About This Tour
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.
Final price may vary. Check availability for exact pricing.
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Final price may vary. Check availability for exact pricing.
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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
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Additional Information
Meeting Point
Ticket booth / Check-in: Look for a grey shed with a blue awning facing the water. Located between H2o Jet Ski rentals and the Fish & Chips Restaurant. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1P1Qt8Uea5m8ZpM56
Special Instructions
During the summer months, holidays and weekends there is a lot of traffic in Mission Bay so please plan to arrive early to find a parking spot. Please follow the timeline below to ensure a smooth and on-time departure: 45 minutes before departure – Check-In Opens Arrive and proceed to the Ticketbooth to check in and receive your physical boarding pass. We’ll confirm that you’ve completed the electronic waiver. A link was sent via messaging. We can also send it to you in a text message if you let us know in advance. 20–30 minutes before departure – Priority Boarding Begins One of our crew members will make an announcement for priority boarding, and those who upgraded to priority boarding may begin boarding. You can still upgrade to this at any time. Just let us know in advance. You must still check in at the Ticketbooth to receive your boarding pass. 10–15 minutes before departure – General Boarding Begins General ticket holders will begin boarding. Be sure to check in at the Ticketbooth beforehand and have your boarding pass ready. 5 minutes before departure – Check-In Closes We cannot hold the boat for tardy parties, however, we can rebook to a later time or date if applicable. A $2.50 rebooking fee per person applies.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
San Diego Whale Watching LLC
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Guest Ratings
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
Based on 1,565 verified reviews
Average rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by San Diego Whale Watching LLC, a local water sports provider.
What's included?
This tour includes Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone., Free Parking on Quivira Road, and Restroom on board. Additional amenities and services are included. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours to 3 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. All necessary equipment is provided by the tour operator.
Will I receive instant confirmation?
Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.
Is this tour worth it?
Yes, this experience has a 4.6-star rating based on 1.6K+ reviews, making it a highly rated option.
What to expect on this tour?
This water sports experience lasts approximately 2 hours to 3 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Expert guides identify wildlife and landmarks in real time over the microphone. and more.
What's the best time to do this tour?
Morning and early afternoon are typically the best times for water activities, as conditions are usually calmer and visibility is better.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability requirements vary. Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Please check the tour details or contact the operator if you have concerns about swimming requirements.
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