Experience the thrill of seeing young Great White Sharks in San Diego’s shallow waters with an 85% sighting rate. This private 2.5-hour trip offers safe, close-up encounters guided by experts.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most adults with basic mobility and no strenuous physical requirements.
Wildlife
History
San Diego’s coastal waters have long been an important habitat for marine species and have cultural significance to local Indigenous peoples.
Conservation
Gone Whale Watching operates with strict guidelines to minimize impact on marine life and promote shark conservation education.
Gone Whale Watching
Experience the thrill of seeing young Great White Sharks in San Diego’s shallow waters with an 85% sighting rate. This private 2.5-hour trip offers safe, close-up encounters guided by experts.
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
Extended searches reported successful
Select a date, pick a trip—blue whale searches, shark encounters, dolphin watches, or bioluminescence tours—and secure a limited-capacity spot today.
Wear Sun Protection
San Diego’s sun can be intense during summer and fall, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay comfortable.
Listen to the Guides
Follow safety instructions closely when observing sharks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
A camera with a good zoom lens helps capture detailed photos of sharks from a safe distance.
Dress in Layers
Coastal weather can be cool and breezy, especially on the water, so pack a light jacket or fleece for comfort.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong midday sun during the open water trip.
summer
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from water for better shark viewing and eye comfort.
summer
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for wind or unexpected coastal drizzle, keeping you comfortable during the trip.
fall
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture detailed photos of sharks and coastal scenery from a safe distance.