Top San Diego Dolphin Watching in 2026

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your or or two day trolley pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

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

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

Explore San Diego Bay with a glow nighttime pedal boat rental, an affordable and eco-friendly adventure perfect for all ages. Glide through the water on a pedal-powered boat complete with a sunshade and room for up to four passengers—four-legged friends are welcome, too! Enjoy the freedom to chart your own course during the one-hour rental and create unforgettable memories on the bay.

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.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90min harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—during this San Diego Bay cruise. Board a comfortable sailing yacht and cruise along San Diego's coastline, taking in views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels, and historical landmarks. Catch sight of marine life and enjoy spectacular photo ops. Gorgeous sunset views and comfortable bean bag seating makes this tour a great choice for travelers celebrating a special occasion.

Experience the spine-chilling history of San Diego on this immersive ghost tour that takes you inside haunted locations. Travel aboard the Ghost Coach, a “coffin on wheels,” and visit eerie sites like the Gaslamp Museum, Horton Grand Hotel, and El Campo Santo Cemetery, guided by professional storytellers in costume. With authentic tales, haunted hotspots, and dark humor, this tour offers a thrilling blend of history and the supernatural.

Put your sea legs to good use while in port and see San Diego’s sights by both land and water on a shore excursion by amphibious vehicle. Listen to stories that bring San Diego’s history to life as you travel along the water’s edge, then steer straight into San Diego Bay. Take in sweeping views of SeaWorld, watch for the seals and sea lions that play, eat and bask at Quivira Basin, and return to your ship along the scenic Harbor Drive.

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.

Christened in 1934, Cloudia is a beautifully restored, rare example of a classic Norwegian double ended ketch. Inspired by the original designs of famed naval architect Colin Archer (1832-1921), from Larvik, Norway, the Cloudia is a Listerskøyte. The top-sail ketch is notable for durability and safety. Archer’s shipyard designed and constructed the famed Fram, which participated in a number of expeditions to the North Pole and later supported Roald Amundsen’s historic first expedition to the South Pole. The Cloudia is rigged as a topsail ketch in the British or American style, which means there are 2 two-piece masts which allow her to carry more sail than a traditional Norwegian rig with shorter single masts. Cloudia’s main mast is 85 feet high including the top-jack. Many different woods were used to craft the ship, including Norwegian white oak, sapele hardwood, Douglas fir, Alaskan yellow cedar, and Ipe Brazilian hardwood. Come experience History!