Top California Whale Watching

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signal that humpback, minke, grey, finback or giant blue whales are near. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California's most famous whale-watching destinations.

Cruise the Pacific Ocean off Dana point on a whale watching excursion aboard a comfortable 95’ vessel. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin where food and drink are available for purchase.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Ride along the open water in a catamaran as you keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures on this whale and dolphin watching eco-safari. From Dana Point, cruise as your captain takes you to some of the area’s best places to spot out different kinds of whales and dolphins. An on-board naturalist also provides on-going commentary the whole way to keep you educated and in the know about these sea creatures and their natural habitat.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes, and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers—a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

Go on a whale-watching expedition in San Diego on this 3-hour cruise. Get the scoop from a guide who studies the migratory patterns of grey whales as you keep a lookout for whales in the water. Board a 2-story yacht that gives you 360-degree views of the ocean. Plus, you're guaranteed to see whales or you get to ride again for free.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

From the Hollywood sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica to the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is so full of iconic sights it can be tricky to see them all. This guided tour seamlessly transports you by coach to all of the city's top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—so that you don't need to worry about missing a thing.

Spend a few hours relaxing, sunbathing and sightseeing in the placid waters just off San Diego during this 1 or 2 hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully-narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions. Choose between 1 and 2 hour cruise options, offering you two trips to fit your schedule and interests.

Kayak out from La Jolla Shores and experience the beautiful area all on your own. This is completely self guided and independent!

The ocean near Dana Point provides the perfect spot for catching sight of all kinds of whales and dolphins, and this whale-watching cruise combines an intimate experience limited to 20 people aboard an RHIB. Your guide, a marine naturalist, knows the best times and areas to spot wildlife, and also provides facts and commentary as you cruise.

Get the best chance of seeing whales and dolphins on a private boat tour. Your party will have the run of the boat, including an enclosed cabin, an observation tower, and a restroom. Your experienced USCG-certified captain knows the best places to spot wildlife and will provide engaging commentary on the local marine ecosystem.

Look for whales during a boat tour from Monterey, the premier destination in northern California for winter whale watching. Learn about the majestic animals from a marine biologist or naturalist guide who shares detailed commentary about the whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and natural history of the region.

Experience the stunning beauty of San Diego Bay at sunset with San Diego Sailing Excursions. Our boat charter mono hull is the perfect vessel for a sunset sail, with space for up to 6 passengers. As we sail through the calm waters of the bay, keep your eyes peeled for the possibility of seeing playful dolphins, majestic sea lions, and colorful seabirds. Our experienced crew will be on hand to point out these incredible creatures. With San Diego Sailing Excursions, you'll have the opportunity to witness the wonder of sea life against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. Book your sunset sailing excursion today and discover the magic of San Diego Bay! As we set sail towards Point Loma greeting the rolling waves of the ocean or going towards the heart of the Sandiego bay seeing the Sandiego city towards the famous Coronado bridge! Don’t miss out and anchor these memories for a life time book your spot today!

Take a break from crowded beaches and paddle out to the gray whale migration grounds off the coast of La Jolla. Your guide ensures you visit the best sighting locations, where your kayak affords you a more intimate experience with the ocean and marine life than you could have on any boat. A kayaking tutorial is included to ensure your comfort and safety.

Spend the day exploring Catalina Island via zipline. During this full-day tour from Anaheim, ride a ferry to the quaint island. You also have the option to upgrade to a variety of different adventures to ensure your day in Avalon is packed full of fun! Round-trip transportation from select hotels in Anaheim is included.

Step aboard our 22' Zodiac expedition style boat and immerse yourself with wildlife all around you. Our Captains are fun loving, knowledgeable and respectful. We head out to see Blue & Grey whales, Fin whales and Humpback whales that put on an impressive show as they feed on krill and other small marine animals. Blue whales are the largest animals to ever live on earth and can reach up to 100’ and weigh in at 150 tons! The smaller fin whale averages about 88’ in length. In addition to whales, there are large pods of dolphins that call the San Diego coast home. Bottle nose, Pacific white sided, Risso’s and common dolphins can be seen year round as well. So step aboard and let the adventure begin!

"Set sail with San Diego Sailing Excursions and discover what sets us apart from the rest. Our personalized day sailing experiences on the San Diego Bay offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With our passionate and knowledgeable crew, eco-friendly practices, and emphasis on creating memorable moments, we take your excursion to the next level. Come aboard for a truly unique and eco-conscious sailing adventure."

Take a private boat trip out into the sunset with this private, romantic cruise. Your skipper will take you out into Mission Bay in a private boat, complete with its own observation tower for 360-degree views of your surroundings. Cheese and crackers will be provided and you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine on board.

What makes our experience truly distinctive is our dedication to responsible wildlife encounters aboard our comfortable Zodiac boat. With a 100% success rate, we guarantee you the chance to snorkel alongside captivating pelagic fish, like the rare Mola Mola, in their ocean environment, all while adhering to California's wildlife regulations.

This private boat excursion from Dana Point offers a chance to get out on the water to see whales in their native habitat, while also enjoying the challenge of catching a fish. You’ll venture out on a quick-moving rigid inflatable boat into California coastal waters that are home to blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, and one of the world’s densest dolphin populations.