Best time to visit San Diego

Whale Watching in San Diego

San Diego is a great place to see ocean-faring mammals

Best time: mid-June–September | mid-December–April

Whale Watching
Whale Watching

Every winter and spring, from mid-December to April, nature fans from San Diego are able to view the annual gray whale migration. Thousands of gray whales move along the West Coast to reach the warm lagoons of Mexico. The goal of this 621 mi (10,000 km) trek is breeding and calving. After a month "vacation" in Mexico, they return north to their feeding grounds in the Bering Strait of Alaska. So, if you want to see females with calves, go late in the season as they head back with their newborns.

Besides the famous gray whale season, San Diego sees another migration of blue whales. It takes place in summer and early fall, namely mid-June to September. So whale watching is in the area is available nearly all year round.

Best places for whale watching

During the whale watching season, there are plenty of ways to see the migration in San Diego and you don't have to go far. Most whale watching tours are quite short, and chances to see whales are high. Cruises include all kinds of boats and rafts. You can even take a tour on a kayak and paddle as close to whales, seals, and sea lions as possible. You can also see whales from the shoreline. The best viewing spots are located in La Jolla, Scripps Park, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and the Birch Aquarium.

Whale watching tours

For a quiet tour on a sail boat, check out Next Level Sailing, which offers 3.5 to 4 hour tours via yacht for under $80 for adults. Legacy Whale Watching Company offers indoor seating a viewing on a double deck boat. This company also offers a guarantee that if you do not see a whale on your tour, they will offer you a voucher for another tour, free of charge!

Whale watching tips

Most whale watching tours will go out of their way to make you comfortable and ensure that you have a great time. Even if you are relaxing on a beach, scanning the seas, there are a few things you can bring to make your experience more enjoyable.

What to wear

Dress in layers. Going out on a windy day can feel chilly, so bringing a waterproof jacket, closed-toed shoes, and long pants is a good idea. Protect yourself from the sun with glasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

What to bring

To get a better view of the whales you might see out there, bring a pair of binoculars and a camera. And be prepared for the possibility of motion sickness by keeping medication on hand. Finally, four hours can be a long time for anyone, make sure you bring snacks and a beverage to keep you hydrated and energized.

Where to stay

San Diego is a big city, so chances are you will find accommodations that suit your needs. For an in depth listing of hotels, motels, resorts, hostels, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds for the rustic traveler, check out San Diego's official listing of places to stay.

Practical info

When is the best time to see gray whales in San Diego, and why?

The ideal time to catch a glimpse of gray whales in the West Coast is mid-December to April. During this period, thousands of them migrate from Alaska's Bering Strait to the warm lagoons in Mexico to breed and calve before heading back north to their icy feeding grounds. Mother whales and calves are usually spotted heading back north in late April. Be watchful as blue whales start their migration from mid-June to September. San Diego's whale watching opportunities are available all year round. Show more

Where are the best spots in San Diego to see whales from the shoreline?

For those who would like to see whales from the shoreline, La Jolla, Scripps Park, Torrey Pines State Reserve, or the Birch Aquarium are the perfect spots. These areas provide a good view of ocean-faring mammals from land. Indoor and outdoor whale watching experiences are available on whale watching tours as well. From kayaking to yacht tours, San Diego whale watching tours provide various options with lots of chances to see whales. Show more

What are some recommended whale watching tours in San Diego?

For a serene whale watching tour experience, visitors may opt for Next Level Sailing's yacht tours that last 3.5 to 4 hours and are priced under $80 for adults. Legacy Whale Watching Company provides indoor seating, and viewing on a double-deck boat with a free voucher for another tour if you do not see a whale. Other San Diego whale watching tours include kayaking tours that get you up close to whales, seals and sea lions. Show more

What should I wear when going on a whale watching tour in San Diego?

When preparing for a whale watching tour in San Diego, dress in layers as weather conditions can be chilly, and bring along a waterproof jacket, closed-toed shoes, and long pants. Sun protection with glasses, sunscreen, and a hat is also essential, alongside binoculars and a camera to snap pictures. Motion sickness medication, snacks, and a beverage are also recommended since tours may take up to four hours. Show more

Where can I find places to stay in San Diego, and what accommodations are available?

San Diego offers a variety of accommodations, and travelers can find them by checking the official listings of places to stay in the city. These accommodations include hotels, motels, resorts, hostels, bed and breakfasts, or campsites for those seeking a more rustic adventure. Rentals, beach homes, and apartments are other popular options to choose from. With San Diego being a big city, accommodations for every budget and preference are available. Show more

Ask a question
Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin