Blue Whale Excursions in San Diego’s Coastal Waters
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–10 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in average physical condition, able to handle boat movement and standing for extended periods.
Overview
Embark on a private adventure spotting Blue Whales off San Diego’s coast with Gone Whale Watching. Enjoy a thrilling day on the water filled with marine wildlife encounters aboard a sleek, high-speed vessel.
Extended Blue Whale Search 6 Passenger Boats (4-10hrs)
The Best Chance to See Blue Whales in the world! | Runs Summer | 6 Passenger Limit
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable adventure targeting Blue Whales off San Diego's coast during peak season. Experience the thrill of potential sightings on flexible trips lasting 4 to 12 hours. With a 100% success rate in recent years, this is your best chance to witness the largest animal on Earth!
These are unique trips that specialize in targeting Blue Whales, wherever they may be located within 100 miles of San Diego. These trips are offered during the absolute peak of San Diego's Blue Whale season in late May, June, July, and sometimes August. Trip length is variable, as the goal is Blue Whale sightings, not being on the water for a certain amount of time, but plan on a minimum of four hours with a potential to go as long as 12! Normal trip length will be about 5-8 hours. As long as the weather is nice, we will stay out looking for other species as well! You can always give us a call or text a week before your trip to ask us how long the trips have been lasting (the whales generally stay in the same locations for a week or so).
If weather permits, we will explore the ocean for any other marine life we can find! Blue Whale sightings can never be guaranteed, however during the months of June and July of 2020-2024 we had a 100% success rate on our extended trips that were not impacted by weather! 2025 hasn't been quite as robust so far, with closer to a 50% success rate for Blues(which is the best of any California location so far this season), along with sightings of many other species!
We DO guarantee that sightings of whales will take place, even if it’s an extremely rare day where we can’t find Blues (If no whales, you get to come back for free!). The extended waters off San Diego have been the ONLY place in all of Southern California that has had consistent Blue Whale sightings every year since 2015, so this really is your best chance to see the largest animal on our planet!
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!
We will have a restroom on board!
As always these trips use an extremely high speed vessel that can occasionally be quite bumpy if the wind or swell comes up. These trips are not for those with bad backs, necks, or are visibly pregnant for safety reasons.
If you’d like to leave a gratuity for the crew at the end of your trip, cash is strongly preferred due to the new regulations around venmo!
*Every season is a little different, if the Blues arrive early or stay deeper into the summer we will add more trips!
Adventure Tips
Bring Layers
Ocean conditions can be cool and windy, so pack warm layers even on sunny days.
Use Biodegradable Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the marine environment by applying reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen.
Motion Sickness Prep
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication before boarding to ensure comfort during the trip.
Charge Your Camera
Make sure your camera or smartphone is fully charged to capture unforgettable whale sightings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Blue Whales
- Common Dolphins
History
San Diego’s waters have been a traditional site for marine exploration and whale studies, contributing to decades of oceanographic research.
Conservation
Gone Whale Watching follows strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to whales, supporting marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against wind chill during cool ocean breezes, especially in spring and fall.
spring specific
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water to improve visibility and comfort during bright, sunny days.
summer specific
Binoculars
Helps to spot distant whales and marine wildlife for better viewing and photography.
Waterproof Camera or Case
Captures memories without worrying about water splashes during the excursion.