Dolphin trips · SAN DIEGO
The 11 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!”
Join Captain Rich on a private three-hour boat trip from Mission Bay for up to six people. You’ll search for dolphins, gray, humpback, fin, and blue whales from an open deck, observation tower, enclosed cabin, and restroom, with commentary on local sea life.
“Captain Rich put us right on the whales, but the huge pod of dolphins was the star of the day! Great trip!!”
Cruise from San Diego for up to three hours as an onboard naturalist explains local marine life. Look for dolphins, humpback, gray, and fin whales, sea lions, and seabirds, then watch the sunset from the Pacific. Bring warm layers and plan ahead if you get seasick.
“Great! Saw over 1000 common dolphins! Great team and caring service!”
Board Peregrine at H&M Landing for a 3 to 3.5-hour cruise into the Pacific. Marine biologists such as Melissa narrate the search, while Captain Quinn and the crew look for gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds.
“Super smooth ride, very easy going. They made sure we saw a whale, even in November off season! Places to sit in side and outside, very comfortable.”
Join Adventure Whale Watching from Harbor Island for a 2.5 to 3-hour ocean trip limited to six people. Guides such as Rick, Chris, Kyle, and Bree search for gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life from a fast Zodiac boat. Dress in warm layers.
“Captain Chris was great! He worked hard to try to locate some whales. Last minute we were able to see a great whale and a pod of dolphins. These boats are surprisingly smooth. We didnt get wet at all. Great experience!!”
Set out from Point Loma aboard the 82-foot Peregrine for a 3 to 3.5-hour search for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. Marine biologists and certified naturalists explain what you see, while air-conditioned seating, restrooms, stabilizers, and a whale sighting guarantee make this a comfortable choice.
“Staff members were super nice, the boat tour was great and we have seen three grey whales and a lot of dolphins!”
Join Netzero Expeditions at Seaforth Marina for a three-hour Zodiac RIB tour with up to six passengers. Marine biologists and naturalists guide the search for dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, humpbacks, and the occasional orca. Bring layers, sunscreen, water, and motion-sickness medicine if needed.
“Ganz toller Ausflug - mit mega nettem Team. Wir waren nur zu 3. und hatten das unfassbare Glück nach rund 55 Minuten auf eine Gruppe Orcas zu stoßen, die uns 90 Minuten begleitet hatten”
Join Net Zero Expeditions for a 2.5 to 3-hour Zodiac speedboat trip from Mission Bay. A USCG captain and in-person guide take up to six people offshore for seasonal whales, playful dolphins, and the occasional orca. Bring your own water and snacks.
“It was a great time. Very nice, friendly, and knowledgeable crew. Clean boat”
Pick a hull, pick the water you want to be in, or decide whether you want them wild.
