Natural History Museum were wonderful! They informed us of what we were seeing and what to look for. I would definitely recommend sitting up top. You get the fresh air and the best viewing spots for whales!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
28kristip
Jan 31, 2026
Wonderful experience - This was a wonderful experience! We did t see whales, but we did see a pod of dolphins with babies. The staff was wonderful. I would go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindy_m
Jan 31, 2026
Very well organized. Tour... - Very well organized. Tour guide and crew were very knowledgeable about the environment. We saw marine life, but no whales. That is nature, can’t guarantee a whale. We received 50% off to come back on another trip. I would book with Legacy again.
Review provided by Viator
Laurie_r
Jan 29, 2026
The cost is very... - The cost is very reasonable! The staff was very friendly and informative. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_m
Jan 27, 2026
Great cruise!! Highly recommend! - Really enjoyed this cruise! Great crew- spotted dolphins and a number of Right whales. We saw several blows, as well as the backs and tails of the whales. They had a great hale researcher on our cruise to share information and answer questions.
Review provided by Viator
Bud_n
Feb 4, 2026
No whales this day. Dolphins were spotted tho. - Great outfit to enjoy a boat ride and see marine wildlife. No whales today but playful Dolphins. Crew knowledgeable and helpful. B. & B
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_b
Feb 4, 2026
Fun trip - Saw a whale but the highlight was the pod of dolphins we raced. They were jumping up out of the waves and were swimming along side the boat. It was an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Viator
From $34
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).