San Diego Whale Watching Tours

Upcoming Departures

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

Guaranteed Sightings: Whales, Dolphins, and San Diego’s Vibrant Marine Life
More than 20,000 gray whales pass within miles of our coast in their annual migration from Alaska to Baja and back, from mid-December through April. Predictably. Reliably. Right off our bow.

We've been tracking these whale migrations since 1955. Our captains follow real-time data, patterns and water conditions like a map. On deck, our naturalists provide color and context, answering questions from curious kids and adults alike.

A Flagship tour gives you the best possible chance to see whales on any given day. If the whales don't show, we'll bring you back for free. Seventy years of experience lets us make that promise. You can book with that same confidence.

What You Get With Flagship

  • Half-day tours – 3.5 hours on the water aboard a spacious two-deck vessel. Morning and afternoon departures daily.
  • Guaranteed whale sightings – See whales or your next trip is free. No expiration, no fine print.
  • Crew you can trust – Captains with decades of experience. Naturalists who bring the journey to life. A team dedicated to your enjoyment and satisfaction.
  • Gray whales and more – Fin, humpback, and minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds.
  • Snacks and beverages onboard – Local light bites for purchase to keep you fueled (view menu).
  • Awarded Best for Families – Best in comfort, reliability, expertise and value.
  • Supporting ocean conservation – Tours follow NOAA’s marine-life guidelines for safe, sustainable viewing. Plus, every ticket helps fund marine programs for San Diego youth through Ocean Connectors.
  • Downtown departure – Broadway Pier is central and easily accessible by car, public transportation, or a scenic stroll.

Flagship launched the world's first commercial whale watching cruise right here in 1955. We've spent seventy years perfecting it. And now that experience is yours.

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

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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