Set sail on a private full-day whale watching charter in San Diego with Big Blue Photo Expeditions. Enjoy close encounters with majestic whales in an intimate setting designed for comfort and exceptional wildlife viewing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to stand and move around on a boat is required.
Wildlife
History
San Diego’s waters have been a vital corridor for marine life and indigenous communities for centuries, with whale migrations documented by locals over generations.
Conservation
Big Blue Photo Expeditions follows responsible whale watching guidelines to minimize disturbance and promote sustainability for marine ecosystems.
Big Blue Photo Expeditions
Set sail on a private full-day whale watching charter in San Diego with Big Blue Photo Expeditions. Enjoy close encounters with majestic whales in an intimate setting designed for comfort and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Big Blue Photo Expeditions is a San Diego-based charter operator specializing in small-group marine wildlife trips and ocean photography excursions.
The company runs a range of outings from short sunset charters to full-day blue whale expeditions, operating vessels named the Scout and the Protector. Many trips emphasize photography and close wildlife encounters; several trip summaries reference opportunities to capture whales, dolphins, and underwater life with cameras.
Trips include sunset charters aboard the Scout, snorkel safaris with light snacks and beverages, half-day whale watches, full-day whale and dolphin adventures, and exclusive blue whale expeditions aboard the Protector. Blue whale trips limit guests to six and are described as guided by an experienced marine biologist, offering extended time on the water and personalized attention. Other small-group offerings also focus on comfort and sighting opportunities.
All descriptions provided are factual representations of the company’s advertised experiences. The operator’s emphasis on limited guest capacity, named vessels, and guided expeditions supports a reputation for intimate outings and attentive service. The inclusion of snorkeling, light refreshments, and sunset cruising reflects the variety of trip formats available from San Diego.
Prospective visitors seeking whale watching, snorkeling, photography-focused charters, or sunset cruises in San Diego will find clear options with Big Blue Photo Expeditions. Information on specific schedules, pricing, and booking should be confirmed directly with the company through their official channels. Trip availability varies seasonally; visitors should check current schedules, weather advisories, safety guidelines, and specific equipment or certification requirements before booking, and confirm any special requests.
Location
San Diego, CA
Departures from San Diego harbor
Small Groups
6 guests max
Intimate, personalized trips
Boats
Scout & Protector
Vessels used for charters and expeditions
Trips Offered
5 trip types
Whale, snorkel, and sunset options
Book a small-group whale watching, snorkel safari, or sunset charter on the Scout or Protector — confirm availability before booking.
Wear layered clothing
Ocean temperatures can vary widely throughout the day; dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Bring motion sickness remedies
If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with medication or natural remedies to stay comfortable.
Use biodegradable sunscreen
Protect your skin and the marine environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreen.
Charge your camera batteries
This trip offers amazing photo opportunities—make sure all your gear is fully charged and ready.
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable against ocean spray and wind.
spring
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare and improves visibility for better whale spotting and photography.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures detailed images of whales from a distance.
Non-slip shoes
Provides safe footing on wet decks during the excursion.