Dolphin trips · SAN DIEGO
The 4 best san diego dolphin tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Sail from Mission Bay Park on a 2 to 3-hour sunset cruise with a certified guide and crew sharing facts about local whales and dolphins. You may spot pods of dolphins, pelicans, or whales offshore, then watch the sun drop over the San Diego coast. Bring warm layers for the windy ride home.
“Excellent. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, caring, and attentive. The insight and commentary was interesting and useful.”
Cruise from San Diego Harbor for 3.5 to 4 hours with captains and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Watch for gray and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, sunfish, and seabirds. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, with a return pass if no whale or dolphin appears.
“We had great service by the staff and the weather was great we saw a few dolphins but those dang whales didn’t participate. can’t blame the company for that. They even gave coupons for another ride for a chance to see whales on a different day kudos to this company .”
Cruise from Navy Pier with City Cruises San Diego, guided by the captain and San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers. Look for migrating gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds from indoor or outdoor decks. The cruise lasts about three hours in winter and four hours in summer.
“I really enjoyed the commentary from the captain, and they had people from the history museum on board to educate us on the whales and so we could ask questions. The company also donates to the history museum so in return the well trained whalers come on the boat. The boat was big and even though we often get motion sickness we were completely fine! They also gave us information on our way out of the harbor about San Diego. I can’t recommend them enough!!”
Join Captain Ray or Captain Alyssa on a three-hour trip from Mission Bay aboard a 22-foot expedition boat limited to five people. You may see dolphins, humpback or gray whales, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Life jackets and waterproof windbreakers are provided.
“(Bring your jacket! it’s pretty cold out there) Highly recommended! We went the 8:30 tour and saw so many dolphins swimming around us and a humpback whale!”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
