Top 10 Dolphin Watching Trips in San Diego

1.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Cruise from Mission Bay into the Pacific in about 10 minutes, with naturalists pointing out whales, dolphins, sea lions, and landmarks. The crew may include naturalists such as Allison or Jennifer. Expect a maximum of 100 people, onboard food for purchase, restrooms, and free parking on Quivira Road.

“Would 100% recommend this experience to anyone. The whole trip was informative and the crew were amazing. They knew exactly where to go to increase the chances of encounter. We found a whale and followed it at a safe distance.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Board at 1617 Quivira Road for a 2 to 3 hour sunset cruise through Mission Bay and offshore waters. A certified guide shares whale and dolphin facts while you scan for wildlife. Expect a comfortable boat, possible choppy seas, and a cold ride after sunset.

“The crew members were very nice and knowledgeable, but we did not see any whales. We did see a pod of dolphins. We went so far out- about 10 miles in the ocean, and it was very choppy. Bring warm clothing! Be mindful Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

Spend 3.5 to 4 hours off San Diego’s coast looking for gray, blue, fin, humpback, and minke whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, and sunfish. Natural History Museum naturalists and the captain explain the wildlife, harbor, ships, and local conservation work. A whale or dolphin sighting is guaranteed.

“We didn't see any Whales but many Dolphins! The Guides on the boat were very nice and provided interesting informations. The weather was also perfect. After the tour they gave us a voucher because we didn't see Whales. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56Best value

Set out from Navy Pier on a three to four hour San Diego cruise with captains and San Diego Natural History Museum naturalists. Watch for migrating gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Choose morning or afternoon departure, with indoor and outdoor seating and a whale check if no whales appear.

“Lots of dolphins to see. Found a whale which was later joined by a second, but the entire trip was watching the same whale. Great narration and very great staff.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Set out from Mission Bay on a 22-foot boat with Captain Ray, Alyssa, or Alissa. The three-hour trip carries no more than five people, giving you open views of dolphins, whales, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Life jackets and waterproof windbreakers are provided.

“Had a great time. We saw 2-3 whales. Dolphins swam along side the boat. Ray was very professional, and knowledgeable and very friendly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Private Family Whale & Dolphin Adventure in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $179

Set out from Mission Bay with Captain Rich on a private three-hour boat trip for up to six people. Search for dolphins, gray, humpback, fin, and blue whales, plus sea lions and other marine life. The boat has an enclosed cabin, observation tower, restroom, bottled water, and safety gear.

“Incredible! The dolphins and the whales were breathtaking! Captain was so knowledgeable and gave us every opportunity to enjoy the marine life around us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · from $70

Join San Diego Whale Watch for a 2 to 3-hour sunset cruise with live English commentary from an onboard naturalist guide. You may see humpback or gray whales, huge dolphin pods, sea lions, and seabirds, then return beneath a San Diego sunset. Bring warm layers and plan for possible motion sickness.

“We saw a huge pod of dolphins and three whales hunting. It was a lovely day on the Pacific Ocean.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $76

Cruise from H&M Landing aboard Peregrine with naturalists such as Melissa and crew members including Captain Quinn. You may see gray, blue, fin, or humpback whales, huge dolphin pods, sea lions, tuna, and seabirds during this 3 to 3.5-hour ocean trip.

“This was a great experience. I enjoyed every minute of being on the ocean. I will say if you are prone to get sea sick bring dramamine-they also provide motion sickness remedies. We saw 2 pods of dolphins. However we did not see any whales. I would definitely do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Luxury Year-round Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20 reviews · 3h 30m · from $75

Join Wild Pacific Whale Watch aboard the 82-foot Peregrine from Point Loma. Marine biologists and certified naturalists explain whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds while you enjoy indoor, shaded, and open-air seating, restrooms, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee.

“Amazing whale watching experience! Great atmosphere on board and an unforgettable trip. We saw whales, dolphins, and sea lions 🐋🐬🦭. The team put in a lot of effort to make sure we had a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 13 reviews · 3 hours · from $188

Join a six-person Zodiac RIB from Seaforth Marina for three hours of fast, close-up wildlife watching. Marine biologists and naturalists explain the animals as you search for gray, blue, and humpback whales, dolphins, and the occasional orca. Bring layers, water, sunscreen, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“Gids Bogart was heel vriendelijk en had lekkere jazzmuziek aan op het water. Van drie walvissen een stukje van de rug gezien maar dat was niet spectaculair. Wat helemaal te gek was was de drie kwartier dat we tussen honderden dolfijnen aan het varen waren terwijl zij speels en vrolijk om ons heen uit het water aan het springen waren”

Check availability →Read our full review