San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise from Hornblower Cruises & Events
Hornblower Cruises and Events (San Diego, CA)
Hornblower Cruises' San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures are educational cruises and visual experiences for people who love sea birds, dolphins, sea lions and whales. Highlights of the cruise include pods of hundreds of dolphins plus an informative harbor cruise around the north end of the Big Bay. Enjoy a memorable 3½ hour whale-watching cruise on Hornblower on the most comfortable boats in Southern California. Guaranteed whale sighting!
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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All offers for San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise have expired.
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The last date listed for San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise was Friday April 16, 2010 / 1:30pm.
Currently at Hornblower Cruises and Events:
- Full Price:
- $20.00
- Our Price:
- $10.00
With sweeping vistas and romantic sights, the beautiful--and historic!--San Diego Bay is a natural wonder of Southern California. Locals and tourists alike will love this extraordinary opportunity to tour the beautiful bay aboard an elegant, comfy yacht with Hornblower Cruises. Friends, family and loved ones will have a blast sharing time together, relaxing and enjoying the picturesque views: sea lions, the downtown skyline, historic ships and more! Learn More
126 Member Reviews
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- Denise


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Denise
Member since 2005
2 Reviews
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I took my family for my husbands birthday. We spotted 2 California gray whales. The best part were the dolphins! Hundreds of them. They came right up to the boat. The narration by the captain was excellent. The captain and crew were friendly and informative. I would definately go back.
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- Lisa Rothstein Benson


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Lisa Rothstein Benson
Member since 2004
19 Reviews
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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!
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- t.s.


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t.s.
Member since 2008
16 Reviews
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I loved this excursion. The weather was great for a cruise. While we didn't see any whales, we did see thousands of dolphins. It was like the sea was bubbling with dolphins. It was awesome. I paid with an amex card so I received a comp photo package. That was a nice little extra touch. Since we didn't see any whales everyone was given a comp ticket to try the cruise again (exp. 03/31/09). I'll definitely go again next whale season.
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Top Useful Tips
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Hornblower Cruises and Events, SD. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Dress
- Even if it is warm on the dock, it is windy out on the water, wear a coat, hat and gloves
- Warm jacket, sunglasses
- Bring gloves and a hat! It was a beautiful day, but it was very cold.
Parking And Transportation
- Take the trolley!
- Parking costed $10 across the street
- We parked in the Midway museum lot--$7 for 4 hrs, $10 for 10 hrs.
Food And Drinks
- We packed a nice lunch for the boat, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
- BRING all of your own food!
- The rules say you can't bring food or drink, but no one checked our bags.
Other
- Come on time - the ship leaves on the clock
- You may want binoculars ... it can be hard to see the animals from the boat
- Set your camera on "sport" (fast shutter) mode!
More Details About San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise
More Information
Website: http://www.hornblower.com/port.asp?port=sd
Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures from San Diego are educational cruises and visual experiences for people who love sea birds, dolphins, sea lions, and whales. Whale migration season is December through April, when Gray whales travel over 6,000 miles from the Arctic down to Baja California's warm lagoons, where calves are born and can frequently be seen swimming at their mother's side. Highlights of the cruise include pods of hundreds of dolphins plus an informative harbor cruise around the north end of the Big Bay. Enjoy a memorable 3½ hour Whale Watching cruise on Hornblower on the most comfortable boats in Southern California, in educational partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum.
3½ HOUR ADVENTURE INCLUDES:
- Professional narration on marine life from Hornblower's expert captains.
- Interactive presentations lead by SDNHM Whalers.
- Snack bars featuring hot food, full bar and souvenirs.
- Climate-controlled indoor seating.
- Views of sea lions plus famous San Diego landmarks.
Hornblower Cruises and Events, SD
For twenty-five years, Hornblower Cruises & Events has provided stunning venues for corporate events, wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, nightly dinner cruises and weekend champagne brunch cruises. Hornblower.com offers the ease and convenience of reserving a dining cruise online or even purchasing a Hornblower gift certificate for the perfect way to let someone choose from one of our elegant cruises. Book now to enjoy spectacular views and the refreshing ocean breeze aboard a dining cruise or champagne brunch cruises departing daily from Hornblower's ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Newport Beach or San Diego.Some of the benefits of sailing with San Diego's fastest and largest Whale Watching Yachts; Increases possibility of sightings and decreases chances of sea sickness; Runs on Biodiesel less harmful, cleaner smell; Live narration from experienced volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum Whalers, onboard for the sole reason that they love whales and talking to people about them and everything else we see; Onboard interactive Whale Museum where educational sessions are provided; Provide "Whale Check" in case no whales are sighted, guests can come back free; Full beverage bars including hard alcohol and snacks available onboard; Offer inside and outside seating with movable tables and chairs