We understand what you're investing in a whale watching tour — your time, money, and hope. You clear the day, rally the family, drive to the pier, and trust that the people running the boat know what they're doing. We don’t take that lightly.
See whales, or your next trip is free. It's a simple promise. Here's why we can make it.
Why We Can Make That Promise
Flagship launched the world's first commercial whale watching cruise in 1955. We've been refining it ever since—routes, timing, communication, vessel design. Seventy years of practice is what lets us promise what others can't.
Our captains don't guess. They read the ocean—currents, temperature, marine activity, wind patterns. They coordinate with other vessels in real time. Through experience, technology, and instinct, they know where the whales were an hour ago and where they're heading next.
Why Location and Timing Matter
San Diego sits directly along the gray whale migration route between Alaska and Baja California. It's a world-class location for whale watching, with thousands of whales passing within miles of our coast. And every December through April, they return.
We sail from Broadway Pier, positioned to intercept the migration efficiently. Our departure times align with peak activity. Our route adjusts based on conditions and sightings.
What It Means for You
Nature is the boss. Winds shift, tides change, whales surface where they want. That's why our guarantee isn't just about tickets—it's about trust. You can book knowing we're accountable for the experience, not just the ticket.
On the rare occasion whales don't appear, we make it right. You'll leave with a voucher for a future tour—no expiration, no fine print. Come back when it works for you. We'll be here.
More than whale sightings, you're guaranteed:
- A crew that knows these waters by heart
- A captain with years—often decades—of experience
- Routes designed around when and where whales appear
- Naturalists who explain what you're seeing in real time
- A vessel built for comfort and visibility
You'll see whales. Or you can come back out again for free until you do. That's not confidence scripted by the marketing team. It's confidence earned from seventy years of getting it right.
Your Whale Watching Day
Season: December – April
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Departures: 9:30 AM | 1:30 PM daily
Location: Broadway Pier, Downtown San Diego
Guarantee: See whales or your next trip is free