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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

star-51,149 Reviews
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San Diego, United States
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
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From $85.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon4 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

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.
  • Cruise on the sailing ship America from San Diego
  • Spot migrating whales and dolphins frolicking in the Pacific Ocean
  • Choose the only whale-watching cruise by sailing yacht in San Diego
  • Includes whale sighting and 'no seasickness' guarantee
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From $85.00

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4.5-hr sailing cruise
Sodas and snacks
Whale sighting guarantee: If you don't see a whale, you get to come back for free
No seasickness' guarantee: Lose your lunch, we get you a new one
9:00 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11:00 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
2:00 PM Trip: Check in between 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Next Level Sailing , 2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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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!

This activity will end right where it started.
Travel back in time when sailing on the America, a replica of the sailing ship that won the first America's Cup sailing competition in 1851. Your classic sailing vessel provides a smooth ride and spacious decks, perfect for sailing on the Pacific Ocean in search of gray whales and other marine life. Since your boat principally moves under wind power without using the engine, your captain can get closer to the marine animals without scaring them. The boat's deep keel provides excellent stability and large decks offer unobstructed views, making the America a prime vessel for whale-watching.

Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) are offered during the cruise. You are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch or your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy onboard.

Whale sightings are guaranteed on your cruise. If no whales are sighted, you can return for a complimentary whale watching cruise on another day in the same season. The America also provides a 'No Seasickness' guarantee.
Itinerary
Pass By:  
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
We sail past North Island Naval Air Station, US Navy Base Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma Lighthouse
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  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Please call if you have a wheelchair so we can discuss the boarding options as we have had guests with wheelchairs enjoy this experience. We do have 5 steps in order to board the vessel. There is a single step in the deck. Please call Thank you!
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Next Level Sailing
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks provided for travelers
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "I would recommend that you bring your own beverages and snacks." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

5.0
star-5
1,149 Reviews
5 stars
1,013
4 stars
80
3 stars
34
2 stars
12
1 star
10

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,149 reviews
star-5
Beautiful time!
Jonathon_M
, Aug 2022
We went to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We didn’t see any whales (but they do have a lifetime guarantee that we can come back again for free- no expiration date). We saw several dolphins though and got some amazing videos of them. Great time! We packed a lunch, but they also provided pop, waters, chips and granola bars. Take a sweatshirt, it gets chilly! But they have blankets too if you need them. Great time!
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star-5
Phenomenal day on the water!!
Lisa_S
, Aug 2022
We had a phenomenal day out on the water in the beautiful sailboat America! The crew was fantastic! They shared a lot of local habitat information, as well as naval warship information. We truly enjoyed our day and saw a pod of maybe 100 bottlenose dolphins!
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star-5
Terrific trip
Peter_B
, Aug 2022
Beautiful trip. Staff was very friendly, informative and helpful. Great trip. Ocean was gorgeous. Great views of the coastline
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star-4
Just another fun day in America’s finest city.
Jerry_H
, Aug 2022
I had the opportunity to watch my out-of-state family enjoy a very unique experience both in seeing whales and dauphins as well as experiencing ocean sailing.
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star-4
Nice Motoring Cruise
John_W
, Aug 2022
It's a wonderful cruise, but it's not sailing. You will ride on a sailing schooner, but it's always under motor power. So don't think you're going "sailing," in the strict sense of word. You're not. I found that disappointing. Now, if you're okay riding on a sailing ship under motorboat power, you're good to go! Quite enjoyable.
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star-5
Beautiful ride out to see...
Jordan_T
, Aug 2022
Beautiful ride out to see whales, beautiful ship. However - the seating was fairly uncomfortable (hard/backless) so be prepared for that, and the captain was informative but unfortunately we couldn’t hear him for the majority. Regardless, we’d still do it again!
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star-5
Great experience!
Minh_H
, Aug 2022
Being able to see blue whales on our first whale watching excursion was a success. The captain and his crew were knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to watch about 6 whales for about 45 minutes 10 miles off shore. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to get out to the watching site so if you are prone to sea sickness, take some Dramamine before. They do have remedies if you do get sick during the excursion but it may be too late at that point. We saw a lot of people get sick on relatively calm waters. If you are lucky enough to see the whales, it is an unbelievable experience.
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star-5
Awesome
Kathy_A
, Aug 2022
It was relaxing and we were lucky to see a whale baby with its mom. We saw a couple whales and dolphins
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star-5
Bucket list trip
Richard_G
, Aug 2022
My daughter and I had a great time even in rough seas. We followed a couple of blue whales and it was a wonderful experience
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star-5
Exhilarating!!!
Linda_L
, Aug 2022
The staff was amazing. We got to see many dolphins and 3 blue whales. It was truly an amazing trip. Would highly recommend this trip.
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star-5
Don’t miss this magical experience!
Rebecca_B
, Aug 2022
The whale watching cruise exceeded expectations! It was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I got to share with my kids and grandkids. We saw seven blue whales, including a mama and her baby ( along with sea lions, dolphin pods, pelicans etc) We watched quietly from the schooner as the whales languished under the water’s surface in their blue glow and then breached the surface several times to eventually have the dorsal fin above the water before they dove for another several of minutes of feeding. The crew was fantastic, efficient, and educated us all along the sail about how they find the whales, and it did not disappoint! The ship is dog friendly and we all loved that. Watching the raising and lowering of the sails was awesome, too. The price for this magical experience was so, so worth every penny!
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star-5
Highly recommended
Christie_G
, Aug 2022
This was an amazing sail and loved being aboard The America schooner. We loved every minute of it, even though no whales were seen. The crew was professional, friendly, and knowledgable. Added bonus? Murphy and Marie joined us for the sail.
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star-5
Great experience
juan_b
, Jul 2022
Great experience, staff well prepared, super nice and professional. We got to see 2 whales. Loved the experience
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star-3
Wonderful
Vasudha_A
, Jul 2022
It was amazing experience, though we were unlucky to sight a whale but enjoyed thousands of dolphins, seals and pelicans on the way.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
I am glad to hear you had a wonderful experience. Please come back for your free trip. We want to make sure you see whales. Just give us a call or email us at info@nextlevelsailing.com and we will be glad to rebook you. Thanks!
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star-4
Great way to spend the day!
Jodie_S
, Jul 2022
We loved watching the two pods of dolphins on their fishing trip. There were so many of them, along with little baby dolphins! The crew were very friendly and accommodating!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you for sharing your review. I am glad you enjoyed your day sailing with us. Please come back for your free trip. Just give us a call 619-922-6215 or email us at info@nextlevelsailing.com. We look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks!
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star-5
The crew was friendly and...
Janet_B
, Jul 2022
The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. I loved the ship. The captain’s dog was very sweet and so cute. All around a good trip and would recommend.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you so much! I am glad to hear you had a wonderful time sailing with us. We can't wait to see you next time. Thanks!
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star-5
Go for it- you won't be disappointed!
Stanley_P
, Jul 2022
It was a great day to be on the ocean with a top notch captain and crew. They were attentive to safety and customer service. It's no wonder they are rated as the top in their business.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you so much for your review. We really appreciate it!
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star-5
Awesome experience even if don’t see whales!
Heather_R
, Jul 2022
The trip out to sea was great with a tour of the history and sights of the area. My son ended up getting sea sick but the staff was right there with remedies to help him. We saw dolphins but no whales. True to their word we get to go back another time to try again. Staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience!
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you for your review. I am glad your son didn't feel well, but I am glad we were there to help. Please give us a call at 619-922-6215 or email us info@nextlevelsailing.com when you are ready to sail with us again. Thanks!
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star-3
Disappointed
John_T
, Jul 2022
We couldn’t watch whale's, and we were disappointed. But otherwise crew was good and the ride was good.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear you didn't see whales. Please come back for your free trip. Just give us a call at 619-922-6215 or email us at info@nextlevelsailing.com. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks!
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star-5
We had a great time!
Benjamin_M
, Jul 2022
Although we didn't get a chance to see any whales...we had a really great time! Saw some dolphins and sea lions, however., which was very cool.. Owner, and staff, were friendly and attentive. Good conversations with other patrons on the boat. Will definitely go again.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Thank you so much! We can't wait to have you again in the future. Please just give us a call 619-922-6215 or email us to rebook. Thanks!
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