Top California Dolphin Watching

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

Fall is one your favorite times of the season for whale watching in Monterey Bay, where Humpback whales feed non stop before their migration south. This 3-hour tour aboard ENOCEAN’s premium 6-passenger vessel offers an intimate experience for wildlife enthusiasts. With the ocean calming in the morning, you'll enjoy unobstructed views and comfortable space while searching for Humpbacks, Killer whales, dolphins, and more. Your knowledgeable captain will provide insights into the local ecosystem, enriching your adventure. Plus, if you don’t spot a whale, enjoy a complimentary return trip, ensuring an unforgettable outing. - 3-hour whale watching tour on a premium 6-passenger vessel - Guaranteed whale sighting or a complimentary return trip - Expert captain/naturalist providing insights and answering questions - Limited to 6 guests for a personal and immersive experience -Professional photographer onboard taking photos for you

Venture into the depths of Monterey Bay for an unforgettable small-group whale watching experience aboard Enocean's 27-foot Robalo. Departing from Moss Landing Harbor, this tour offers unobstructed views of whales and dolphins as you explore the nearby Monterey Submarine Canyon. Opt for the extended 5-hour tour to increase your chances of encountering blue and fin whales, especially during peak seasons. Enjoy personalized onboard photography advice, and receive a photo package afterward, ensuring you capture every moment of your wildlife adventure. - Choose from 3-hour and Private Whale watching tours - Maximum of 6 passengers ensures a personalized experience - Opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife including orcas and humpbacks - Private charters available for intimate group outings and wildlife photographers who want the boat to them selves

Venture into the depths of Monterey Bay for an unforgettable small-group whale watching experience aboard Enocean's 27-foot Robalo. Departing from Moss Landing Harbor, this tour offers unobstructed views of whales and dolphins as you explore the nearby Monterey Submarine Canyon. Opt for the extended 5-hour tour to increase your chances of encountering blue and fin whales, especially during peak seasons. Enjoy personalized onboard photography advice, and receive a photo package afterward, ensuring you capture every moment of your wildlife adventure. - Choose from 3-hour and 5-hour whale watching tours - Maximum of 6 passengers ensures a personalized experience - Opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife including orcas and humpbacks - Private charters available for intimate group outings

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.

We are a hands on sailing adventure we encourage our guests to participate. Guests who chose to relax and enjoy the scenery and vibe are welcome to do so, you may bring beer or wine or other snacks no red wine please.

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 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

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.

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

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.

Go whale watching in San Francisco on this 2.5-hour cruise that departs from Pier 39. On an eco-friendly catamaran, glide through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the open Pacific, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Learn about the history and geology of the area from an onboard naturalist, and admire the rugged California coast.