-Operating at 25% capacity (avg. 20 guests) -We are 141 feet long. To put that in perspective, a major competitor is 84 feet with 149 passengers. -Four wooden doghouses on 25 foot wide deck, always cleaned -Each reservation assigned to a side of a dog house, providing over 10 feet of separation.

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Updated 16/06/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

Overview

Though several whale watching tours operate out of San Diego, only one cruise whisks passengers out to sea on an actual sailboat. Harness the power of the wind on this whale watching sail, where you board a replica 1851 ship for your cruise. Enjoy unobstructed views from the decks, get a smooth ride, and expect great views of the sea creatures you spot—since they're not scared by a motor.

Itinerary

You'll start at
2050 Shelter Island Dr
2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Please check in with the crew member at the blue "check-in" flag at 2050 Shelter Island Drive. Check-in will begin an hour before scheduled departure time. Check-in no later than half hour prior to departure time. There is a lot of free public parking at our new location!
See address & details
Pass by
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
You'll end at
2050 Shelter Island Dr
2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Please check in with the crew member at the blue "check-in" flag at 2050 Shelter Island Drive. Check-in will begin an hour before scheduled departure time. Check-in no later than half hour prior to departure time. There is a lot of free public parking at our new location!
See address & details

–

Highlights

Animal lovers embark on a whale sightseeing cruise by sailboat, in San Diego
Try to spot marine life in the Pacific, from gray whales to dolphins
Have a fantastic trip—there's a no seasickness and whale sighting guarantee
Depart from Shelter Island Drive, just a short walk from Shoreline Park

Important Information

Departure Point

2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA

Duration

4h 30m

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Inclusions

4.5-hr sailing cruise
Sodas and snacks
Whale sighting guarantee
No seasickness' guarantee
9 AM trip: Check in between 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
11 AM trip: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM
1:15 PM trip: Check in between 12:30 - 12:45
Free Parking. Check-in located next to parking lot.
Bring layers, blankets, and jackets. It can be cold on the water!

Exclusions

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travellers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 77 travellers

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

388Reviews

29Q&A

Reviews

Traveller rating

Excellent
221
Very Good
9
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1

Traveller type

Families
Couples
Solo
Business
Friends

Time of year

Mar-May
Jun-Aug
Sep-Nov
Dec-Feb

Language

All languages(240)
English(236)
German(2)
French(2)

Popular mentions

Bob P wrote a review Feb 2021

Greve in Chianti, Italy11 contributions3 helpful votes

Whale watching on the first America's Cup yacht

The ship and crew are fantastic. We have been whale watching many times but this is a unique and very enjoyable tour on the only full size replica of the original America's Cup yacht.

Date of experience: February 2021

Helpful

Christi wrote a review Feb 2021

1 contribution

Beautiful experience all around

We had a fabulous COVID SAFE day out on the water! Plenty of room to social distance while enjoying the fresh air, whale and dolphin watching, on a beautiful sailing ship. Easy free parking, friendly and knowledgeable crew, ability to bring our own food and drinks, and sailing…

Date of experience: February 2021

Helpful

Response from CaptainFathom, Manager at San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Responded 2 weeks ago

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are so glad you had a fantastic time and felt safe during your entire experience. Thanks again :)

WanderingOttersons wrote a review Feb 2021

Denver, Colorado275 contributions76 helpful votes

Beautiful ship and a wonderful sail

Did we see any whales? No. Disappointing for sure but not for lack of trying. The crew is in constant contact with other boats in the area and are taking in reports from multiple sources for the past several days in order to get the opportunity to sea some whales. The ocean…

Date of experience: October 2020

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from CaptainFathom, Manager at San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Responded 2 weeks ago

Thank you so much for your review! I am so sorry you didn't see any whales. Please let us know when you'd like to rebook by emailing us at info@nextlevelsailing.com or call us 619-922-6215. We can't wait to have you again. Thank you!

Pargev G wrote a review Jan 2021

San Diego, California2 contributions

Nice ship, great crew, memorable trip

Wonderful experience for a family! The friendly crew, sharing delightful stories and facts and entertaining along the entire trip. They are also careful with social distancing and making sure everybody on the ship maintained the COVID-19 guidelines! We spent an awesome time on…

Date of experience: January 2021

Helpful

Response from CaptainFathom, Manager at San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Responded 4 weeks ago

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are so glad you had a fantastic time sailing with us. We sincerely appreciate your review. Thank you!

Jacqualynn G wrote a review Jan 2021

Encinitas, California58 contributions6 helpful votes

Whales and Dolphins

Next level sailing provided an all around great experience from start to finish. Fathom extremely knowledgeable and engaging , had great communication and was very sweet. Snacks and beverages were provided. Social distancing was properly enforced and the ship was kept sanitized…

Helpful

Response from CaptainFathom, Manager at San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Responded 7 Jan 2021

Thank you so much for sharing your review, we really appreciate it! I am so glad that you enjoyed your entire trip with us. Thank you again for sharing your experience, we can't wait to have you again soon!

12 3 4 5 6…48

About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Next Level Sailing

920

velouria1

Great tour, beautiful vessel

Great informative tour, experienced crew, beautiful unique sailing vessel. We lucked out and actually had two whale…

cynthiatremblay16

Amazing experience!

Going out with next level sailing was an amazing time for my mom and I. The captains know so much information, Fath…

rebeccazirger84

Fun times on the wild sea!

Capt Troy and the whole crew are amazing! There was a little hiccough in our journey as a result of a storm that bl…

coreyjgrindle

Amazing experience

Everything about this trip was awesome. The workers are extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk too. Youll regret …

nanakids

Wonderful Day

We celebrated our grandson's birthday with an outing of sailing. Next Level Sailing always provides a lovely time. …

Maps286824

A beautiful experience with the ocean, nature, and the amazing Yacht America.

We saw Dolphins and Gray Whales with a sailing experience I believe is unrivaled in San Diego and any other place.…

jenrt2rn

Best company to see whales!

Love this company and the people! They have an amazing sailing vessel and have a guarantee that if you don't see a …

jboyn

Great day on the ocean with Next Level Sailing

My family of four took a whale watching trip on December 30th and it could not have been better! This was my second…

Z3819IKpaulg

Trip highlight

Excellent crew, fantastic sailing vessel, and beautiful day of motor/sailing. Only a couple of views of the whales …

BusyRN6

Whale watching

We went on the 4 hr trip, did not disappoint. We watched a young gray whale play and frolic with dolphins. We had s…

tck71365

Fantastic trip!

The crew was very informative and did a great job of dealing with any Covid concerns. The boat is amazing and comfo…

pams892

Whale Watching Trip on the America Sailboat

We enjoyed a fabulous excursion on this large beautiful sailing ship. The staff was very professional, but friendly…

chrisH6570EQ

The perfect day on the water!

The perfect way to spend time with friend and family or even a date! The crew are informative and engaging along wi…

Passenger826959

Such an Amazing Time with a Great Crew!!

We had a blast sailing today! We didn't see whales, but we did see an amazing pod of dolphins. The crew was incred…

jflar2020

Great time! Unique adventure!

My wife, son, and I sailed aboard the schooner America, an authentic replica of the 1851 ship that is the namesake …

Key Details

Duration: 4h 30m
Mobile Ticket Accepted
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Instant Confirmation
Languages Offered: English

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