Family owned. Family approved. Universally loved.
On a clear January morning a few miles off the San Diego coast, a mother steadies her binoculars. A military vet and his wife scan the horizon. Their daughter readies her camera. The onboard naturalist pauses, points, and announces, "spout at two o'clock!" Everyone turns and gasps. A gray whale surfaces twenty yards off the bow.
That shared jolt of wonder isn't just luck. It’s the result of seventy years of maritime expertise and a multigenerational family legacy. Even U.S. News & World Report took notice, naming Flagship Best Whale Watching in San Diego for Families, a recognition of high standards that benefit every guest who comes aboard, whether you're seven or seventy-seven.
On a whale watching excursion, "family-friendly" means reliable, comfortable, and worth every penny. It promises a smoother ride and a level of accountability you only find when the owners are locals. If you can keep a child curious for three-and-a-half hours on the open ocean, you've built something everyone will love.
"This tour aims to be equal parts educational and fun, and reviewers consistently report that it succeeds in both respects, with the crew winning praise for being knowledgeable and personable."
— U.S. News & World Report
The Location Advantage
We sail from Broadway Pier, steps from the USS Midway, Seaport Village, and the Maritime Museum. That means one parking spot. A morning walk with coffee. Less logistics and more adventure.
A Boat Built To Flagship Standards
We don't answer to a corporate office; we answer to our neighbors. That's why our fleet is maintained to a higher standard of comfort, space and environmental awareness—inside and out, above and below the waterline.
- Space. Two decks. 360-degree views. Room for everyone to move, scan the skyline, and breathe.
- Comfort. Clean restrooms, climate-controlled cabins, onboard snack bar, smooth ride.
- Accessibility. Comfortable seating for grandparents, safe and easy viewing for little ones.
Sightings, Guaranteed
We've tracked whale migrations for seventy years. Our captains read the ocean like a map passed down through generations. That's why we can make our promise: See whales, or your next trip is free.
It's one more reason you can relax aboard a Flagship cruise.
The Crew Difference
A child asks, "Why do whales jump?" Our naturalist kneels. "Maybe to communicate. Maybe to knock off barnacles. What do you think?"
Ten minutes later, an adult asks the same question. The answer deepens with research and context.
It's what sets us apart. The crew on board are there to make the experience as carefree and memorable as possible. They are ambassadors of our legacy.
San Diego Born & Raised
In 1955, we launched the world's first commercial whale-watching cruise right here in San Diego. Today, we're still finding new ways to bring you closer to the magical migration along our city's coast.
That's what seven decades on the bay has taught us: make the family proud. We help kids fall in love with the ocean, and they come back with their kids. Your ticket also helps support Ocean Connectors, providing San Diego youth with access to hands-on environmental education.
Award-Winning Whale Watching
Whether you're bringing kids, friends, or just yourself, here's what you expect:
- A tour that respects your time
- Space to actually enjoy it
- Crew who know these waters by heart
- Sightings you can count on
- Value that justifies every dollar
Season: December – April
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Departures: 9:30 AM | 1:30 PM daily
Location: Broadway Pier, Downtown San Diego
Guarantee: See whales or your next trip is free