Eco Tours offer a unique experience showcasing the South San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the many species that inhabit this biodiversity hotspot. Join Ocean Connectors and Flagship Cruises & Events for a three-hour guided whale watching excursion departing from downtown San Diego. Whale watchers explore the California coast observing whales, dolphins, and birds, while learning about native and migratory marine life from local experts. We will also record any marine mammal sightings using the Whale Alert app, which helps scientists study the whales along our coast.

Guests embark on a whale watching journey aboard the Marietta, the whale watching vessel in the fleet of Flagship Cruises & Events. This tour runs approximately three hours and guests can expect to see dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds, and are likely to see California gray whales migrating between their feeding areas in the Bering and Chukchi Seas and breeding lagoons on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula. The tour departs from the downtown San Diego harbor, passing by various local landmarks while heading out of San Diego Bay, including U.S. Naval Air Station North Island, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, and Cabrillo National Monument. Eco Tour guests have access to binoculars, biofacts, field guides, and expert narration. This tour is recommended for ages six and up.

Best of all, tickets directly support the Ocean Connectors free educational programs for local students!