San Diego: City Cruises Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

4.2 (194 reviews)

San Diego: City Cruises Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Before you book

A 3.5- or 4-hour cruise with indoor and outdoor seating and volunteer naturalists from the Natural History Museum.
Coast Guard regulations require a photo ID at boarding. Guests who want to sit together must be on the same booking.
If you sight no whale or dolphin, you get a pass for another San Diego whale watching or harbor cruise.
Seasonal: as of late October 2026 the calendar's next departure is December 12, 2026, so check your dates before you plan around it.
Food and drinks are sold on board; hotel pickup and tips are not included. The outer decks are reached by stairs only, and the cruise is temporarily not wheelchair accessible.
Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead; you can reserve now and pay later.

About This Experience

City Cruises' big boat from downtown San Diego, with volunteer naturalists from the Natural History Museum: gray whales in winter and spring, blue whales in summer, dolphins, sea lions and seabirds. Next departures from mid-December 2026.

Highlights

Go on a 3.5- or 4-hour whale watching cruise and enjoy views of famous San Diego landmarks
Take the opportunity to spot sea lions, dolphins, and harbor seals
Gray Whales migrate past in the winter months and Blue Whales feed offshore in summer
Learn about marine life from expert captains and whalers and get an exclusive look at local environmental efforts

What's Included

✓ 3.5 or 4-hour whale-watching cruise
✓ Outdoor and indoor seating
✓ Expert narration by the volunteer naturalists from the Natural History Museum

Not Included

Food and drinks (available for purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips

Good to Know

Coast Guard regulations require a photo ID upon boarding
Note that the access to outer decks is via stairs only, this cruise is temporarily not wheelchair accessible due to outdoor seating restrictions
Food and drinks can be purchased on board and are not included in the price of the tour
Guests wishing to be seated together must be included on the same booking. If you have already made separate bookings and would like to be seated together, please contact City Cruises ahead of time