The 4 Best San Diego Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71Our pick

Set out from Mission Bay Park for a 2 to 3-hour sunset cruise with a certified guide and an experienced crew. You will scan the coast for dolphins and whales, hear facts about local marine life, and finish with wide sunset views. Bring warm layers, since the boat can feel windy and choppy after dark.

“It was an amazing experience! Beautiful day in the ocean. The naturalist on board was amazing as well. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

Cruise from San Diego Harbor for 3.5 to 4 hours while captains and Natural History Museum naturalists search for gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales. You may also see dolphins, sea lions, sunfish, and seabirds. Outdoor and indoor seating are available, with food for purchase and a whale-or-dolphin return pass if needed.

“The captain did everything he could to show the best possible whales sighting, yet without approaching too close to them. This is appreciable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56Best value

Cruise from Navy Pier with City Cruises San Diego for about three to four hours of whale watching. Captain Rick, Kyle, and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum explain whale migration and help spot gray, fin, humpback, and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Indoor seating, outdoor decks, restrooms, and snacks are available.

“Such a great experience! Learned how to follow the whales. Got to follow 2 different types of whales and 100s of dolphins. Learned a lot and it’s always a great time when on the water. Guides were amazing and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Cruise from Mission Bay on a 22-foot expedition boat with Captain Ray or Alyssa. With no more than five people aboard, you get open views of dolphins, whales, sea lions, seals, and ocean birds. The trip lasts about three hours and includes life jackets and waterproof windbreakers. Bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

“What a great 3 hours, guided by Alissa, we saw a couple of humpbacks, sea lions, pelicans, sand pipers and '000's of common dolphins up close”

Check availability →Read our full review