Dolphin Watching from Oceanside Harbor
Dolphins don’t migrate, so we often see them all year round: common, bottlenose, Risso’s and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
We’re a family owned whale and dolphin watching company in front of the historic Lighthouse in Oceanside Harbor, in North County San Diego. Every cruise lasts two hours and looks for both whales and dolphins, and the captain, a certified naturalist, narrates the trip.
- Adult Ages 13+ $76.02*
- Children Ages 3-12 $60.12*
- Seniors Ages 55+ $70.72*
- Infants Ages 0-2 $15.60*
*includes all fees
Dolphins You Can See off Oceanside
Read about the four dolphin species we see
Common Dolphins
Seen year round
Bottlenose Dolphins
Seen year round
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
Seen year round
Dolphin Megapods
Common dolphins travel together, and on some trips the crew counts hundreds of them around the boat. A group that big is called a megapod.
Dolphins usually come very close to the boat. We don’t touch, swim with or feed them, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act keeps us 100 yards from whales, though some swim right up to the boat on their own.
Recent Sightings
What the crew logged on our latest trips, dolphin counts included.
- 17 humpback whales and 600 common dolphins
- 18 humpback whales and 1,000 common dolphins
- 22 humpback whales and 800 common dolphins
- 9 humpback whales and 400 common dolphins
- 3 humpback whales and 400 common dolphins
Risso’s Dolphins Up Close
Risso’s dolphins are the fourth species we see off Oceanside. This close encounter was filmed off Oceanside in July 2020.
4.8 on Google
From 2,342 reviews
4.7 on Tripadvisor from 2,051 reviews. Travelers’ Choice in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Joshua D. on GoogleEasy to book, friendly & knowledgeable staff. Great tour with lots of sightings!!
Tricia A. on GoogleToday was our first time out of Oceanside Harbor to whale watch. What a great trip this afternoon. A beautiful, safe catamaran, nice staff and what a fantastic view! We saw lots of dolphins today. We will definitely be repeat visitors with them.
Verity W. on GoogleIt was amazing!! The staff and captain did an excellent job and finding the whales and staying close but not too close to them. They are very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend!!
Connie A. on GoogleJust perfect!! Seen 5 humpback whales
Tyler G. on GoogleOutstanding crew and boat! First class experience all around.
Janet M. on GoogleIt was an awesome experience!! We got to see dolphins and humpback whales. I did get videos but no still photos! The crew were informative and helpful. I highly recommend.
Thomas B. on GoogleEasy access for the departure location, boarding was easy, the kids loved the choppy waters heading into the swells, saw some dolphins, and lots of ocean. The crew was great!
Deb M. on GoogleIt was educational, they told us about the humpback whale that we sailed along side for awhile. They were friendly and answered all questions.
Michelle W. on GoogleWe went for my sisters 40th birthday and had a blast! The crew was very nice, boat was clean and comfortable with lots of space to walk around. We saw at least 40 dolphins sooooo close to the boat! It was an amazing time and I highly recommend it!
Ruthanne C. on GoogleGreat trip, beautiful boat. We saw flying fish, dolphins and a sunfish. Lovely day on the water. Terrific crew, friendly and informative.
Tanya D. on GoogleWe had an amazing afternoon! Saw Orcas and whales!!!!! Great friendly crew…second time with Oceanside!
Pete B. on GoogleCaptain and crew were awesome and we saw a pod of bottle nose dolphins that contained about 40 individuals and some including several calves.
Colette T. on GoogleWe saw a huge female humpback whale that breached 3 times. The crew was amazing and the boat ride was a great hit with all, especially my 7 year old graddaughter!
Effie H. on GoogleGreat experience. Friendly and experienced crew. Saw 3 breaches, 4 tails and multiple pectoral fins with quite a few spouts! It was a perfect outing.
Morgan D. on GoogleWe had an absolute blast with Captain Andrew! Not only did we feel completely safe and secure the entire time, but we also learned so much about the area. His sense of humor kept us laughing from start to finish. Highly recommend!
A selection of recent five-star reviews. Read all reviews on Google Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Questions
What month is best for dolphin watching?
Any month. Dolphins don’t migrate, so we often see common, bottlenose, Risso’s and Pacific white-sided dolphins year round.
Are there dolphins in San Diego?
Yes. Oceanside is in North County San Diego, 30 minutes north of SeaWorld San Diego, and we often see dolphins here all year. Read our guide to whale watching near San Diego.
What kinds of dolphins live off Oceanside?
Four species: common, bottlenose, Risso’s and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Our guide covers how to tell them apart.
Will we see dolphins?
We can’t guarantee a sighting. Our captains have an unsurpassed record for finding whales and dolphins off Oceanside.
What else might we see?
Gray whales from late November to April, blue whales from May to November, and humpback, fin and minke whales through the year. Other sightings may include turtles, sharks, sunfish, sea lions and seabirds.
What’s the best time of day?
There’s no best time, because whales and dolphins move 24 hours a day. The water tends to be calmer in the morning.
Getting Here
256 Harbor Drive South
Oceanside, CA 92054
Check in at our kiosk by the Lighthouse for your boarding pass. Please don’t go directly to the boat.
Come Meet the Dolphins
Two hours on the water from Oceanside Harbor with a naturalist captain. Pick your day and time.