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Whale Watching
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

star-5795 Reviews
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San Diego, United States
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise and Maritime Museum Entry
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise and Maritime Museum Entry
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From $85.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon4 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.
  • Cruise on the sailing ship America from San Diego
  • Spot migrating whales and dolphins frolicking in the Pacific Ocean
  • Choose the only whale-watching cruise by sailing yacht in San Diego
  • Includes whale sighting and 'no seasickness' guarantee
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From $85.00

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4.5-hr sailing cruise
Sodas and snacks
Whale sighting guarantee
No seasickness' guarantee
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off

Departure Point

2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Look for a blue "check-in" flag on the grass at 2050 Shelter Island Drive, across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Check the Inclusions/Exclusions list for check in times. There is a lot of free public parking at our location!

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Travel back in time when sailing on the America, a replica of the sailing ship that won the first America's Cup sailing competition in 1851. Your classic sailing vessel provides a smooth ride and spacious decks, perfect for sailing on the Pacific Ocean in search of gray whales and other marine life. Since your boat principally moves under wind power without using the engine, your captain can get closer to the marine animals without scaring them. The boat's deep keel provides excellent stability and large decks offer unobstructed views, making the America a prime vessel for whale-watching.

Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) are offered during the cruise. You are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch or your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy onboard.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on your cruise. If no whales are sighted, you can return for a complimentary whale watching cruise on another day in the same season. The America also provides a 'No Seasickness' guarantee.
Itinerary
Pass By:  
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse
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  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss the boarding options as we have had guests with wheelchairs enjoy this experience. We do have 5 steps in order to board the vessel. There is a single step in the deck. Please call Thank you!
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Next Level Sailing
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks provided for travelers
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "I would recommend that you bring your own beverages and snacks." See review

Reviews

5.0
star-5
795 Reviews
5 stars
713
4 stars
52
3 stars
16
2 stars
7
1 star
7

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 795 reviews
star-5
Beautiful Trip
EMILY_C
, Jan 2022
It was an Amazing Experience First time out in the Ocean! The Crew was Great…..They even offered drinks and Snacks
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HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Fabulous! Would highly recommend !
Barbara_M
, Jan 2022
Crew and captain were very informative and so enthusiastic! Saw a number of whales in their natural habitat. Very exciting! Thoroughly enjoyed this cruise and the weather was perfect
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HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Great weather and whales!
Daniel_L
, Jan 2022
Wonderful trip. The weather and the whales cooperated. The crew is fantastic! This is a can’t miss activity for anyone who has never been around whales up close and personal.
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HelpfulHelpful1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
7 Whales on a Tuesday!
marilyn_d
, Jan 2022
We had a fabulous cruise! We saw 7 gray whales, including a mama and her baby! We also saw a bunch of dolphins & seals. It was a beautiful day & Fathom, our guide, told the best stories!
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HelpfulHelpful1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Best whale Watching in San Diego
Jennifer_Y
, Jan 2022
This was an amazing adventure - sailing and whale watching. Very relaxing and fun. The crew where extremely friendly and knowledgeable. This is the only way I would recommend to go whale watching.
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HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Great experience
Joan_M
, Jan 2022
The crew was fantastic. Met great people and saw beautiful gray whales and dolphins. Would do again.
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HelpfulHelpful1 traveler found this review helpful
star-4
Whale Watching in January
ALISON_C
, Jan 2022
The boat is spectacular! The crew is nice & friendly and I enjoyed the stories the captain told us about the marina/harbor area as well as the fun facts he passed in about whales. Snacks are limited so take your own if 2 small bags of chips is not enough for you during 4.5 hours. We saw 2 Grey whales and countless dolphins/porpoises. We had great weather—definitely dress in layers, it’s breezy when a boat is moving! Overall experience—it was a fun afternoon!!
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HelpfulHelpful
star-4
Great vessel and crew, good trip
Dave_D
, Jan 2022
Ship and crew were outstanding. The captain handled the ship with ease and the ride was fun and comfortable. We did see gray whales, but only from the side of the ship we were not on, and movement was challenging as it was fairly crowded. Hard to get good shots of the whales as a result. Saw a lot of dolphins, and got some good photos of them. Overall a good trip.
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HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Great tour on a beautiful...
James_L
, Jan 2022
Great tour on a beautiful large sailing ship. Saw lots of whales and dolphins. Knowledgeable & friendly captain & crew.
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HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Awesome trip!
James_S
, Jan 2022
The entire trip was fantastic. Saw several whales up close! The crew was super friendly and very informative - really enjoyed them.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful1 traveler found this review helpful
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Product code: 5170WHALE

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