San Diego Whale Watching Tours
Every year, gray whales migrate past San Diego. See these beautiful giants under sail, without noisy motors or packed tour boats.
The Gray Whales Will Be Back In January!
We had a terrific whale-watching season this year. Check back this winter when we open up reservations for next year's season.
Enter your email to be alerted when we open reservations for next season.
Discover More Ways to Sail with Us
Great for families!
Morning Sails
Calm waters, mild wind, two hours. Perfect for families with kiddos. And you might even spot some wildlife!
Starting at $89
Local favorite!
Midday Sails
The wind is up, the boat's moving, and the water's looking real good. This is San Diego sailing at its peak.
Starting at $109
2 ways to book
Grab individual tickets on our public sails or book the whole boat just for your crew. If you’ve got four or more, a private sail is actually more affordable – and you’ll have the whole boat to yourself!
Complimentary Snacks & Drinks Included! Enjoy a variety of beers, seltzers, sodas, and juices, as well as chips and snack bars on every sail.
Ticketed Sail
Best for: Solo adventurers, couples, small groups.
Nothing could be easier. Just grab your ticket, hop aboard, and set sail.
Starting at $129
Private Sail
Best deal for groups of 4 or more
Best for: Families and groups of 4 or more.
Share this amazing experience with your favorite people on your own boat.
Starting at $650
Flexible Cancellation Policy: Receive a full refund if you cancel within 3 days of your sailing date.
Best Price Guarantee: If you find a better price on one of our tours anywhere else, we’ll match it.
Witness One of Nature’s Greatest Journeys.
- Up Close with Majestic Gray Whales: Watch these ocean giants on their 14,000 mile roundtrip journey south from Alaska and back.
- Small Groups, Big Views: No packed tourist boats, and no fighting for a rail spot.
- Peaceful Communion with Nature: No stinky boat motors or crowds of people. Feel an unmediated connection with these incredible mammals.
- Captains Who Know Their Stuff: Our captains know where to go and when, and they’ve got tons of whale facts to share.
- Snacks & Drinks On Board: Beer, hard seltzer, soft drinks, and snacks included.
- Only Here for a Few Months: The gray whale migration happens January to April – just once a year for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"This would have been a bargain at twice the price. Went with four other people from our convention and had an unbelievable time. We saw whales, lots of whales, up-close whales!"
— Randy D.
The Catalina 400
Spacious and smooth, the Catalina 400 is decked out with everything you need for the perfect day on the water.
- Room to Relax – Plenty of deck space to spread out and take in the views.
- Smooth & Stable Sailing – A solid, steady ride, even when the wind picks up.
- Onboard Bathrooms – Nothing to worry about with two clean and comfortable heads.
- Comfy Bean Bag on Bow – Our favorite seat to spot wildlife or just chill out.
FAQs
No Noisy Engines or Throngs of Tourists.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the conditions aren’t safe, we’ll reschedule or refund you. Simple as that. But most days, San Diego serves up perfect weather for a sail.
Will it feel too touristy?
Not even close. No crowded boats, no loudspeakers, no fighting for a rail spot. With only 6 guests on a ticketed sail, it’s just you, the open water, fresh air, and the quiet thrill of spotting whales under sail.
What if I have more than 6 people in my family or group?
For bigger groups up to 10 guests, check out our Private Whale Watching Sail. You’ll get more space, more flexibility, and a private boat just for your crew.
Will it be too cold?
It’s cooler on the water, especially in winter, but a light jacket does the trick. We’ve also got blankets onboard if you need one.
Are we guaranteed to see whales?
We’ll do everything we can to find them, but the whales don’t exactly RSVP. That said, we see whales on most sails, and our experienced captains know where to find them. If we don’t, the dolphins, sea lions, and ocean views are definitely still worth the trip.
Big Group Energy.
Meet Maile, our new 50ft sailing yacht with room for up to 22. We're kind of obsessed.
