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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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San Diego, United States
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From $85.00

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Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon4 hours 30 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
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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
No seasickness' guarantee
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
2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
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
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Next Level Sailing

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • 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 policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
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
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
See all safety measures taken by San Diego Whale Watching Cruise.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:
The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during San Diego Whale Watching Cruise?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 77 travelers.

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
  • "This sailing experience is a must do while in the area." See review

Reviews

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466 Reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 466 reviews
star-5
Great Crew and Very Safe!
Parker_M
, May 2021
The experience was great and the crew, especially first mate Fathom were fantastic! Very COVID safe!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much! We really appreciate your review. I am so glad you had a wonderful time. I am especially happy to hear you enjoyed the information that I provided throughout the trip :) Thanks so much for your feedback!
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star-5
Sea lions, Dolphins, and Whales- oh my!
Kari_B
, May 2021
My sister and I went on this whale watching cruise on our weekend trip from Detroit to San Diego. This is what we had been looking forward to and it definitely did not disappoint! From the amazing history of the ship, the enthusiastic and knowledgeable captain and crew, as well as the incredible marine life (sea lions dolphins and whales!) everything was perfection! Would love to come back and do it all over again!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing your review, we really appreciate it. I am so glad you had a wonderful time sailing with us. Thank you so much! We can't wait to have you back :)
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star-5
We were happy!
Evgenia
, May 2021
Unforgettable trip! This trip has exceeded the best expectations! Our ship turned out to be a real sailing ship! Huge and beautiful! The team worked professionally and smoothly. We were offered a very comfortable seat next to the captain, treated to drinks and snacks. And the most important thing! Yes! We saw whales !! it was a fantastic sight! Many thanks to all crew members! Special thanks and hello to Labrador Marly! :)
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for your kind review, we really appreciate it. I am so glad you had a wonderful time sailing with us. I will be sure to give her some extra treats and say they were from you :) Thank you!
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star-5
Best whale watching experience!
AliciaLucero
, May 2021
During COVID-19 this company put me totally at ease with their cleaning policy and distancing requirements. The boat itself was exceptional and their expertise on finding whales was top notch. A truly enjoyable experience overall with very friendly staff!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are thrilled you had a wonderful time sailing and whale watching. We sincerely appreciate your review, thanks!
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star-4
Fantastic
Ray_S
, May 2021
The cruise was relaxing, seeing dolphins was really cool. The only downfall was we didn’t see any whales!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
I am so sorry we didn't see any whales. I am glad to hear you had a wonderful time sailing with us. Please be sure to come back and fulfill your guarantee. Just give us a call 619-922-6215 or email us at info@nextlevelsailing.com. Thanks!
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star-5
Great trip but no whaled
Ronald_H
, May 2021
Being on a re SA l sailboat for the first time. Really cool when they raised the. Sails also got help take the sails back down very cool
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it. Please let us know when you'd like to reschedule. Just email us at info@nextlevelsailing.com or give us a call 619-922-6215. Thank you!
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star-5
Best sailing tour in San Diego.
Michelle_H
, May 2021
The staff was outstanding! Great day and an amazing experience. I would highly recommend and will definitely be back.
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much, we really appreciate it! I am so glad you had an awesome time.
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star-5
The Perfect First-Time Experience
Rebecca_N
, May 2021
We saw so many whales and dolphins, it was unbelievable! Worth every penny paid. This was the first time that my Child had ever been on a boat, and it was the most perfect first-time experience. All of the staff was beyond kind, patient, friendly, and knowledgeable. Even with the pandemic (masks, social distancing, and all that), they still managed to make it a stupendously fun experience for the two of us. We will definitely be going again on another trip to San Diego in the future. Loved it!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are thrilled you had a wonderful time sailing with us. We especially like to make it a family fun activity, so I am thrilled to hear your child had a great first boat ride. Thanks again for sailing with us, we really appreciate it!
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star-3
Nice people, great service, but no whales
S_S
, May 2021
Very friendly people and nice clean atmosphere but almost zero whales (saw the fin/back of one from a distance). But to compensate, they did show us dolphins. Be prepared for the chilly weather. Seating for almost 4 hours can be challenge for some, as seats do not have any back support on this magnificent sailboat.
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you for your review. I am glad you were happy with the boat and our crew. I am sorry you were not happy with your whale sightings, but I am glad you liked the dolphins. Sometimes they steal the show. All of these animals are wild, so every day is different. Thanks again for sailing with us.
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star-4
Awesome experience
Dora_O
, May 2021
We had the best crew, Fathom was so knowledgeable and made sure we had what we needed. Diana was also so kind to my service pup she was very patient with him. Everybody was super nice. We saw two beautiful whales on this trip quite a few times. It was awesome!
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icon Response from Host , May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Dora! I am glad you had an awesome experience. It was wonderful to have your pup, Coco, aboard. Thank you again for sailing with us, we really appreciate it :)
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Product code: 5170WHALE

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