San Diego Whale and
Dolphin Watching

Private and semi-private 6-passenger adventures led by a trained naturalist for photographers, families & ocean lovers.

Private San Diego Whale Watching

Private Whale Watching Tours

Experience some of the best whale watching  in San Diego. We put you in the center of the action on powerful, stable boats that emphasize safe and exhilarating marine wildlife encounters.

–  see and learn about whales and dolphins without the crowds

–  Ideal for family outings and team building where you are in control of your tour

Marine Biologist Tour in San Diego

Trained Marine Biologist on Board

Scripps Institution of Oceanography trained Marine Biologist and naturalist Matthias Scheer is on board to find the best marine wildlife San Diego has to offer.

–  Expert positioning for the best whale watching experience San Diego angles based on trained and experienced marine mammal observer and photographer

– Know more about our whales and dolphins!

Sustainable San Diego Eco Tour

Sustainable tours with:

Low-impact, safe and fun wildlife observation is our first priority

–  San Diego whale and dolphin watching done responsibly by a crew that cares

–  Whales and dolphins come to you, we don’t chase

–  Become an advocate for the whales and dolphins you love!

Testimonial

See what our guests
have to say!

Moments they’ll never forget shared by those
who lived them.

Choose The Best Whale Watching
Adventure For Yourself!

Whale Watching Tours

Experience the best private San Diego whale watching tour with our safe and comfortable boats year-round. From massive blue whales to bottlenose dolphins and even orcas, our San Diego private boat tours put you face to face with the Pacific’s most amazing sea creatures.

Full Day Tours

Our extended expeditions your best bet for unparalleled experiences with the world’s largest animals. Our boats have the stability and comfort essential for flawless photographs. 

San Diego Snorkelling Tours

Ideal for travelers who want more than a whale-watch experience, our low-impact boats offer comfortable, safe access to offshore treasures. such as mola-molas and colorful marine habitats. It’s an unforgettable addition to your private San Diego boat tours experience.

Why We Explore
Our Story & Mission

We create unforgettable, Marine Biologist led private whale watching tours right here in San Diego. With us, every trip is your personalized ocean adventure. As one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, San Diego offers year-round marine mammal encounters, and we deliver them with just six guests per tour. No crowding, just you and the unforgettable Pacific wildlife.

Our powerful, low profile boats ensure stability, comfort, and photographer-friendly amenities, so you won’t have to miss a breaching whale or dancing dolphin. You’ll have front-row center seating with 360° observation of San Diego’s ocean jewels.

Guided by a mother and son team with experienced captains, marine biologists, and documentary filmmakers, our crew delivers passion and accuracy on each San Diego whale watching tour. Whatever your purpose here is for adventure or education, we promise:

Whale And Dolphin Watching In
San Diego, Like Never Before

Our private tours eliminate the crowds, offering just you, the open sea, and unforgettable encounters with majestic marine life.

Meet the Bottlenose Scout

Adventure-Ready, Comfort-Backed,
Globally Trusted.

The Bottlenose Scout is the ultimate vessel for your San Diego boat tours – a 24-foot aluminum chambered boat built for both thrill and comfort. Complete with covered seating, a comfortable cabin, and portable toilet, it’s ideal for visitors who desire adventure both above and below the waves. Twin 150 HP Yamaha engines drive this double-hulled vessel over 35 mph while providing outstanding stability.

Say Hello to Scout

Fast. Fun. Up Close.

Powered by a 300 HP outboard with a wide 10.5-foot hull, this nimble vessel delivers both thrilling speed and remarkable stability – perfect for slicing through waves to reach prime marine viewing spots. Scout’s open-air design puts you right in the action, making it the ultimate choice for adrenaline-filled San Diego whale and dolphin watching tours where every moment brings you closer to nature’s marine wonders.

Say Hi to the Skyboat

Adventure-Ready. Comfort-Backed.
Globally Trusted.

This 32-foot Ocean Craft Marine 320 Chesapeake combines cutting-edge technology with unmatched performance, featuring twin 400hp racing outboards and even land capability with its unique 4-wheel drive system (7mph on land, 40+ mph at sea).

The Skyboat’s deep Y-hull with reverse chines delivers exceptional stability – perfect for observing whales, dolphins, and other marine life during our San Diego whale watching tours. Equipped with FLIR/night-vision cameras, advanced depth sounders, and scientific instrumentation, it offers guests a research-grade viewing experience while maintaining luxurious comfort.

Proudly Featured in KAYAK’s San Diego Travel Guide

Discover why travelers trust Big Blue Photo Boat! We’re proud to be featured in KAYAK’s official San Diego Travel Guide as a top-rated activity for ocean adventures and photography tours.