whale watching san diego
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Whale Watching San Diego

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Make your choice to go Whale Watching on the fastest, largest and most comfortable ship in San Diego. Read on about the opportunity to get out on a short three and a half hour voyage and see and learn about whales and dolphins in the wild.

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Whale watching and dolphin watching in san diego

Experience Whale Watching in San Diego on the fastest, largest and most comfortable ship in San Diego!  Click here for the most current seasons Whale report, FAQ's and more.

WATCH a short Whale Watching Cruise video.

WHAT YOU GET

  • 3.5-hour whale watching excursion in San Diego
  • Opportunities to spot whales, sea lions, dolphins, and harbor seals
  • An exclusive look at local environmental efforts
  • Professional Live narration on marine life from our expert captains and Whalers from the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) the NAT
  • Snack bars featuring hot food, full bar and souvenirs
  • Climate controlled indoor seating
  • Views of famous San Diego landmarks

Click here to download Whale Watching brochure

Click here for Hornblower Deals!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

WHALE WATCHING DAILY CRUISE SCHEDULE

Two Departures Daily

Two departures Daily:
Morning Departure
     Boarding at 9:15 am
     Cruises from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

Afternoon Departure
     Boarding at 1:15 pm
     Cruises from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Guaranteed whale sighting!
If some type of whale is not sighted on your whale watching cruise, a pass good for another Whale Watching cruise or Harbor Cruise in San Diego will be issued.

Whale watching does cruise into the open ocean.  Our yacht is the most comfortable yacht in San Diego due to stabilizers that greatly reduce the yachts motion.  If seasickness is a concern, getting fresh air on the sun deck or taking over the counter anti-seasickness medicine prior to the cruise might help.

Location
1066 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (between Broadway Street and Ash Street)

Google Map
Download directions

WHALE WATCHING TICKET PRICES

Weekday Whale Watching Rates (Monday-Friday)

  • Adults:  $35
  • Children (4-12):  $17.50
  • Seniors/Military:  $33
  • Kids (3 and under):  FREE


Weekend Whale Watching Rates (Saturday-Sunday)

  • Adults:  $40
  • Children (4-12):  $20
  • Seniors/Military:  $38
  • Kids (3 and under):  FREE

**Please note: Outside food and beverage are not allowed**

San Diego Whale Watching is the ultimate eco-adventure and also showcases local environmental efforts. Narration is performed LIVE by our experienced captain and trained naturalists called "Whalers" from the San Diego Natural History Museum.



WHEN TO GO: Whale watching season is December 10th through April 15th. Actual end date varies.


WEEKLY WHALE AND DOLPHIN SIGHTING REPORT
For more information about Whale Watching including the Captain's Log on Whale and Dolphin Sightings on Whale and Dolphin Sightings off the coast of San Diego every day, Captains' Bios, Discount Tickets Packages, FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions), Group information and more.


COMBINATION TICKET PACKAGES
Combine your Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching cruise with one of our combo packages for a FULL San Diego sightseeing experience. Choose from ticket packages with one of our great partners:

USS Midway Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, or San Diego Maritime Museum.

Hornblower Cruise is a proud partner with and endorsed by the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM) on our Whale Watching Cruise Adventure


WHAT YOU'LL SEE AND DO!
See the majestic California Gray Whale while whale watching on the San Diego coast. See all the famous and historic sights of the San Diego bay: navy submarine base, NOSC and the Point Loma Light House and Cabrillo National Monument.

During your whale watching cruise, in addition to Gray whales we have spotted Orcas, Fin Whales, Finbacks, Blue Whales, Humpback Whale and Sperm Whales. In addition to whales, you'll witness many varieties of marine life: four types of dolphin, sea lions, Mola Mola (sun fish) and marine birds such as Brown Pelicans, Sea Gulls and Blue Herons along the way.


Relax on the largest and fastest whale watching boat in Southern California called the Adventure Hornblower. Adventure Hornblower offers climate controlled areas with indoor and outdoor seating as well as a full snack bar with adult beverages and souvenirs. Photos are taken at the beginning of the cruise and ready at the end. While cruising you can ask questions of the SDNHM "Whalers" or watch the educational video "Oceans Oasis" courtesy of SDNHM.

BOOK WHALE WATCHING NOW!


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Whale watching cruises in san diego are memorable.

Whale Watching San Diego San Diego whale watching is a thrill. Don't miss your chance to see a whale this whale watching season.

Whale Watching San Diego Experience whale watching!

Your whole staff was wonderful. As we returned we spotted another whale. I never expected the Captain to turn the boat around for one more final try at seeing a whale. It's great to see a company truly live up to your expectations. The sights were amazing.

– Christopher S

I really liked that even though we saw plenty of dolphins, because we didn't see whales, we get to go again for free. Thank you!

– Mike W