California gray whale

Each year from late December through early April of the next year, San Diego whale watching cruises are offered. One way to see them is through the Go San Diego pass, which includes a one day pass offering additional attractions to see. You can buy the pass for one day or even a week. But a cheaper way to see strictly the whales is the San Diego Harbor Excursion, which provides you a ticket for strictly whale watching, usually around or under $30 per person.

Another new offering that we thought was strictly a dinner cruise company is Hornblower. For just $2 more than the other company, you can take their weekend whale watching cruise. Leaving at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., it is a good value for being out on the ocean 3.5 hours, which amounts to less than $10 per hour. That’s nearly a half day of entertainment.

Whale watch doesn’t normally provide stunning photos of California gray whales. Their rugged, bumpy skin surface looks crusted, and the whale’s color blends with the water quite well. But being on a boat up close and personal to a whale is an experience that include the moment. Looking for the whales, seeing their spouts of water coming to the surface like huge fountains, and then seeing them rise to the surface, all provide the excitement that also allows you to appreciate the massive size of these marvels of the sea. If you get a chance in San Diego to whale watch, by all means, do it!

Harbor excursion

San Diego Harbor Excursion Prices

San Diego Harbor Excursions feature tours of the bay–some with meals and some without. Either way, you are assured a great time exploring San Diego and learning about its nautical heritage by being out on the bay seeing the amazing activities and vistas that can only be appreciated first-hand. San Diego Harbor Excursion runs daily and is quite affordable.

Options include  1 Hour Harbor Cruise professionally narrated with views of the U.S. Navy Fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge,  and  Star of India.  Indoor and outdoor seating, inviting sun decks and food and beverage sold at a snack bar, plus restrooms on board all make for a delightful tour.

2 Hour Harbor Cruise saves you money with more time to enjoy the bay. The deluxe tour covers Shelter Islands, Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, North Island Naval Air Station, the Submarine Base,  Coronado Bridge and more.

Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise is  a two hour brunch cruise with gourmet menus offers something for everyone, including complimentary champagne and mimosas, Belgian waffles, smoked salmon and a custom omelet station with the best views in the city. If you are looking for a Sunday brunch that offers a great location, gourmet food and fantastic views, then join us for one of our brunch cruises on San Diego bay.

Dinner Cruise is an evening 2 ½ hour cruise, a boarding glass of champagne, Disc Jockey entertainment and seated dinner service with your choice entrees such as Steak, Breast of Chicken, Dungeness Crab Stuffed Pacific Snapper or Vegetarian Strudel. Enjoy the beautiful lights of San Diego Bay at night.

One Hour Harbor Tour and USS Midway Tour is a fully narrated hour long tour. After cruising the bay with San Diego Harbor Excursion, continue the tour on one of San Diego’s newest museums. The USS Midway features more than 30 exhibits that bring the magic of naval aviation to life. Each admission includes an audio guide guests use to “navigate” their way throughout public areas on the second deck, hangar deck, flight deck and up in the island.

Two Hour Harbor Tour and USS Midway Tour features beautiful San Diego Bay,  the U.S. Navy Fleet, the majestic Coronado Bay Bridge, and the Star of India. Then, after cruising the bay with San Diego Harbor Excursion, continue the tour on one of San Diego’s newest museums. The USS Midway features more than 30 exhibits that bring the magic of naval aviation to life. Each admission includes an audio guide guests use to “navigate” their way throughout public areas on the second deck, hangar deck, flight deck and up in the island.