Top San Diego Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

View more than 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo, or split your time between the Zoo and the Safari Park. At the zoo, see the diverse collection of animals, many of which are not present at other zoos in the United States. The Safari Park is inspired by the Serengeti Plains in Africa and the Asian plains and is home to lions, tigers, zebras, which you can see from the a 32-acre (13-hectare) safari trail. Access to all shows and exhibits, as well as use of all the in-park transportation, are included. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Save money by booking a San Diego Explorer Pass, which grants you access to your choice of two to seven local attractions and activities at discounted rates. The pass is valid for 60 days after first use, making it great for visitors and San Diego residents alike. Available attractions include the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego natural History Museum as well as speedboat tours and bike rentals.

Experience the thrill of driving your own speed boat during this tour of San Diego Harbor. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide's boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, a US Navy submarine, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, the cruise ship terminal, the historic ship Star of India and San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn from your guide about these landmarks via the onboard two-way communications system and stop for photo ops on this exciting tour.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its in-built GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Little Italy, Mission Hills, Presidio Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

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.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your or or two day trolley pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open ocean and looking for animals in just 10 short minutes. Marine biologists onboard help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their life in the deep blue sea.

Take a trip through American naval history with admission to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. This enormous ship, known as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, a self-guided audio tour and numerous restored aircraft across its 4-acre (1.6-hectare) flight deck and sections below. It’s an essential piece of San Diego’s, and America’s, military history.

Go sightseeing on the waters of San Diego Bay during a 2-hour brunch cruise that provides a delicious seated brunch accompanied by complimentary champagne. After enjoying a lavish plated brunch dish, stay at your private table or head outside to the open air for sunshine and sightseeing.

Take a tour of San Diego's most-popular park during this Segway exploration of Balboa Park. Follow your friendly local guide to all of the hot spots and learn why locals love the laid back vibe of this coastal destination.

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.

** Celebrate Halloween with Brick-or-Treat, running select weekends from September 16 through October 29 ** Let your imagination run wild during a day of fun with tickets to LEGOLAND ®California Resort. Build, play and explore among the park’s range of over 60 rides, shows and attractions. Visit LEGO MOVIE WORLD with a host of new rides and attractions based on the hit movies.

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.

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.

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!

Experience San Diego Bay the way it was meant to be seen, from the water on a private yacht. A dedicated captain handles the navigation so your group can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay, from the USS Midway to Seaport Village and harbor seal hideouts. With room for up to six passengers, it's a great value for families, special occasions, and small groups.

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."

Explore Coronado Island by bicycle with this small-group bike tour. Your professional guide will take you and your fellow cyclists out along bike paths, showing you scenic beaches and elegant Victorian architecture. You'll even get the chance to see the inspiration for the Wizard of Oz's Yellow Brick Road as you travel along this nearly car-free island.

Turn Hillcrest into a game while partaking on a 2-hour Walking Adventure. Your smartphone will act as your guide, while you solve clues and complete challenges around the city. Entry price is per team.

See San Diego with a local guide who has a fantastic itinerary planned for you. You’ll get around the city, from Old Town to Coronado Island, not missing anything. Your guide will drive you from place to place, explain the history, culture, and more. Plan on having fun, seeing the sights, and then having the rest of the day free.