San Diego Whale Watching: Marine Biologist Guided
4.6
1,421 Ratings
San Diego

Embark on an exciting whale watching adventure in San Diego with a marine biologist as your guide. Depart from Mission Bay for a short journey to the open ocean, where you can spot whales and dolphins. Learn about these magnificent creatures from the moment you set sail!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ocean Beach - Departing from Mission Bay, the journey takes you towards the expansive Pacific Ocean. Within 10 minutes, you’ll navigate through the jetties, offering a picturesque view of Ocean Beach’s renowned Dog Beach and the iconic Ocean Beach Pier, before heading into the wide-open blue sea.
What's Included
  • Marine biologists provide live narration
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
  • Gratuities
  • Parking fees
Additional Information

Embark on a captivating whale-watching journey from the picturesque Mission Bay, where you can witness some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures during a 2–3 hour excursion in San Diego. The duration may vary depending on the season and the locations of sightings. Within just 10 minutes, you’ll leave the bay and venture into the vast Pacific Ocean,…

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Location
1617 Quivira Rd
Quivira Road
Ticket booth / Check-in: Look for a grey shed with a blue awning facing the water. Located between H2o Jet Ski rentals and the Fish & Chips Restaurant. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1P1Qt8Uea5m8ZpM56
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(1421 Ratings)
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Q3422iecathyp
Jul 7, 2025
A great ride on the Pacific - The Privateer gave a great tour, easy ride, fun and informative. We came across over 100 dolphins and that was the most amazing view.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Koushik_d
Jul 6, 2025
Exciting whale watching experience - Must do activity while touring San Diego! We took the evening whale watching tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained us various aspects of whale behavior in the wild. We saw some whales along with dolphins and pelicans. I was fortunate to be able to get some great dolphin and whale shots. Make sure you carry a good camera with telephoto lens.
Review provided by Viator
Sean_m
Jul 6, 2025
Great trip - Amazing experience. The views and wildlife were breathtaking taking to see. It was something we would do again.
Review provided by Viator
Lori_b
Jul 5, 2025
Whale watching excursion - Great fun! Saw lots of marine life! No whales this time lots of dolphins! Crew was so nice and friendly. Packed with education about the wildlife!
Review provided by Viator
Teresa_b
Jul 5, 2025
Better do it! - Outstanding Communication and experience was thorough. Clean and experienced personnel. Kept us updated on sea sightings.
Review provided by Viator
Walter_r
Jul 1, 2025
Awesome day on the ocean - Captain Mike, Vanessa, Olivia & crew were great host, very friendly, helpful & a superior experience being on board. Plus saw many dolphin pods & a gray whale breaching out of the ocean many times. Highly recommend for 3 hours of a enjoyable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Bryana_w
Jun 30, 2025
Wonderful Experience! - The staff we're so attentive and we were able to reserve the front if the boat. So amazing. We saw 400+ dolphins and 2 blue whales.
Review provided by Viator
Bill_o
Jul 4, 2025
No Whales - It was really great to be on a boat in the ocean. However, I booked it to see Wales not just dolphins. And they had to know whether or not they were whales in the vicinity. I think they even mentioned that they communicate with other whale sightseeing boats. So not respect it was disappointing. The crew was great, very friendly very knowledgeable, but again no whales.
Review provided by Viator
Michael
Jul 4, 2025
No whales… so 😌 - I think it would be good to set expectations up front based on previous few trips. Overall, it was well organized experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caddie_m
Jul 4, 2025
Just ehh.. - Good experience. Negatives were the water was a little choppy and we never saw a whale. Things we realize are out of your control but disappointing nonetheless. We loved seeing the dolphins but in our opinion it turned out to be a 3 hour, $70 boat ride.
Review provided by Viator
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From $71
From $71
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).