Join a private 3-hour boat tour in San Diego to witness whales and dolphins up close. Enjoy expert guidance, eco-conscious boating, and personalized adventure on the Pacific Ocean.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
This experience requires only moderate mobility as you will be mostly seated on the boat, but some balance on moving decks is helpful.
Wildlife
History
San Diego's coastal waters have long been a migration route for whales, historically significant to indigenous communities and early marine researchers.
Conservation
Net Zero Expeditions emphasizes sustainable practices, partnering with local groups to protect marine habitats and promote ocean conservation.
Net Zero Expeditions
Join a private 3-hour boat tour in San Diego to witness whales and dolphins up close. Enjoy expert guidance, eco-conscious boating, and personalized adventure on the Pacific Ocean.
Net Zero Expeditions operates responsible, small-group marine wildlife outings based from the San Diego coast. Specializing in whale watching, dolphin encounters, cageless shark snorkeling, and pelagic wildlife trips, the company runs Zodiac RIBs for intimate viewing and the speedy Aretai for open‑ocean expeditions.
Trips are intentionally limited to very small groups — select voyages seat just six guests — to reduce disturbance to animals and provide closer, safer observation. Professional naturalists guide every excursion, offering species identification, conservation context, and on‑water education. Popular itineraries include a Blue Whale Expedition, a three‑hour Signature Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour, a six‑hour Blue & Mako Shark Snorkeling experience, and a six‑hour Pelagic Wildlife Expedition focused on open‑ocean species like the Mola mola and bait ball events.
Net Zero Expeditions emphasizes eco‑conscious practices, cageless, noninvasive snorkeling protocols, and adherence to local wildlife guidelines. The company provides all necessary gear for snorkeling trips, maintains modern safety standards aboard the Aretai and Zodiac RIB, and prioritizes low‑impact interactions that benefit both guests and marine life. For travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters off San Diego, Net Zero Expeditions combines scientific stewardship, small‑group attention, and high-quality vessel platforms for memorable, responsible ocean experiences.
Small Groups
6 guests
Intimate Zodiac RIB experience
Operating Area
San Diego Coast
Local pelagic waters
Trip Lengths
3–6 hours
Tours range 3 to 6 hours
Vessels
Aretai & Zodiac RIB
Speedy Aretai and state‑of‑the‑art RIB
Choose a Blue Whale Expedition, shark snorkeling, or pelagic wildlife trip — limited seats and expert guides ensure meaningful, low‑impact encounters. Check availability now.
Wear layered clothing
Ocean temperatures can be chilly even on warm days, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars
A good pair of binoculars enhances wildlife viewing, especially for spotting distant whales and dolphins.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly sunscreen.
Secure your belongings
The boat may sway with waves, so keep cameras and phones secured to prevent loss or damage.
Layered Clothing
Keeps you warm and comfortable in changing ocean temperatures.
Binoculars
Improves distant wildlife viewing, especially helpful for whale spotting.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin and minimizes impact on marine ecosystems during sunny days.
summer
Waterproof Camera or Phone Case
Protects electronics from water spray and accidental splashes on board.