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Tickets for San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure

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

Provider:
City Cruises West
Registered address: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, 94111, San Francisco, US
Contact details

Reach out to the Tiqets Help Center, we act as a contact on behalf of the activity supplier

Duration: 3h 30mins
Wheelchair accessible
Instant ticket delivery
Live guide: English
Smartphone tickets accepted

What's included

Whale watching tour
Opportunity to spot whales, sea lions, dolphins and more
Tour Guide
An exclusive look at local environmental efforts

What's not included

Food and beverages (you can purchase hot food, drinks, and souvenirs onboard)

Important information

* The San Diego Coast Guard regulations require that each guest show a valid photo ID to board * Metered parking is available onsite * No outside food or beverage is allowed onboard

Meeting point

970 North Harbor Drive, 92101, San Diego

  • Spot gray whales, humpback whales, fin whales, pilot whales and even orcas, as well as dolphins, sea lions, and various sea birds – bring your camera, because it's hard to keep track!
  • Learn about local marine conservation and the preservation of natural ecosystems, as your journey is narrated by the ship's knowledgeable captain and experts from the San Diego History Museum
  • Relax aboard your luxury yacht – get close to nature upon the viewing platforms, or enjoy some home comforts below deck, where you'll find a very well-stocked bar

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!

Insider tip

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

Ratings & reviews

4.6
7 verified customer reviews
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Customer images

3 reviews
J
Janet ,  United Kingdom United Kingdom
20 Jan 2024
Excellent
Fabulous crew boat lovely and clean we were lucky saw 3 grey whales one of which breached the water which was great Well worth the money highly recommend
San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure
J
Josefina ,  United States United States
09 Mar 2018
Good
One shy whale showed up
And one tiny dolphin perk up
Lots of sea lions & various birds
Enjoyed the view of the sea as always
Use sun block guys when out in the even
Weather is cooled...
One shy whale showed up
And one tiny dolphin perk up
Lots of sea lions & various birds
Enjoyed the view of the sea as always
Use sun block guys when out in the even
Weather is cooled and breezy sun rays can still burn
San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure
J
Jane,  United States United States
24 Jul 2023
Excellent
Excellent
San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure

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