Join Big Blue Photo Expeditions on a half-day whale watching tour in San Diego for an immersive experience among whales and marine wildlife. Discover the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close and capturing incredible photos in a serene ocean setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic mobility required for boarding and disembarking the boat.
Wildlife
History
San Diego has been a hub for maritime activities for over a century, with its harbor playing a key role in regional trade and naval operations.
Conservation
Big Blue Photo Expeditions emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including respecting marine wildlife and minimizing environmental impact during tours.
Big Blue Photo Expeditions
Join Big Blue Photo Expeditions on a half-day whale watching tour in San Diego for an immersive experience among whales and marine wildlife. Discover the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close and capturing incredible photos in a serene ocean setting.
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.
Dress in Layers
Ocean breezes can be cool, even on warm days, so wear layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring Your Camera
With plenty of opportunities to photograph whales and marine wildlife, ensure your camera or smartphone is ready to capture the moments.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water and snacks to stay refreshed during the half-day excursion.
Book in Advance
These tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak whale migration seasons, so reserve early to secure your spot.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during the outdoor trip, even on cloudy days.
summer
Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing and photography with a good pair of binoculars.
Hat and Sunglasses
Shield your eyes from the sun while enjoying unobstructed views on deck.
summer
Warm Jacket
Bring a jacket to stay warm during cooler winter outings on the water.
winter