Whale and Dolphin Watching R.I.B. Ride

Experience Whale Watching Aboard a Navy Seal Rigid Inflatable Boat on a Three Hour Tour

(4 ratings)
Price for 1 Participant

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About This Experience Gift

Cruise the Waters in an Authentic Navy Seal Rigid Inflatable Boat
See Dolphins, Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions and other Native Marine Life
Learn about the Life of the Pacific Ocean from the Onboard Naturalist

Get ready for an exciting outdoor adventure with this three-hour San Diego Whale Watching Cruise. The thrills begin when you meet the Captain and Crew at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Here you will board the R.I.B. and depart Harbor Island.

Traveling on an authentic Navy Seal Rigid Inflatable Boat, you’ll enter the Pacific Ocean, taking in the views of California Sea Lions, plus a multitude of birds and other marine life as well as the picturesque coastline. Your experienced Captain and onboard naturalist will draw on their vast knowledge to find the best vantage point for viewing the majestic California Blue, Orca and Gray Whales. Throughout this Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour they will also relay a wealth of information about the history and migratory habits of the Great California Whales and Dolphins found in the waters of the Pacific.

This Whale and Dolphin Watching trip on a Rigid Inflatable Boat is as exciting as it is educational, making this the perfect unique gift!

Where to Go for Whale Watching Experiences in San Diego

San Diego, California

Group Size and Spectator Info

Participants
The San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching R.I.B. Ride Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for one participant, unless additional participants are added onto the certificate. There will be up to five additional participants on the R.I.B.

Guests
This experience is not suitable for non-paying guests or spectators. You may invite up to four guests if the Private Whale Watching Option is selected.

When can you book Whale and Dolphin Watching R.I.B. Ride

OPEN Additional Dates Coming Soon CURRENTLY CLOSED

Additional Dates Coming Soon

The San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours are offered seven days a week year-round, subject to availability. Trips are typically offered at 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

How Long Is The Whale and Dolphin Watching R.I.B. Ride

The San Diego Ocean Safaris typically have a trip length of 3 hours and a total duration of approximately 3¼ hours.

Does Weather Impact Whale Watching Experiences

The Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises may be rescheduled by the Captain due to high winds, heavy rain, fog or other inclement weather. If the cruise is cancelled by the Captain, it may be rescheduled for a mutually convenient alternative date.

What to Wear for Whale Watching Experiences

Dress comfortably, flat, non-marking rubber-soled shoes and layers are recommended for this open water adventure.

What To Know Before You Go

Common Whale Sightings in Winter:
Gray Whales, Humpback and Fin Whales

Common Whale Sightings in Spring:
Fin, Humpback and Minke Whales plus Gray Whales
thru April and Blue Whales starting mid May

Common Whale Sightings in Summer:
Blue Whales, Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales

Common Whale Sightings in Fall:
Blue Whales, Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales

Cruises take place in a R.I.B. which was custom built for the U.S. Department of Defense, Naval Surface Warfare Division, U.S. Navy SEAL, Underwater Demolition Team.

Port tax is included, however Guide Gratuity is not and can be extended to your Captain following your adventure.

Due to the adventurous nature of this experience, it is not recommended for pregnant women, persons with back, neck or heart problems or children under 5 years of age. Participants are required to sign a Liability Release Form.

Government issued photo ID (such as Driver’s License or Passport etc.) is required for all passengers over the age of 18 as the boat may cross into Mexican waters.

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: XD-820-001

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Reservation And Cancelation Policy

All changes to reservations for the San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching R.I.B. Ride Experience require seven (7) days advance notice.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

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Experience Gifts are delivered in the form of an open-dated Gift Certificate redeemable at the recipient’s convenience, making it easy for them to book the date that works best for them.
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NO EXPIRATION DATES

Certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. After 12 months from the date of issue, the redeemer will be responsible for any price increase for the activity (if there is one at the time of redemption).
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R.I.B. Whale Watching Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Whale Watching Trip

Excelent trip. Found Captain Clint highly knowledgable on the wildlife and most capable in handling his boat. Comfortable ride and great encounters.
John Sanders - San Diego
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Dolphin Cruise

I wish we would have seen more dolphins, but seeing the whales was wonderful. The boat ride was so fun and the captain was great. I can't wait to take the rest of the family, I am letting every one know about the adventures on your site. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Michelle Green - San Diego Harbor Island
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Whale Watching San Diego

Had a wonderful experience! The captain was great! New just where to go. Made the trip safe but very memorable. we saw all kinds of wildlife! An lots of whales! A trip I won't forget! Thanks
Joshua R Weaver - San Diego
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Whale Watching San Diego

The only reason I did not score this a 5 was the weather, which didn't cooperate with us. But the people who put this together are so friendly, and personable, I was extremely happy with this service. It was a true adventure for the average person, and we will go back because of the extraordinary service!
Kelley - San Diego
Verified Xperience Days Participant
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Questions about R.I.B. Whale Watching

Question: Am I likely to get seasick?

Answer: The majority of participants do not have a problem with seasickness when on the R.I.B. Because of the boat's low profile it's doesn't rock slowly in the waves like taller boats. It also moves which quickly which not only helps reduce the possibility of seasickness but also allows you to get close to the action once you make a whale sighting.
Question: What is the best time of year to enjoy this whale and dolphin watching experience?

Answer: The short answer is anytime of year! The Pacific Ocean outside San Diego Harbor is a mecca for migrating whales. From January through April you will see Gray, Fin and Humpback whales and from May through December you can expect to see Blue, Fin, Humpback and Minke whales. In addition, Pacific White-Sided and Bottlenose dolphins love to come up and play in the wake of the R.I.B. You also might spot sea lions and other marine life as you head in and out of the Bay.
Question: Is parking available for this Whale and Dolphin Watching tour?

Answer: Both Self and Valet parking are available at the Sheraton Marina Hotel, which is where the boat departs.
Question: How wet will we get on a Rigid Inflatable Boat? Can I bring my camera?

Answer: The passengers on the R.I.B.s stay surprising dry. With that said, some spray is inevitable so don't forget to bring a light jacket or windbreaker and we recommended that you have something to cover your camera during travel from one whale sighting to the next.
Question: I am thinking of reserving this as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. Which trip is better, morning or afternoon?

Answer: Both the morning and afternoon R.I.B. Rides are fun as whales are active all day long. Morning excursions may be slightly calmer and colder out on the water while the afternoon trips may be slightly warmer and winds may pick up slightly resulting in choppier seas.
Question: What is the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise experience?

Answer: The Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise is an unforgettable adventure where you can see majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat while cruising along the beautiful San Diego coastline.
Question: How long does the cruise typically last?

Answer: The cruise usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to spot marine life and enjoy the stunning views.
Question: When is the best time to go on a whale watching cruise?

Answer: Whale watching is fantastic year-round in San Diego, but the peak seasons are typically between December and April for gray whales and in the summer months for blue whales and humpbacks.
Question: What should I bring with me on the cruise?

Answer: We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing, a camera for stunning photos, and any personal items you might need during the cruise.
Question: Is the cruise suitable for children?

Answer: Absolutely! The cruise is family-friendly and a wonderful experience for children to learn about marine life.
Question: Do I need to book my cruise in advance?

Answer: Yes, it’s a good idea to book your cruise in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
Question: Can I give this experience as a gift?

Answer: Yes! You can easily purchase a gift voucher for the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise, making it a unique and memorable gift for any occasion.
Question: What happens if the weather is bad?

Answer: If the weather is hazardous or if ocean conditions are not safe, the cruise may be rescheduled or canceled, and you will be offered a chance to book another date.

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