--- title: San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise slug: san-diego-whale-dolphin-watching-tours type: attraction sub_type: whale watching source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/san-diego-whale-dolphin-watching-tours city: San Diego state: CA country: US address: 970 North Harbor Drive, San Diego Navy Float (At USS MIDWAY) geo: lat: 32.71506 lng: -117.17327 duration: up to 4 hrs cancellation_policy: All sales are final. No cancellations or changes. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:01:40.738Z price_from: amount: 66 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: SoldOut rating: value: 4 count: 1404 scale: 5 --- ## Overview Cruise the open ocean alongside whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more on a professionally narrated San Diego whale and dolphin watching cruise with spectacular views of the city skyline, local landmarks, and diverse marine wildlife. Enjoy comfortable indoor and outdoor seating during this thrilling oceanic adventure lasting approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. ## What's Included - Professionally narrated whale and dolphin watching cruise - Opportunities to see Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Minke Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, marine birds, and more - Indoor and outdoor seating - Snack bars onboard offering hot food, full bar, drinks, and souvenirs ## What's Not Included - Outside food or beverages (not permitted onboard) ## Good to Know * The yacht cruises in the open ocean and includes stabilizers that reduce motion; seasickness may still occur. * Arrival is recommended at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. * Parking is available at Ace Parking at the Navy Pier next to the USS Midway. * The experience is enjoyable for all ages; children ages 3 and under can join free. * No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard; a fully stocked snack and beverage bar is available. * Dress in layers as weather can change quickly; bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, and cameras. * The whale-watching yacht is not wheelchair accessible. * Smoking is prohibited on the cruise. ## Cancellation Policy [No cancellation policy text provided in the source.] ## FAQs ### How long is the San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise? San Diego whale watching cruises are approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. This includes time for boarding, the cruise itself, and disembarking. ### What time do I check in? Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time to check in. Boarding will begin approximately 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure. ### What will I see on this San Diego whale watching cruise? In addition to dolphins and whales, you might see California sea lions, seals, pelicans, birds and more. If certain types of whales are not sighted on your whale-watching cruise, you will receive a pass valid for a return trip on either a Whale Watching Cruise or a Harbor Cruise with City Cruises San Diego. ### What should I wear whale watching in San Diego? Casual attire is appropriate. Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can change quickly out on the water. It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars and cameras. Be sure to double check the weather forecast to direct your clothing choices for the day. ### Is food served onboard? Can I bring food on the cruise? Outside food and beverages are not allowed onboard. The yacht has an onboard full bar and snack bars offering hot food, drinks and souvenirs. ### When is whale watching season in San Diego? The whale watching season in San Diego runs from mid-December to early April. This is when the gray whales migrate from Alaska to Baja California. The blue whale season runs from June to September, when they migrate from Central America to California. ### Will I see dolphins on the cruise in San Diego? It is very likely! San Diego is home to a large population of common dolphins. They often swim alongside the whales, so you may get to see them up close. ### Is the cruise wheelchair accessible? This cruise is not wheelchair accessible. ### Are life preservers onboard? Each vessel is 100% Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests. You do not need to wear a life vest or the provided PFDs during the course of this cruise. However, if you would prefer to have children wear the PFDs during the cruise, please advise so at time of booking in the "Have Special Needs" box. ### Will I get seasick? Most guests experience no discomfort. If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. The whale watching cruise goes out into the open ocean and as a result, the chance of getting seasick increases. If you are prone to motion sickness, City Experiences by Hornblower recommends that you take advantage of preventative measures that are available to you. ### Is smoking permitted on the whale watching cruises? No, sorry. Smoking is not allowed on whale and dolphin-watching cruises. ## Reviews > "You are going to have fun and you should bring a coat for the early morning run. I never bring a coat, wear shorts in snow of the Rockies where I live and wish I brought a coat." > — William Turner, April 2019