| Date | Season | Whale Sightings | Dolphin Sightings | Other Species |
| 7/17/2025 | Summer | 2 Humpback Whales | 500 Long Beaked Common Dolphins |
If you’ve ever wondered what a perfect day on the ocean looks like—today was it! The water was glassy, the visibility stretched as far as the eye could see, and marine life put on a show our guests won’t soon forget. This is whale watching in San Diego at its finest.
We kicked off our trip with a classic San Diego scene: a buoy full of California sea lions, lounging in the morning sun. From there, things only got more exciting.
Our first whale sighting of the day was a humpback whale exhibiting incredible feeding behavior. This curious individual circled bait balls just beneath the surface, turning on its side as it herded the fish, then delivered small tail throws! Between feeding events, it traveled slowly, giving us amazing up-close views as it moved from one bait patch to another.
As we followed this humpback, we were led straight into a massive offshore feeding frenzy. Over 500 short-beaked common dolphins were scattered throughout the area, zipping through the waves alongside flocks of diving seabirds. Among the chaos, we spotted dozens of playful baby dolphins, staying close to their mothers while darting through the bait fish.
The feeding group gradually moved closer to shore, and to our delight, we reunited with our original humpback whale. It resumed its circular feeding patterns, performed a few more dramatic tail throws, and even lifted one of its long pectoral flippers high out of the water—something humpbacks are famous for.
As the action continued, we spotted a second humpback whale making its way toward the feeding area, adding even more excitement to this already unforgettable day.
Why Now Is the Best Time for San Diego Whale Watching
Right now, we’re in the peak of whale and dolphin watching season in San Diego. The ocean is alive with activity, and no two trips are ever the same. With calm seas, crystal-clear conditions, and abundant wildlife, there’s never been a better time to book your ocean adventure.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to experience the coast or a visitor planning your Southern California trip, our whale watching tours aboard the Peregrine offer a luxurious, front-row seat to the wonders of the Pacific.
-Naturalist Britt