USA · BOAT TOURS IN SAN DIEGO

The 4 Best Boat Tours in San Diego

4 tours  ·  from $37 a head

Good boat tours in San Diego fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 4 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

San Diego: Harbor Cruise - Choosing between the one-hour and two-hour routes
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews

San Diego Harbor Cruise

1.San Diego Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,980 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $37Our pick

Review the San Diego Harbor Cruise for Navy ships, skyline views, sea lions, narration, seating, price, timing, and practical booking tips.

“Tour was very informative and relatively smooth. I would have liked more information on taking a tour of the entire San Diego harbor but the half tour was nice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise - Leaving Shelter Island and reading San Diego from the water
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

2.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Sail San Diego’s historic schooner America in search of gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions, with snacks, blankets, and a whale guarantee.

“I took my sister-in-law visiting from Illinois and my 8 yr old grandson. My sister-in-law enjoyed the day, loved the trip and the weather. My grandson said it was "his best day ever!" He likes boats and He loves animals. He knows so much about whales and was just thrilled to see a mommy and her baby, and the dolphins were a special treat. He told his mom and dad he thought he saw 500 of them. I am sure he will be taking this trip again with his parents. The crew was excellent. They were all very personable and great communicators. Marie was a hoot, we just loved her.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Crossing the bay toward the Pacific
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

3.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

San Diego whale watching cruise review with whale, dolphin, sea lion sightings, bay views, practical tips, pricing, and honest drawbacks.

“Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip. The boat and the crew/naturalist made this fun as well as educational. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue water, sunshine and a nice boat ride … what’s not to love? This was the best of our many experiences while vacationing in San Diego! Do not pass up this company and their whale watching trip. Highly recommended tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego: Harbor Cruise - Choosing between the one-hour and two-hour routes
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews

San Diego: Harbor Cruise

4.Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,378 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $37

Review the San Diego Harbor Cruise for bay views, naval history, sea lions, Coronado Bridge scenery, comfort, access, and value.

“I loved the whole experience! Boarding was easy and well organized, and the boat had all the amenities we needed to enjoy the ride comfortably. We were lucky with the weather, which made everything even more enjoyable. Just a heads up: we took the 2-hour tour, and we especially loved the second half, where we headed north along the bay — the views were stunning and totally worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore the United States

Pick a coast, a canyon or a city.