Top San Diego Nature and Wildlife Tours

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit. After 3+ years of construction, Elephant Valley is now officially open! Come immerse yourself in this incredible conservation habitat and meet a multi-generational herd of eight African savanna elephants.

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise. Avoid the guesswork when trying to figure out where to spot whales, and let the experienced crew take you directly to places known for sightings. As well as whales, you may spot sea lions, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins—with commentary from the naturalist guides who can share plenty of facts about marine life.

Elevate your sightseeing experiences in San Diego with this luxury whale- and dolphin-watching cruise. Instead of doing any research, enjoy having a crew to take you to places known for their whale and dolphin sightings. The luxury vessel is air-conditioned with indoor seating, as well as a restroom and stabilizers to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Experience the beauty of the San Diego coastline on a peaceful sunset sailing tour, avoiding the crowds at popular viewing spots. Relax aboard your vessel as you take in stunning sunset views, along with possible sightings of dolphins, vibrant seabirds, and sea lions. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open Pacific Ocean and looking for animals in just 10 minutes. Expert Guides and Naturalists on board help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their lives in the deep blue sea.

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.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a self-drive GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its built-in GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Old Town, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

View over 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo or Safari Park or split your time between the two. Access to all shows and exhibits and all in-park transportation are included. With mobile tickets, scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Make the most of limited time in San Diego by combining two experiences in one—a food–themed walking tour and a trip to Coronado Island. Led by a guide, discover local eateries and foodie hot spots you might miss otherwise—such as an award-winning taco shop and bites at a fish market. Conveniently, round-trip ferry transfers to Coronado Island are included, as well as all your food tastings along the way.

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.

We’re excited to introduce our 60-minute Glow Boat Experience on Electric Boats — a romantic night date in San Diego Bay. The boats glow beautifully after dark and come equipped with a Bluetooth Speaker so you can enjoy music while cruising. Your group will be assigned one of our electric glow boats based on your group size. Both options offer the same Glow Electric Boat experience. * Red Electric Glow Boat: Up to 4 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 650 lbs. * White Electric Glow Boat: Up to 3 adults + 1 small child (4–5 years old), maximum combined weight 600 lbs. The specific boat model is assigned by our team based on your group size. Our crew provides full instructions and guides all boats on the water, with safety crew present. You’ll stay dry and comfortable the entire ride.

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.

Experience the thrill of driving a speedboat—and enjoy a new way to sightsee—on this two-in-one San Diego Harbor tour. Learn the basics of boating from your guide before following their boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Maritime Museum, and more. Discover the stories behind the landmarks via the on-board, two-way communication system, and stop for photo ops.

San Diego looks spectacular from the water and with this sailing tour, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy having a crew to take the lead. During your sailing trip, you can enjoy onboard perks, such as alcoholic and soft drinks as you enjoy the panoramic views of San Diego Bay.

Experience a day of imagination and fun at LEGOLAND® California Resort with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions made for families with kids ages 2–12. Explore Miniland USA, drive at Fun Town, and splash around at the Water Park. Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium and dive into ocean wonders. Book a Sea Life or Resort Hopper and get a second day free to revisit the adventure.

Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of San Diego's past, tracing its evolution from Spanish exploration to a bastion of military innovation. Begin in the Gaslamp Quarter, where echoes of Spanish explorers and the Mexican-American War resonate through the cobblestone streets. Wander through Horton Plaza Park, where the visionaries of yesteryears shaped downtown San Diego into the bustling metropolis it is today. Pause outside the Santa Fe Depot, a symbol of the city's pivotal role in the nation's railroad network, linking it to the rest of the country. Conclude your odyssey at the USS Midway Museum, a testament to San Diego's significance in world wars and modern military advancements. Here, amidst the decks of a historic aircraft carrier, reflect on the city's journey through time, from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a cultural and military hub of the West Coast.

Sail out into the San Diego Bay and take in great views of the city's skyline with this small-group tour aboard a 34-foot Catalina sailboat led by a local captain. You can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening departures and you will be welcome to bring your own drinks on board.

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.

Skip the crowded cruise ships and watch the sunset over San Diego Bay from the water on your very own private yacht instead. With just your party on board, enjoy unobstructed panoramic views as you pass by Coronado Bridge, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Shelter Island, and more. Travel further out into the bay and admire the changing faces of San Diego, from city skyscrapers and busy marinas to natural parklands and rugged sea cliffs.

Go sightseeing on the waters of San Diego Bay during this cruise that provides a delicious seated brunch of seasonal dishes accompanied by unlimited Champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. After enjoying a lavish plated brunch dish, stay at your private table or head outside to the open air for sunshine and sightseeing.

Experience San Diego Bay the way it was meant to be seen, from the water on a private yacht. A dedicated captain handles the navigation so your group can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay, from the USS Midway to Seaport Village and harbor seal hideouts. With room for up to six passengers, it's a great value for families, special occasions, and small groups.

This easy hiking tour shows a different side of San Diego. The views are unforgettable. The freshness of nature instantly brings serenity into your experience as you hike and breathe in sage. While in the mountain we will take a moment to meditate with an experienced meditation teacher (optional). Your tour guide will provide multiple fun picture breaks so you can leave San Diego with memorable moments.