San Diego Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat tour

San Diego, California

San Diego Dolphin and Whale Watching Speedboat tour

San Diego, California

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Overview

Set off on a breathtaking journey into San Diego’s offshore waters, where you’ll come face-to-face with playful dolphins and majestic whales, depending on the season.

🐋 Seasonal encounters with Gray, Blue, and Humpback Whales

🐬 Playful dolphins spotted throughout the year

🌅 Stunning ocean views and a welcoming crew

🧥 Ocean breeze that calls for a warm layer or two

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round,
Daily 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm

Full description

Dive into the vibrant world of San Diego’s marine life, where dolphins leap through the waves, and whales make unforgettable appearances. This expedition invites you to witness the beauty of the Pacific’s most magnificent creatures, from the seasonal Gray and Blue Whales to the playful dolphins that grace these waters year-round. Led by expert guides, each trip offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature and experience the thrill of seeing these animals up close, surrounded by the breathtaking seascape of the open ocean.

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: 4+
Health Limitations: Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back or neck concerns due to potential rough ocean conditions.
Physical Limitations: Guests over 250 pounds must inform the experience provider in advance to ensure the best seating arrangement.

Who can you accommodate?

Children: All participants, children included, must pay to participate.
Pets: Sorry, pets are not allowed on this expedition.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

Duration: 2.5–3 hours, with slight timing adjustments based on ocean conditions and guest engagement.
What’s included: High-speed Zodiac boat tour with expert commentary from our captain.
Who will be present: Guided by a skilled captain; this public charter accommodates up to six participants.
Photography/Video: Feel free to bring your own camera to capture the experience, as there is no professional photography available onboard.

How to prepare?

Weather dependency: This experience is dependent on favorable ocean conditions; guests will be notified if weather may impact the trip.
Arrival: Please arrive 20 minutes before departure at Seaforth Marina gate entrance, Mission Bay, San Diego.
What to wear: Dress in layers, as ocean breezes can be chilly even in summer.
What to bring: Please bring a reusable water bottle, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

Wildlife Disclaimer: While sightings of whales, dolphins, and sometimes orcas are frequent, wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 2 weeks before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 2 weeks in advance means losing the value of your experience.