Top California Dolphin Watching in 2026

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

This intimate, small-group tour in San Diego lets you get up close and personal to whales and dolphins. You’re not on a huge tour boat. Rather there is a maximum of six guests, where you have plenty of space for viewing marine life. Your captain takes you to the best spots while you relax aboard your boat.

Discover some of San Diego’s most incredible marine wildlife with the help of a local guide who knows the water like the back of their hand on this small-group boat tour. Try your luck spotting whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more while you enjoy the smooth ride on a former military boat with life jackets provided for your safety.

Witness the majestic humpback and gray whales during their migration along the stunning California coast with a three-hour whale watching tour in Morro Bay. From May to November, experience the spectacular antics of humpback whales, and from December to May, observe the incredible migration of gray whales traveling over 12,000 miles. This family-friendly tour provides a chance to connect with nature while enjoying the company of expert guides who share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Prepare for an unforgettable marine adventure amidst the breathtaking scenery of Morro Bay. - Three-hour whale watching tour suitable for all ages - Observe humpback whales from May to November and gray whales from December to May - Expert guides provide insights about whale behaviors and migration - Bring water, snacks, warm layers, sunscreen and a camera for capturing memories

The ocean near Dana Point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whale-watching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 20 people aboard an RHIB. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife, and also provides facts and commentary as you cruise.

Go on a whale-watching expedition in San Diego on a half-day cruise. Get the scoop from a guide who studies the migratory patterns of whales as you keep a lookout for the majestic marine mammals, as well as dolphins, turtles, and more. The yacht offers 360-degree views of the ocean and both indoor and outdoor viewing decks, for an all-round comfortable experience.

Explore the stunning marine life off the coast of San Diego with premier whale watching tours. Witness majestic whales in their natural habitat while enjoying an eco-friendly experience that emphasizes sustainability. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local ecosystem and the species you encounter, making the tour both educational and captivating. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike, this tour ensures an unforgettable day on the water. All tours depart from Seaforth Marina, offering a comfortable and accessible starting point for your adventure. - Eco-friendly whale watching tours departing from Seaforth Marina - Expert guides share insights on marine life and ecology - Family-friendly activities suitable for all ages - Enjoy a memorable day at sea while supporting sustainable tourism

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

San Diego provides the perfect launching point for a whale-watching tour in California. Cruise on the Pacific Ocean in a sturdy boat with a professional crew, looking for gray whales as they migrate along the coast of North America. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are often spotted during this whale-watching tour and the crew provides informative commentary about the marine animals and environment. Bonus: if the crew does not find any whales during your cruise, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.

Explore the rich marine life of San Diego on a thrilling 3-hour open-water adventure. This tour invites you to encounter majestic whales, playful dolphins, and curious seals in their natural habitat aboard a state-of-the-art Zodiac. With a capacity for small groups of 1 to 6 guests, enjoy a personalized experience while cruising through the stunning views of San Diego Bay. Perfect for both first-timers and seasoned ocean enthusiasts, this tour promises an unforgettable connection with nature. - 3-hour whale and marine life adventure in San Diego - Small group sizes for an intimate experience (1-6 guests) - Comfortable fast ride on a brand new 2026 Zodiac with premium seating - Depart from Fisherman’s Landing with scenic views of the bay

Take a break from crowded beaches and paddle out to the gray whale migration grounds off the coast of La Jolla. Your guide ensures you visit the best sighting locations, where your kayak affords you a more intimate experience with the ocean and marine life than you could have on any boat. A kayaking tutorial is included to ensure your comfort and safety.

Combine an exhilarating harbor cruise or a whale watching adventure with a visit to the historic Battleship USS Iowa in this engaging Southern California bundle. Depart from San Pedro to witness marine life and iconic landmarks during a scenic 45-minute harbor tour or a more immersive 2.5-hour whale watching cruise. Explore the USS Iowa Museum at your own pace, where you can walk the decks of this storied battleship and learn about naval history through interactive exhibits. Access the Main Galley, Crew's Mess Hall and the Museum on the second deck. This tour is ideal for families and history enthusiasts looking for outdoor sightseeing and educational discovery. - Choose between a narrated Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching adventure - Explore the USS Iowa Museum with self-guided admission - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages - Flexible timing allows exploration on the same or another day - USS Iowa Museum provides luggage storage if needed

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Learn to surf at one of California’s most famous spots during this introductory surfing class at Venice Beach. This class is suitable for all levels, whether it's your first time surfing or you are advancing your skills. Spend some time training on the beach, then hop in the Pacific Ocean for instruction in the water, followed by time for practice.

Looking for a whale watching tour that’s fast, personal, and unforgettable? At O’side Whales, we keep our groups small—just 6 passengers—so every seat is the best seat. Our speedy, stable boat covers more ocean, meaning more chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or just looking for an epic ocean adventure, this is the experience you don’t want to miss. Book now and see the sea like never before!

We set sail on a 45 foot, teak filled sailing yacht- Named, Song of David. One of the largest and most comfortable sailboats in the Oceanside harbor. We cater to guests from many of the five star hotels in the area. We serve an upscale experience with Charcuterie and Champagne as an option. Ask about our three and four hour extended experiences. We set sail and begin looking for dolphins and whales. The bow of the boat has been fitted with a special dolphin seat so that you can actually sit over the top of the playful dolphins below. The memories gained abord the Song of David will last a lifetime. Please realize a gratuity of 20 - 30%.