Whale watching season in San Diego has traditionally occurred from
December through April when California gray whales journey from the
chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California.
Recently, however, several whale watching companies have expanded the
range of sea outings, and visitors to San Diego have the unique
opportunity to glimpse marine life including several species of whales
and dolphins year round on cruises out of San Diego’s harbors.

The peak of whale watching season is still December through April
when tens of thousands of California gray whales come within a few miles
of the San Diego coast on their 5,000-mile southern voyage, the longest
known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis. Guests on a
winter cruise may witness this passage as these “peaceful giants of the
sea” swim to warmer climates to birth and rear their young, one of
nature’s most extraordinary events.

Whale watching excursions now tote the opportunity to see humpback,
fin and minke whales in fall and summer, along with frequent year-round
sightings of bottlenose, pacific white-sided and common dolphins. With
70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes an ideal location for viewing
this impressive parade of marine life.