The Peak of Gray Whales Migrating in San Diego 2024

Whale Watching Boat Leaving San Diego Harbor

The best way to maximize your chances of seeing the gray whale migration in 2024 is by booking a San Diego whale watching tour!

Tours are about 3.5 hours long and set out from the San Diego Bay. It’s been our experience that while gray whales are the main event, marine life on the way out including sea lions, seals, dolphins and many marine birds is also abundant.

If you’d rather watch from shore with binoculars, some of the best vantage points include Cabrillo National Monument, the Point Loma peninsula, La Jolla Cove, and Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Bring Your Binoculars

Make sure to bring your binoculars or a spotting scope when heading to coastal viewpoints or whale watching tours. This will enhance your chances of spotting these majestic creatures as they make their journey along the Pacific coast.

Buy a Go City San Diego Pass

Before you leave to witness the great gray whale migration this 2024, be sure to purchase Go San City Diego passes for your family in advance. The pass includes multiple whale watching tours.

To save even more, use our discount code GVSD5OFF and combine your trip with visits to other marine experiences like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and the Living Coast Discovery Center.

What Should I Bring With Me to See the Gray Whales?

If you choose to take a whale watching tour, we suggest you bring a hat, sunscreen and layered clothes. If you have a nice camera, it’d be a good idea to bring that along as well.

If you’re watching from the shoreline, consider a comfortable folding chair, light jacket and binoculars.

What is it Really Like to See a Gray Whale?

In a single word, ‘majestic’! In another, ‘incredible’! And if you want my personal feelings, an experience you’ll never forget!

On a tour you can easily spot them by the 6- to 30-foot-high spouts of condensed, misty air vapor bursting into the air from their blowholes when they surface from the ocean to breathe.

In addition to surfacing, gray whales can also often be seen breaching (suddenly raising their head and body up and out of the water) or fluking (raising their tail out of the water before diving deep beneath the surface again).

View of Downtown San Diego from Whale Watching Tour

Is It Dangerous to Watch the Gray Whales Migrate?

Gray whales are known for their gentle nature and curiosity, so don’t be surprised if some may approach your boat in passing. This is a great opportunity to be able to view them up close and personal!

But keep in mind they are still wild animals, so stay cautious during any potential up-close encounters.

Grey Whale Spraying Water from Blowhole in San Diego

Can Kids Go on Whale Watching Boats?

Whale watching is a great activity for the entire family! Kids of all ages can participate in one of the many whale watching tours in San Diego.

Just be sure to check with each individual tour for any specific age or other requirements before booking your tour.