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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; the trip involves sitting with minimal walking onboard.
Wildlife
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.
Gone Whale Watching
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.
Gone Whale Watching is a San Diego–based marine tour operator focused on responsible, science-minded wildlife viewing and memorable ocean experiences.
The company offers a diverse set of departures that include the Signature Dolphin and Whale Watching Trip (approximately 2.5 hours) on a limited-capacity high-speed catamaran called Hana Hou, 60-minute Bioluminescence Tours, seasonal Great White Shark trips (2.5 hours) with an 85% sighting success rate on advertised departures, extended Blue Whale searches ranging from 4–12 hours, targeted Killer Whale search trips (8+ hours), premium 5-hour small-boat whale watches that target 10+ cetacean species, and multi-day Maui experiences focused on humpback whale viewing. Gone Whale Watching operates both small-capacity boats for intimate encounters and the fast power catamaran Hana Hou for extended offshore searches.
Safety, experienced captains, and marine-focused interpretation are part of the offering. Specific trips use equipment such as drones and raised viewing platforms to improve detection and viewing of sharks and cetaceans. Seasonal scheduling reflects natural migration patterns: blue whale season, humpback season in Maui, and juvenile great white presence in summer and fall. Availability and trip length vary by season; advanced reservations are recommended for limited-capacity departures. Gone Whale Watching provides focused, third-party guided marine tours out of San Diego with an emphasis on wildlife observation and passenger comfort.
Location
San Diego, CA
Departing from Mission Bay and coastal piers
Tours Offered
8 tours
Whale, shark, bioluminescence, Maui trips
Great White Rate
85% sighting rate
Drones and raised platforms used
Blue Whale Success
100% recent success
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Select a date, pick a trip—blue whale searches, shark encounters, dolphin watches, or bioluminescence tours—and secure a limited-capacity spot today.
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.
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
Sunscreen
Shield your skin from strong sun exposure during midday hours.
summer
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture stunning close-ups of blue whales and other marine wildlife.