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San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure

Get into the boat – those whales aren't going to watch themselves!

Duration: 3h 30mins
Wheelchair accessible
Live guide: English
Provider: City Cruises West
Registered address: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, 94111, San Francisco, US
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Whale watching tour
Opportunity to spot whales, sea lions, dolphins and more
An exclusive look at local environmental efforts
Food and beverages (you can purchase hot food, drinks, and souvenirs onboard)

Show your smartphone ticket at the Hornblower ticket booth 15 minutes before departure time.

Jump on board your luxury yacht and prepare for adventure and discovery on the high seas. Over 3.5 hours, you'll get the chance to spot gray whales, humpback whales, pilot whales and even orcas (officially the coolest whale) – as well as dolphins, sea lions, and a bounty of exotic sea birds. Time to set sail for a cool experience! Winter whale watch cruises featuring the Gray Whale during its migration begin on 9 December.

According to a certain newscaster, San Diego is named after a rather intimate part of a whale's anatomy. The veracity of this claim is a matter of some debate, but rest assured – you'll be seeing the entire whale (and more!) on this spellbinding aquatic adventure!

On the open water, your seasoned captain will steer around the gray whale's migration channels, giving you the best chance to spot these majestic beasts in their natural habitat. Along the way, you're bound to spy all manner of exciting aquatic fauna, including dolphins – who love to leap in and out of the ship's wake.

Your voyage is narrated by onboard experts and naturalists from the San Diego History Museum, and you'll get an exclusive insight into local conservation efforts. If you get hungry or thirsty, you'll find a fully equipped bar below deck.

So, whether you're a seasoned seadog or still getting your sea-legs, you're guaranteed to have a whale of a time!

Getting There

  • Trolley: Green Line to Santa Fe Depot or Orange Line and UC San Diego Blue Line to America Plaza
  • Bus: 83, 215, 235 to Santa Fe Depot or 280, 290, 932, 992 to America Plaza

Departure times

Summer June 24th - September 5th: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 09:00 a.m. Winter September 6th - June 23rd: 09:30 a.m. & 13:30 p.m.

  • Get a full refund if you select a refundable ticket during checkout and cancel until 23:59 the day before you visit.
  • Rescheduling is not possible for this ticket.

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