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San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Diego, USA
Great choice
20+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Diane_D ·
Sep 2025
Very very enjoyable, seen dolphins and sea lions but no whales this time but they said we can come back any time for free if we didn't see any whales. Very friendly very helpful staff, very fun and interesting. Seen about of other interests which the crew have information on. You can even help raise the sail of you wish. Definitely coming back
· Garygl_I ·
Feb 2026
What a great experience the captain kyle and the first mate Brett were fantastic and the tour was very informative we drove out to the bay in the bus and then entered the water and the water part was about 90 minutes went to see the seals would definteley recommend this tour

Overview

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.
  • Soak in unique views of San Diego you won’t get anywhere else
  • Experience the thrill of splashing into San Diego Bay
  • Look for local wildlife such as the California brown pelican, seals, and California sea lions
  • Pickup and drop-off is close to the cruise terminal

What's Included

  • 1 hour 30 minute narrated tour
  • All taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 825 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

    Seaport Village is a 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 825 W. Harbor Blvd. next to the Bay Company retail store in Seaport Village. Check in 30 minutes required prior to tour time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

When your cruise ship docks in port, explore San Diego in an amphibious vehicle that drives on both land and water. Make your way to Seaport Village, located at the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive, for the start of your tour. 

Climb aboard the vehicle to meet your guide. Hear about the history of the bay and learn about stories of the early sailors as you travel along the bay's edge. Hear about the military presence in San Diego, which is home to several US Marine and Navy stations, and pass by the San Diego International Airport. 

At San Diego Bay, the amphibious vehicle will enter the water. Look out for California brown pelicans fishing for their next meal and seals and sea lions playing in the surf. Aim your camera at views of SeaWorld and Vacation Island.  Look for seals at Quivira Basin. 

Return to your starting point via Harbor Drive, passing the Maritime Museum on the way. 

Please note: This excursion is located within a 5-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in San Diego port. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.

Please note: Tour route is subject to change without notice due to weather or traffic conditions.
1

Historic Tours of America - San Diego

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
  • Tour departs from Seaport Village
  • Emotional support animals and Pets are not allowed on the tour
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (10)

Q:Where does the San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?

A:The tour departs from Seaport Village, San Diego, CA 92101, which is approximately a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Feb 2021

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 184 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

What a great experience ...

Garygl_I, Feb 2026
What a great experience the captain kyle and the first mate Brett were fantastic and the tour was very informative we drove out to the bay in the bus and then entered the water and the water part was about 90 minutes went to see the seals would definteley recommend this tour

Fun for all!

Linda_K, Feb 2026
It's a great excursion that all the family can enjoy. We learnt a lot about downtown San Diego and the area surrounding the harbor. We really enjoyed seeing the seals and dolphins.

Fabulous time on the San Diego Seal Tour!!

Carrie_T, Jan 2026
We had a great time and the captain and our guide were wonderful! We saw a lot of great scenery and heard some great history of the city.

Dolphin training for the military

Eugenia_d, Oct 2025
It was a great tour of San Diego, very informative about the military activities on the water. Interesting to see bus go from land to water. Kim knew the city like she had grown up in San Diego all her life and Chris was a great driver. Highly recommend. Be aware, parking could be very busy in the later afternoon. We had to reschedule our 4:00 tour the following morning because all 3 parking lots were supposedly full. We complained to the security guards why they didn't open the gates when obviously there were lots of parking slots available. Manager wasn't doing his job, cars were circling to find parking, lost revenue for San Diego.

Do it!

Elizabeth_W, Oct 2025
We had a wonderful tour of San Diego, land and sea. For someone with limited time, this and the City Trolley ride makes a complete overview of the town. We had such a good day!

It was a fantastic tour!!...

Heather_P, Sep 2025
It was a fantastic tour!! I highly recommend it to anyone visiting or living in San Diego! It is a must do!!

Be on time! The staff was...

Linda_K, Sep 2025
Be on time! The staff was friendly and Informative. Worth the cost. My family companion loved it and shared with others.

Fantastic Ride on Water & Land Adventure !!!!!!!!!

Tim_M, Sep 2025
It was great had wonderful time learned a lot about area hope to do it again . All of us enjoyed ! Perfect length of time .

Outstanding!!!

Diane_D, Sep 2025
Very very enjoyable, seen dolphins and sea lions but no whales this time but they said we can come back any time for free if we didn't see any whales. Very friendly very helpful staff, very fun and interesting. Seen about of other interests which the crew have information on. You can even help raise the sail of you wish. Definitely coming back

Lots of fun!

Shannon_E, Aug 2025
This tour was so much fun!! It was so neat driving on the road one minute and in the water the next. The Captain, and co captain were amazing! The only thing I would say is it gets pretty windy driving down the road, so put your hair up or in a hat. We loved this experience!

Sea lions

MaryLou_L, Jun 2025
My family and I enjoyed one tour. Kim was very knowledgeable. So many different ships they all had a interesting story behind them. The sea lions were out the seagulls are huge. The boat ride itself was awesome.

Seal trip

Margaret_T, Jun 2025
Tour guide is very knowledgeable and I learned things that I never knew before and I’m 72 years old. Very friendly crew

Great experience.

Carol_V, May 2025
Traveling on land and then driving right into the ocean was a new experience for me. Sailing around shelter Island, seeing the sea lions and just enjoying being in the water should be experienced by everyone!

Wow and Amazing!

Kennethia_P, May 2025
Captain Josh and 1st Mate Marlene provided an excellent tour. Not only did we tour on land, but also on water. Marlene pointed out landmarks, interesting facts, and educated us about the sea-life we were seeing. We saw sea lions, seals, and also dolphins. A blanket was provided due to it being chilly and breezy on the tour. I strongly recommend bringing a jacket with a hood in case it is chilly and breezy like it was for our tour. We had a fantastic time—we’re so glad we took this tour! Thank you Captain Josh and 1st Mate Marlene!!

Fun tour!

Clare_T, May 2025
Our tour guide, Dan was awesome! He was very informative and fun! Captain Q did an excellent job driving us around.

Great trip to bring family on

Stephanie_S, Mar 2025
This was one of the best tours that me and my family have been on the captain of the boat was amazing and explain things very well gave us history lessons and talked about the differences between right and left port and starboard was very entertaining

Well rounded tour

E_M, Jan 2025
Guides were very professional, knowledgeable and kind. Everything was well organized and began on time.

Great Excursion!

Jacky_W, Oct 2024
This was really fun! We learned some interesting facts about San Diego and our 4-year old grandson was in awe that our vehicle turned into a boat. Kudos to those who run this excursion too, they were all a lot of fun! Very happy that we did this!

Great way to see the local sites

Steven_H, Sep 2024
I grew up in San Diego and returned to visit. This tour showed me things i hadn’t seen before. Great tour guide, knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely do this tour again.

A great excursion!

Philip_C, Sep 2024
Tour guide is well preapred, entertaining and informative. The trip was enjoyable We had a good time. Tkok picture, saw sea lions and had an informative tour of the San Diego BAy

Labor Day Voyage

James_E, Sep 2024
It was great. Lilah and the captain were very kind and informative. Weather was great. The history and information provided was very cool.

One stop tour

Wayne_W, Aug 2024
Enjoyed the tour by the harbor and boat tour all in the same vehicle. Great tour for first timers. The driver and guide were great

Works for everyone.

Donald_D, Aug 2024
My husband has mobility issues and has a walker. This tour is so handicap friendly, providing a lift rather than just stairs. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and fun. This tour is great for all ages and very accommodating. We had a great experience.

Great for families

Kensho_I, Aug 2024
Capt. Reef and 1st. Mate Amy were outstanding! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Nice "overview" tour for first time visitors. Thanks so much!

Ah-mazing

JenniferMM_W, Aug 2024
We loved the tour guide. He was a wealth of local information and a comedian...the experience was memorable...my grandchildren will remember this for a while..thank you Aloha....and a hui hou!

Worth the money and time!

Eileen_H, Jul 2024
Captain Michael and First mate Kim were friendly and full of knowledge regarding the area. They made the experience fun and memorable.

The tour guide was very...

Elizabeth_F, Jul 2024
The tour guide was very entertaining. Very well organized. We enjoyed it very much. The day was beautiful.

It was so fun and I saw...

Adela_P, Jun 2024
It was so fun and I saw some dolphins and sea lions and it was so cool and it was so peaceful and unexpected.

Very Fun

Lisa_M, Jun 2024
Very fun trip. Bring a jacket! The tour guides were informative and very funny! Lots of interesting local details.

The seal tour ;)

Bertha_E, Jun 2024
Definitely the sea lions!! it was so cool!! also, the 1st mate was really funny and made a lot of funny jokes! our captain was amazing at what he did!!

From $55.59

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 10 days in advance.

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