San Diego Wildlife Sails
Sail out of San Diego Bay into the Pacific to look for dolphin pods, migrating whales, seals and seabirds. Shared seats $169 per person, or the whole boat for up to 6 for $357.
- Seals and seabirds every trip
- Whales in migration season
- Full refund if we cancel for weather
Choose your wildlife sail
Both sails last 4 hours and leave from Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle Marina on Harbor Island. It's our longest trip, and the one that heads out to sea.
Shared Wildlife Sail
Book a seat and head out to sea with up to 5 other guests. More eyes on the water means more wildlife spotted.
Private Wildlife Sail
The whole boat for your group, for families, friends and photographers who want the ocean to themselves.
Prices are before 12% taxes and fees. For 3 or more guests, the private sail costs less than shared seats. Online booking is paid in full; to arrange a deposit, call or text us.
How a wildlife sail works
We pass the bait barge on our way out of the bay, then sail into the open Pacific. Our main goal is to sail and look for wildlife out on the ocean.
- Seals and seabirds, every timeSeals and sea lions at the bait barge, pelicans and other seabirds are the one sure thing.
- Dolphins and whales, if they're outWe look for dolphin pods and wildlife activity, and for whales during migration season. Nothing in the open ocean is guaranteed.
- Calm water if you need itIf anyone gets uncomfortable in the ocean swell, we head back and sail the calm, flat water of the bay instead.
- We always try to sailWe motor only when we have to. Relax, keep watch, or take the helm.
Dolphin pods
Common dolphins travel in big, lively pods off San Diego. When they find us, they ride the bow wave and leap alongside the boat.
Under sail, with no engine noise, you can often hear them squeak and whistle as they play. They are the playful children of the ocean.
Heading out on a wildlife adventure
The young ones are always eager to see what wildlife we can find.
Huge dolphin pods
Some days we find huge pods of hundreds of dolphins they ride our bow wave leaping, playing, truely the children of the ocean.
Open ocean sailing
Open ocean the rythem of the sea. Relaxing with room to sail, and room to look around.
Whale season
During whale migration season, we go looking for them. Gray whales pass San Diego in winter and spring, and blue and humpback whales sometimes show up offshore in summer.
Whales are never guaranteed, but when one surfaces near the boat, it's a sail you won't forget.
Good to know
Wildlife is wild
We'd love to promise dolphins and whales, but nothing in the open ocean is guaranteed. Seals, sea lions and seabirds we can always find.
Ocean swell
The ocean moves more than the bay. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead before your sail. If anyone becomes uncomfortable while sailing out in the ocean , we head back to sail calm bay waters.
What to bring
Layers, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and a camera. Bring your own beer and wine; soft drinks, water and snacks are on us. What to wear sailing
Where we meet
Safe Harbor Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, by the seal fountain at the parking lot entrance. We give you a $5 parking voucher that covers your sail time. Get directions
Other ways to sail with us
Sunset sails
Cocktail hour on deck as the sun goes down. Shared $119 per person, or private $357.
Bigger groups
More than 6 guests? Call or text 619-488-7763 and we'll arrange it with a partner.
San Diego wildlife sail: your questions
Do you go out into the ocean?
Yes. The 4-hour wildlife sail leaves San Diego Bay and heads into the open Pacific to look for wildlife. If anyone gets uncomfortable, we come back and sail the calm water of the bay.
Will we see dolphins or whales?
We look for dolphin pods on every ocean sail, and for whales during migration season, but wildlife is wild and nothing in the open ocean is guaranteed. Seals, sea lions and seabirds we can always find.
When is whale season in San Diego?
Gray whales pass San Diego in winter and spring. Blue and humpback whales sometimes appear offshore in summer.
What if I get seasick?
The ocean moves more than the bay, so plan ahead if you get seasick easily. If anyone is uncomfortable, we head back and sail the calm, flat water of the bay.
How long is the wildlife sail?
4 hours, from the dock and back. It's our longest sail.
Should we book shared seats or the private wildlife sail?
Shared seats are $169 per person. The private wildlife sail is $357 for the whole boat, up to 6 guests, so for 3 or more it costs less.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If we cancel for weather, you get a 100% refund. Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your sail are also fully refunded.
Come see who's out there
Pick shared seats or the whole boat and choose a date. We'll see you at the seal fountain.