Fabulous! A really amazing and awe-inspiring experience. We didn't see much at first and I understand that some trips are duds because the whales can't be forced to make an appearance. But after an hour or so of evasions and frustration we were rewarded with many sightings (one of the crew counted at least 20 different whales) and even--ahem--two mating couples! We also saw delightful dolphins and sea lions. This trip would have been well worth the full price, but with Goldstar it's a no-brainer. The trip lasts 4 hours, so for the sail alone it's worth it. The captain pointed out many interesting sights along the way, including military installations that are not really view-able from any other vantage point. On the way back, we even got to see a nuclear powered sub being escorted on its way out to sea. During the return voyage, docents from the Natural History Museum gave a nice little talk below deck about the whales, complete with hands-on objects like a piece of balleen.
I really do not see how this could have been a better experience. To make sure you really enjoy yourself, however, I do have some advice: Dress warmer than you think you need to (bring layers and a windbreaker and gloves), don't forget binoculars if you have them (or they are for rent on board), bring snacks/sandwiches unless you want to pay snack-bar prices--and finish with a bowl of clam chowder and a glass of wine at the Fish Market, on the other side of the Midway for a perfect end to a perfect day. Also, if you tend toward sea-sickness, don't forget the Dramamine!

report as inappropriate

• 16 Good To Know
• 7 I Like Your Writing
• 4 I Went And I Agree

It was fabulous! -- turned out to be a beautiful, perfect San Diego day. We saw about 6 grey whales (3 moms & 3 babies) --- but the REAL event was the hundreds & hundreds & hundreds of dolphin. I have done a lot of sailing through the years, and have seen many dolphin playing around my boat, but never in such huge numbers. It was just great.

The captain, crew, & 2 naturalists on board were excellent -- very informative, and you could tell that they loved their jobs.

The cruise had been cancelled the day before due to large swells, and Gold Star contacted me early in the morning via e-mail and also via telephone -- that was appreciated.

report as inappropriate

• 2 Good To Know
• 0 I Like Your Writing
• 0 I Went And I Agree

I was okay with the idea that we might not see whales but would at least have a nice cruise. Boy was I surprised! We soon found a small pod of three whales. At first we mostly saw them spouting and rarely saw a fluke, but soon enough we saw more -- they were rolling over one another, fins at opposing angles -- they were "being romantic" with us right there! The Captain said it's a rare thing for us to see from the boat, and we felt quite priviledged to watch the whales courting and frolicking. It was a magical day!

report as inappropriate

• 1 Good To Know
• 0 I Like Your Writing
• 0 I Went And I Agree

I would definitely go later in the season, as we only saw 1 (one) whale... and it wasn't all that great for dolphin watching. I have heard how great the dolphin watching can be if you don't see whales but it wasn't.
I would consider checking out the other companies before going on Hornblower... Harbor Excursion company seems like a better company.

report as inappropriate

• 0 Good To Know
• 0 I Like Your Writing
• 0 I Went And I Agree