Extended Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour from San Diego: A 5-6 Hour Ocean Adventure Spotting Majestic Marine Giants
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5-6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfort sitting and standing on a boat necessary
Overview
Set sail from San Diego’s Mission Bay on a 5-6 hour voyage to spot whales, dolphins, and more. Experience expert-led wildlife viewing combined with comfort and warm local hospitality on this unique ocean adventure.
Extended Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour
Long Range! • 5-6 Hours •
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure from San Diego's Mission Bay, where you'll quickly reach the open ocean. With expert guides and a family-friendly atmosphere, enjoy sightings of majestic whales, playful dolphins, and diverse marine life. Relax in comfort while learning fascinating facts about these incredible creatures.
San Diego's #1 Whale Watch!
Rates
- Adults (Ages 18+): $65
- Juniors (Ages 3-17): $59
- Infants (Ages 0-2) must have their own ticket (complimentary) & be booked with an adult
- Seniors (Ages 62+): $59
- Military Members (Active Military with ID): $59
Specials
- Tuesday & Thursdays Special: All Tickets ~ $56
Duration
2.5-3 Hours
About
Get ready for the best whale watching in San Diego!
Whether you are from Los Angeles, or anywhere else in Southern California (or even USA!), it’s definitely worth the drive for this whale watching tour that never goes out of season! Not only will our friendly crew provide you with sightings of beautiful whales & dolphins, but you’ll also get an educational experience where you can learn about these animals that visit the ocean near San Diego harbor.
Our on-staff marine biologists will, of course, have a bunch of cool whale facts to tell you on your cruise, but if waiting to learn isn’t your style, take a look at our educational links.
Our Whale Guarantee
We’d love to be able to show you real whales on every trip but sometimes these big beautiful animals just don’t want to be seen. So our promise to you is this, if you don’t see a whale or dolphin then you’ll receive a free pass to join us again for another whale watching trip.
Whales All Year
December through April You can observe part of the amazing 10,000 mile annual migration of the Pacific gray whale from Alaska to Mexico. At 30 to 50 feet in length and weighing up to 40 tons, these whales leave their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea and make the trek south to the isolated lagoons of Baja to give birth to their calves. We’re fortunate enough to see both south and north bound migration all the way through April. We’ve even had sightings as close as 1/2 mile from our bay!
May through November Means the migration of the great blue whales and mighty fin whales. The blue whale is the largest animal to ever exist on the earth!! They can range in length from 90 feet to over 100 feet and weigh up to 200 tons! The fin, or finback whale is second only to the blue whale in size and weight. Among the fastest of the great whales, it is capable of bursts of speed of up to 23 mph (37 km/hr) leading to its description as the “greyhound of the sea”. Minke, humpback, and sperm whales are also possible sightings. All of these amazing whales are generally found 5 to 9 miles off shore feeding on our local banks.
Throughout the year Various types of playful dolphins (Short-beaked and Long-beaked Common, Pacific Bottlenose, Rissos, and Pacific white-sided) are encountered on most trips with some pods numbering into the thousands! These dolphins will regularly seek out the boat on their own to greet you and to show their amazing acrobatic abilities. California sea lions, Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), and a wide variety of sea birds also await you on every trip!
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Layers of clothing
- Camera
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers
Temperatures on the water can be 10-15 degrees cooler than on land, so wear layers to stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Bring Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Protect yourself from strong ocean sun exposure during the long hours on deck.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before departure to complete check-in smoothly and secure good seating.
Consider Motion Sickness Prevention
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication or use remedies beforehand to enjoy the trip fully.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pacific Gray Whale
- Pacific White-sided Dolphin
History
San Diego’s Mission Bay is a man-made saltwater bay developed in the 1940s and is now a hub for marine recreation, providing quick access to deep ocean waters vital for whale migration paths.
Conservation
The tour operator promotes sustainable wildlife interaction, adhering to local regulations that protect marine mammals and their habitats during viewings.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Diego
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Keeps you warm and adaptable to changing temperatures on the ocean.
Sunscreen
Essential to protect your skin from UV rays over prolonged deck exposure.
summer specific
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from glare reflecting off the water.
summer specific
Camera
Useful for capturing close encounters with whales, dolphins, and sea birds.