Where To See Whales From Land
If theres no time in your itinerary to book a whale watching experience or youre not a fan of boating in open waters, you may still be able to spot some whales from the shore if youre lucky. Simply keep an eye out while youre touring these spots, which are popular San Diego tourist attractions anyway.
Carry a pair of travel binoculars with you to take a closer look! The best times of the year to spot whales from land is mid-January to February when the gray whales are traveling south closer to shore.
Next Level Sailing Reviews
Not a whale in sight, but still a fabulous sail onboard Yacht America out of San Diego Bay. Thank you, Capt. Troy!
It is definitely worth it. We werent lucky to see any whales but we still had a great time in the boat. It was a nice and calm ride. So relaxing!
We had a great time on this trip, the crew was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, we didnt see any Whales but we did see lots of dolphins. I would do it again!
We loved our trip! The crew was extremely friendly and share lots of information on the local area including history, wildlife, and the Navy! We will be back!
If you want a great day sail on a classic yacht youll love this experience. We didnt see whales but still had a great time, plus a free rain check for a future trip.
Wow, what a ship. Fantastic ship and crew, we give IT outsourcing best recommendations. Book online in Advance to make sure you get this experience.
We had a fantastic time on the trip. Got to see a blue whale, the only one seen that day by any tours. They had excellent narration and the staff was very friendly. Highly recommended!
Why Choose Next Level Sailing
Safety on Board: Safety is our number one priority for our customers. Everything you need to feel comfortable will be available to you upon arrival. We are a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected Vessel and we undergo annual inspections every year.
Charter Options: No matter what occasion, Next Level Sailing is prepared to make your event an experience of a lifetime. Our private charter options include: Whale Watching, Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Entertaining, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Reunions, Film/Media Production, Cocktail Cruises, Engagement Parties,Bridal Showers.
Private Dining & Catering: We provide our guests with incredible private dining options, with menus hand selected from some of San Diegos finest restaurants. In addition, live music is available.
Our Boat: The Yacht America is a 139 ft racing yacht, with a capacity of 77 people. Whether you are hosting a larger party or partaking in a whale watching trip, you will have plenty of room to move around on our spacious San Diego boat.
Trustworthy Crew: When setting sail, you will be welcomed on board with a highly qualified crew. They are excited to make your trip both easy and entertaining.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Really Cheap Cruises
Flagship Cruises & Events
Departure location: Downtown San Diego
Flagship Cruises & Eventstwice-daily whale watching cruises happen during the gray whale migration roughly between early December and mid-April. Naturalists from Birch Aquarium at Scripps join the tours, providing guests with additional insight into our ocean and marine life.
A snack bar serves refreshments include hot dogs, sandwiches, chips, soda, alcoholic beverages, and more. Their Whale Tail Guarantee means that you may join another tour for free if you dont spot a whale during your tour.
They also have other San Diego harbor cruises that you may want to check-out and also operate the Coronado Ferry.
San Diego Lgbtq History Tour
This 1.1-mile, 1-hour walking tour of Hillcrest covers San Diegos LGBTQ history with stories of some of its earliest gay bars, the hate crimes plaque, Harvey Milk Street, the Center, the Rainbow Flag and much more. The tour covers the people, places and events that made San Diegos “gayborhood” the vibrant community it is today.
The perfect pre-brunch adventure in Hillcrest!
Don’t Miss: Princess Around The World Cruise
Whale Watching From The Shore
Not all whale watching needs to be from a cruise.
San Diego has a few great spots, such as Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Cabrillo National Monument, Torrey Pines State Reserve, etc., to view the grey whale migration from the shore.
All the locations offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.
However, a cruise is the best way to see Blue Whales as they tend to stay farther out at sea.
Popular attractions in San Diego
Where To Spot Whales From San Diego
Gray whales swim relatively close to the coast and can be seen at a far distance even from land. The best viewing spots are the Birch Aquarium area in Scripps, the Cabrillo National Monument on the Point Loma Peninsula, and the coastal trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve. These places offer sweeping views of the Pacific.
The most common and effective way to spot whales is to join a whale watching cruise. The boats can spot whales quite easily and take you very close to them. This is also the only way to see the blue whale, which usually stays off the coast. Also, during the whale watching tour, you will indeed be surrounded by pods of dolphins, which will become the most fun part of the tour.
Read Also: Where Do Cruise Ships Leave From In Florida
Corporate Events & Team Building
Are you looking for a truly unique setting to host your next corporate event?
Why not go whale watching!!! San Diego Whale Watch is committed to making your next corporate event a success. With a large platform and steel construction, the Privateer can hold 149 people and provides the smoothest ride on the ocean. She has roomy outdoor decks which will provide you with the space you need to host a company event youll never forget.
Whether youre entertaining clients, hosting a networking social, or having a company meeting, we have just the venue for you. Our event coordinator has over 10 years experience in hosting corporate events and will help you create a customized event to suit your companys needs.
San Diego Whale Watching
San Diego Whale Watching boats depart from Mission Bay. The starting point is very convenient because it is easily accessible from all north of San Diego and, in a few minutes by boat, you can go out to sea.
Go in search of whales on this cruise. Follow the captain’s instructions and the biologists on board who know very well the best places to see these giants of the sea.
This whale watching tour departs once a day at 12.30 pm. The maximum number of people allowed on the ship is 100 participants.
Recommended Reading: Which Is The Best River Cruise Company In Europe
Next Level Sailings Yacht America
Departure location: Shelter Island
Go gray whale or blue whale watching in San Diego on the 139-foot Yacht America, a replica of the yacht that won the historic Royal Yacht Squadrons 100 Guinea Cup race in 1851. Water, soda, chips, and granola bars are provided, but you can bring your own food and drinks .
Next Level Sailing offers the only no seasickness guarantee globally and boasts high whale spotting rates. They also guarantee youll see a while, or theyll gladly have you onboard one of their whale watching tours again for free.
Where Can I See Whales In San Diego
Your best chance of seeing whales in San Diego is on a tour that heads into the ocean. The guides know how to find whales and where they are most recently seen. Most tour companies mentioned on this list maintain a recent sightings list that you can check out to get an idea of whats been seen near the time of your tour.
You can see whale spouts and rarely a whale breaching from places on land listed above like Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Don’t Miss: Does Disney Cruise Require Vaccine
San Diego Whale Watching Information
Top 5 Things To Know About Hornblower Cruises and Events – Whale Watching
San Diego Whale Watch
![One Bright Idea: Whale Watching in San Diego [Video]](https://img.cruiseinfoclub.com/wp-content/uploads/one-bright-idea-whale-watching-in-san-diego-video-whale-watching.jpeg.webp)
Departure location: Mission Bay
You have a variety of cruise options with San Diego Whale Watch that depart year-round. Their Whale Guarantee means that if you dont see a dolphin or whale on your trip, your next trip is free. They offer 2-3 hour group cruises and sunset cruises in addition to private outings. The Privateer boat is equipped with indoor seating and open viewing spaces on the upper and lower decks.
Don’t Miss: Hotels Near Cruise Port Ft Lauderdale
What Is The Best Month For Whale Watching In California
The best month for whale watching in California depends on where in the state you are. In San Diego, the best month is usually January because that is when the most whales are spotted heading to south to Baja California, Mexico. Also, pregnant females tend to swim closer to shore when heading south and further offshore when heading north later in the season with their calves.
Summer & Fall Blue Whale Watching
Migration Period: Mid-June – September
Blue whales, the largest creatures on earth and thought to be among the most endangered of the great whales, may be found off the coast of San Diego mid-June through September. In fact, the largest group of blue whales in the world, some 2,000 to 3,000, feed off the California coast during the summer months. These magnificent mammals, who can be 100-feet, give away their location by spouting a 30-foot column of water in the air that can be seen from miles away. The migratory patterns of blue whales have been tracked from the Antarctic to California to Costa Rica. Changes in ocean temperatures and the abundance of krill over the past few years have attracted far more blue whales to San Diego’s coast than in the past. Since blue whales tend to be found further out to sea than their grey whale cousins, it’s recommend to venture on a boat trip versus viewing from the shore in order to catch a glimpse of these incredible leviathans.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Cruise Ship For Kids
Winter & Spring Gray Whale Watching
Migration Period: Mid-December – April
Each year, more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. After spending time in warm Baja California waters so their young can grow strong, they make the journey north again in spring. The longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis, it is truly an extraordinary spectacle to observe. With 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, San Diego is an ideal destination to see this impressive parade of gentle giants. According to the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, gray whales generally travel alone or in pods of two or three but more may be seen traveling together during peak migration season. These giants are roughly the width of a basketball court and cruise at an average speed of five knots .
More To Things Do In San Diego For Whale Lovers
If youre crazy about whales, there are things to do in and around San Diego that youll definitely enjoy. At SeaWorld® San Diego, you can see orcas, beluga whales, and bottlenose dolphins up close, and theres a huge array of exhibits featuring other marine animals plus lots of great rides.
Birch Aquarium showcases the research of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Its a perfect stop for marine life enthusiasts and budding oceanographers or anyone who wants to enjoy a fun family day out. There are hands-on exhibits and more than 60 fish and invertebrate habitats.
Don’t Miss: Disney Cruise Out Of San Diego
San Diego Whale Watching Tours
San Diego is among the world’s top destinations for viewing marine wildlife. During whale watching season, mid-December through April, more than 20,000 gray whales migrate along our coast. For the thrill of a lifetime, cruise alongside these magnificent whales in their natural environment guided by San Diego’s most experienced whale watching fleet.
Flagship’s history traces back to the world’s first whale watching cruiseright here in San Diego in 1955. Learn about the ocean ecosystem and enjoy live commentary on the sights and sea creatures you may encounter: gray whales, fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, sea lions and more.
Your ticket sales help support Ocean Connectors, providing San Diego youth with access to hands-on environmental education.
Best of all, whale sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see a whale, your next trip is free!
Knuckled Back And Footprint
If the lighting is right, and if the whale is close enough, its possible to see the back of a gray whale during and after the blow. Its generally shiny and black or gray, with a knuckled ridge along the spine. After the whale submerges you may note an elongated, smooth oval of calm water, known as a footprint, where the whale has been.
Also Check: Cruise Out Of Galveston August 2021
Winter Season: Gray Whales
Every year from December through April, gray whales pass through San Diegos coastal waters on their way to and from their breeding grounds. Gray whales spend the summer months in the Bering and Chukchi Seas, and then leave for the breeding lagoons along western Baja California and off southern Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico. The gray whale makes the longest migration of any mammal on earth traveling 10,000-12,000 miles each year. More.
Is It Whale Watching Season In San Diego
Yes, whale watching season in San Diego is technically year-round. However, the most popular time to go is between mid-December and April for gray whale sightings during their annual migration. The second popular season is in summer for blue whale sightings.
Its lovely to be out on the water during the shoulder months because you can still see sea lions, birds, dolphins, a variety of other smaller toothed and baleen whales, and other sea creatures.
You May Like: What Company Owns Crystal Cruises
Attractions In San Diego For Whale Watchers
Sea World San Diego – Although orcas or killer whales are what they are known for they also have Beluga whales, bottlenose dolphin. Just viewing these animals is pretty amazing. Couple the huge array of marine creatures and exhibits and this absolute must see for a whale watching enthusiast in San Diego. Look online for discount tickets as there are numerous ticket websites that offer them.
Birch Aquarium – Great exhibits if not quite as visually stunning as Sea World. Their “Voices In The Sea” exhibit is great exploring an area the sounds of whales and their ability to communicate. Their global warming exhibit is also very eye opening. Another must see.
Cabrillo National Park San Diego – What is considered the birth place of whale watching world wide, there is so much to do and see here. One of the best shore based whale watching locations for viewing the grey whale migration in California. Come from December through March and chances are you will see a grey whale. Viewing from land is definitely different than by ship and you are completely at the mercy of the whales. So don’t be too disappointed if the viewings don’t compare to those from ship. The experience of viewing a whale from land is really unique. Also definitely check their website as they have events of all sorts occurring throughout the year many centering around whale watching. Their tidal pools are also great. Definite must see.
What To Bring On Whale Watching Tours
What to bring on whale watching tours in San Diego includes the following packing list:
Let me get into why I recommend the items above. The weather in San Diego is warm and mild, and the sea off the coast tends to be calm for most of the year. However, temperatures on the water can be about 10-15 degrees cooler than on land. Even during the summer, Its a good idea to carry a light jacket or a sweatshirt because the marine layer can make for cool mornings.
Theres always a chance that it will get breezy, a bit chilly, or even drizzly when youre out on the water especially during the winter months. This is why layers are important.
Sunscreen and sun protection is always a must, given the near-constant sunshine in San Diego. The water reflects sunshine to make it even more powerful when out on the water.
Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged and bring an extra battery pack. A zoom lens is advisable. If you have binoculars, pack those, too, or rent a pair on the boat if theyre available.
If you tend to get seasick, bring some seasickness aids just in case. And, of course dont forget your tour tickets.
You May Like: What Is The Best Alaskan Cruise For Families