San Diego Whale Watching: Year-Round Marine Adventure

Experience year-round whale spotting on our San Diego whale watching cruise. Join us aboard the Yacht America for a thrilling adventure with experienced guides and the chance to see gray whales, blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and naval activity.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Next Level Sailing - We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse to see many dolphins and whales.
What's Included
  • 4.5-hr sailing cruise
  • Free Parking with convenient check-in
  • Complimentary snacks and sodas onboard
  • Guarantee against seasickness
  • Whale sighting guarantee or sail again for free
  • Bring layers for warmth
  • Multiple trip times with specific check-in windows
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
Additional Information

In San Diego, whale watching is a year-round activity! Our expert team at Next Level Sailing guarantees a premier experience, with such skilled guides that we achieved a 100 percent success rate in detecting the King of the Deep during the winter season.
Recognized as one of the top outdoor experiences in San Diego, the period for watching gray whales…

Location
Next Level Sailing
Shelter Island Drive
Check in opens an hour before departure time and closes 30 minutes before departure. Check in flag located across the street from the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Please look at Inclusions/Exclusions for specific check in times. Abundant free parking at our location!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(2080 Ratings)
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1 star
Mbfiltz
Apr 5, 2025
Lovely way to spend an afternoon - Beautiful day on the water Considerate crew Saw dolphin a whale and sea lions About 4.5 hours from start to finish Glad I brought a jacket with a hood A little chilly in April
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorrif378
Apr 4, 2025
We had a bloody blast!! - It was such a wonderful experience! My step daughter and granddaughter were visiting from London (I asked them to title the review) and we decided to go on this tour based on the reviews. We’re so glad we did! Captain Troy and the crew were so knowledgeable and entertaining plus always keeping an eye out for sea life. We were fortunate for a lovely day and to be able to see a trio of fin whales, amazing! The second largest whale species! We also got to see a huge pod of dolphins, zipping by and under the ship, leaping and generally having a dolphin party. The crew also gave us interesting information on sea lions versus seals, the history of the ship, the submarine base and Cabrillo monument. Highly recommended and looking forward to going again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_a
Apr 1, 2025
Despite a rainy and windy... - Despite a rainy and windy day, we ended up seeing several whales and a dolphin “stampede” that was truly amazing! Great experience and great crew!
Review provided by Viator
Ron_l
Mar 31, 2025
First time whale watcher - Dress with layers. Can be windy at times. Great crew! Large sailboat with plenty of room for your entire group.
Review provided by Viator
Amber
Mar 31, 2025
Great trip! Plan Ahead! - We saw a grey whale, her calf, a school of dolphins! Family 10, 13, 15 yo kids. The ocean was beautiful, the boat was fantastic. Replica of a gorgeous old sailboat, the America. The crew raised and lowered the massive sails, which was a highlight. There were seats for everyone, but you sat on boxes without back support, so not super comfortable for middle aged mommas. You can bring lunch, so do it. It’s a 4 hour tour. Dress in layers including sweatshirt, jacket, hat, sunglasses. Wear sunscreen. A little sun on the water will burn you! There is a reasonable walk to the boat, climbing a very small ladder; fyi if you are traveling with someone who has limited mobility. Someone brought their dog. The dog was super friendly, but he wasn’t comfortable with the waves. Humans: you should prepare for motion sickness if you get sick. My son had a prescription patch and was fine. I took a Dramamine and was fine. Several people were queasy+. The crew was great in trying to provide remedies. But plan ahead. It’s a huge sailboat, and you are on the ocean. PS water and sodas are available. Pepsi products, IYKYK.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregory_a
Mar 30, 2025
Grey Whales 🐋 - A wonderful adventure where we saw hundreds of pelicans and dolphins. To top it off we followed a pod of eight gray whales for about a mile before turning for home. What a fabulous excursion!!
Review provided by Viator
Kimvu2261oo
Mar 30, 2025
Fun time! - Great trip hosts and we saw whales and hundreds of dolphins - fun time! Would recommend to anyone as a worthwhile cruise to go on while in San Diego.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leigh
Mar 30, 2025
Whale watching - The crew on the boat were amazing. They were extremely knowledgeable. We saw dolphins, sea lions, seals and beautiful gray whales. Great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adinah_c
Mar 27, 2025
Beautiful day. Amazing... - Beautiful day. Amazing experience. I loved the ‘America.’ We saw a pod of common dolphins, and a humpback whale. The crew was very personable, helping many prevent sea-sickness. The ginger candies help for sure! I loved being on the water. Bring sunscreen!!
Review provided by Viator
Deserttrekker2018
Mar 28, 2025
Wonderful experience - Very pleasant and beautiful trip! My only complaint is the seating. Very hard to rest comfortably. For a long sail like this, I wish they could provide some other comfortable seating for those who have back problems. The staff was superb and very helpful and attentive and always mindful of our safety. And the ship was gorgeous and Maria the pup was a wonderful scout to have on board.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
April 2025
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