2025 Blue Whale Tours Aboard Hana Hou in San Diego
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; the trip involves sitting with minimal walking onboard.
Overview
Join Gone Whale Watching aboard the swift Hana Hou for exclusive blue whale tours off San Diego. Enjoy nearly guaranteed sightings and close marine encounters in a private, comfortable setting.
2026 Extended Blue Whale Search Aboard Hana Hou!
The Best Chance to See Blue Whales in the world! | Runs Early Summer | Best for Those Who Plan Ahead
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Hana Hou, San Diego's fastest power catamaran, during the peak Blue Whale season. Experience intimate wildlife encounters on extended trips, lasting 6-12 hours, while enjoying comfort and stability in any sea conditions. Don't miss your chance to witness these majestic creatures up close!
These are special trips aboard our high speed power catamaran that specializes in targeting Blue Whales, wherever they may be located regardless of distance! These trips are offered during the absolute peak of San Diego's Blue Whale season in late May through June, and sightings are extremely likely! Trip length is variable, but plan on a minimum of four hours with a potential to go as long as 12! Normal trip length will be about 6-8 hours. If weather permits, we will explore the ocean for any other marine life we can find!
The Hana Hou is the perfect boat to book if you are planning on traveling to San Diego specifically to do these special extended tours to search for Blue Whales. The main advantage of this vessel compared with the 6 passenger Seafox Boats is that the Hana Hou is able to operate in almost any sea conditions. The 6 passenger boats are much more vulnerable to weather cancellations(10-15% of 6 passenger extended trips get cancelled due to choppy/rough sea conditions).
The Hana Hou is the fastest whale watching boat in San Diego(even faster than our 6-person boats), capable of covering immense amounts of ocean to search for Blue Whales. The Hana Hou is extremely comfortable, with heavy-duty cushioned seats and ample storage for your belongings. This is vessel offers an extremely intimate experience with the wildlife, with sight lines that are near identical to our 6-passenger vessels. The Hana Hou also has two fully operational restrooms on board! There's simply no better whale watching platform in San Diego!
Please remember to dress warm as June is deceivingly one of our coldest months of the year as the sun rarely comes out on the water, regardless of how nice or sunny it may be on land!
In the rare event that you don't see Blue Whales on your tour, you will receive a credit for the full amount of your purchase price to be used on any future GWW trips!
All trips leave from our dock located in front of Sportsmen's Seafood at 1617 Quivira Rd. in Mission Bay
You will need to bring your own food and drinks as we do not sell these items on board!
*We reserve the right to switch to our 6 passenger vessels if necessary
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process and get settled comfortably.
Bring Sea Sickness Remedies
Even though Hana Hou is stable, if you're prone to seasickness, bringing medication or acupressure bands is advisable.
Dress in Layers
Ocean temperatures can vary; a lightweight windbreaker and layers will keep you comfortable throughout the tour.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while preserving ocean health by applying reef-safe sunscreen before the trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Blue whales
- Common dolphins
History
San Diego has a rich maritime history with ties to early whaling activities and modern marine research near its shores.
Conservation
Gone Whale Watching supports ongoing marine conservation efforts, promoting responsible wildlife viewing to minimize environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Enhance your whale watching experience by spotting distant marine life clearly.
Windbreaker Jacket
Protect against cool ocean breezes while keeping comfortable on deck.
spring specific
Sunscreen
Shield your skin from strong sun exposure during midday hours.
summer specific
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture stunning close-ups of blue whales and other marine wildlife.