San Diego Whale Watching Tours

Upcoming Departures

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Guaranteed sightings or your next trip free! | 3.5 Hours | Mid-Dec to Mid-Apr

Beyond the Bay: See Whales, Dolphins, and San Diego’s Vibrant Marine Life
San Diego is among the world's top destinations for viewing marine wildlife. During our annual whale watching season, mid-December through April, more than 20,000 gray whales will migrate along our coast. For the thrill of a lifetime, cruise alongside these magnificent whales in their natural environment guided by San Diego's most experienced whale watching fleet.

Your Harbor Tour Includes

  • 3.5-Hour Cruise – Explore San Diego Bay and the open Pacific aboard a comfortable, spacious vessel.
  • Expert Narration – Learn about whales, dolphins, and local marine life from our onboard naturalists.
  • Wildlife Sightings – Watch for gray, fin, humpback, and minke whales—plus dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds.
  • Bay Bites – Satisfy your cravings with delicious snacks and local light bites available onboard (menu).
  • A San Diego Tradition – Flagship launched the world’s first whale watching cruise right here in 1955.
  • Ocean Conservation – Tours follow NOAA’s marine-life guidelines for safe, sustainable viewing.
  • Supporting Education – Ticket sales help fund youth ocean programs through Ocean Connectors.
  • Whale Sighting Guarantee – Don’t see a whale? Your next trip is free.

Guaranteed Sighting Ocean Connectors logo US News Best Off

Select Your Cruise

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Cruising
  • 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Adult | Mon-Fri Ages 13+ | $54.00
Child | Mon-Fri Ages 4-12 | $40.50
Adult | Sat-Sun Ages 13+ | $57.00
Child | Sat-Sun Ages 4-12 | $42.75
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Before you depart

Arrive 15 Minutes Before Scheduled Departure
Arrive 15 Minutes Before Scheduled Departure
Flagship Cruises & Events is cashless. We accept credit, debit, and mobile payments.
Flagship Cruises & Events is cashless. We accept credit, debit, and mobile payments.
The Vessel and Interior Main Deck are Wheelchair Accessible But The Exterior Top Deck and Restrooms Are Not
The Vessel and Interior Main Deck are Wheelchair Accessible But The Exterior Top Deck and Restrooms Are Not
Sunscreen or Hat
Sunscreen or Hat
Bring a Camera
Bring a Camera
No Smoking
No Smoking
Binoculars Recommended
Binoculars Recommended
No Pets Except Service Animals
No Pets Except Service Animals
Dress in Warm Clothing in Layers
Dress in Warm Clothing in Layers
If Prone To Seasickness, Consider Medication In Advance
If Prone To Seasickness, Consider Medication In Advance

Cruises may be cancelled in the rare event of unsafe weather conditions.
For further information, please visit our FAQ

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Whale Watching Route

We follow the whales' migration path to bring you up close for the best sighting spots, which change every day.

Early in the season, whales swim closer to the coast, so the maximum distance is about 3-5 miles. On their return trip, northbound whales swim further out, up to 9-12 miles off the coast.

 

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