Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watch

 San Diego Whale Watch offers the premier whale watching experience in Southern California. Our experienced crew knows exactly how to track down and show you the spectacular wildlife The Pacific Ocean has to offer. Your whale watching cruise is available at an affordable price on our historic boat, the Privateer. She was the first boat in San Diego to be used solely for whale watching and we were the first company in this location to begin offering the opportunity year-round! When you join us on the water, you are guaranteed an exceptional time with our legendary whale guarantee. If you do not see a whale or dolphins on your trip, you can join us for free on a future date of your choosing!

Hornblower Whale Watching


Our Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruises are available two times per day. Boarding for the first cruise starts at 9:15 AM and we depart the harbor by 9:30 AM sharp. The cruise returns back to the dock at 1:00 PM. For the second cruise, boarding starts at 1:15 PM and we depart the harbor by 1:30 PM sharp and returns back to the dock at 5:00 PM.Give yourself plenty of time parking, walking to the boat, and check-in at the dock.

Legacy Whale Watching

We will primarily be looking for whales, a variety of dolphin/porpoise species along with sea lions and birds. From Nov/Dec – April, California Gray Whales will be the targeted whale species; although we will never pass by a cooperating whale of another species. A Knowledgeable captain and crew that can answer questions, point out wildlife and other points of interest will be on every tour. The Legacy is a modern, stable, well-equipped 80ft fiberglass boat with two decks and ample seating. With windows throughout both decks, the Legacy has great views with the convenience of covered indoor seating for over 100 passengers. The boat has outside seating on the bow and elevated upper deck seating. Legacy has a well stocked bar of snacks and beverages and 3 full sized bathrooms.

Adventure Rib Rides Whale Watching

Whale and Dolphin watching or take a guided tour of the San Diego Bay on an Authentic NAVY R.I.B. (Rigid Inflatable Boat) Our fast boats will give you a thrilling ride around the bay with plenty of time to see the beautiful San Diego skyline, the incredible Coronado Bridge, and even the bait barge where you can meet some of local wild sea-lions and harbor seals! Our R.I.B.s offer the best vantage point allowing you to get up close to some of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks! There is no other tour that is as personal and customizable as our fun and educational bay tours! Learn more about San Diego Harbor Tours.

OffShore Blue Adventures

Your adventure begins the moment you step on board our expedition boat because this is no ordinary whale watching trip. Say goodbye to the crowds and hello to a smaller, more personalized experience, where everyone has a front row seat. Whales can be seen year-round off the coast of San Diego. During the winter months from December through April, there is the annual migration of thousands of California gray whales from their summer home in Alaskan waters to their breeding grounds in the lagoons of Baja California.

H & M Landing Whale Watching

H&M LANDING has long been the pioneer in West Coast whale watching since 1953. Renowned for our wide range of adventure offerings, we have unsurpassed expertise in the approach and observation of marine wildlife in their natural environment. Unlike the San Diego Zoo, Sea World or the San Diego Wild Animal Park, we have the unique opportunity to observe nature as it was intended, unspoiled and on its own terms. Whether you are looking for a 3 Hour Local Trip or one of our longer expeditions to the seacoasts and lagoons of Baja California, H&M Landing will show you the way.

Next Level Sailing

When you board the America at Next Level Sailing, you will expect to see several whale species, along with countless other beautiful marine life. Explore below and learn about the miraculous whales you may come across on your next adventure.