Educational Whale Watching

Guided by whale experts from Birch Aquarium, get a unique and intimate view of spectacular whales and other sights along the San Diego coast. It's the experience of a lifetime! Each year approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja California and back again. From October through April you can witness this amazing journey off the coast of San Diego on an educational whale watching excursion with Flagship Cruises & Events and our partner of 18 years, Birch Aquarium at Scripps. It's an adventure that will create thrilling memories your whole family will never forget. The 3.5-hour excursion departs twice daily aboard the Marietta, our comfortable, two-story whale watching yacht. The Marietta features 360-degree views from the main level and upper sundeck, multiple restrooms and free guest WiFi. An onboard snack bar with hot dogs, sandwiches, drinks, alcoholic beverages and more is available for purchase during your excursion. The tours are guided by friendly marine experts from Birch Aquarium at Scripps. You'll get a deeper understanding of the ocean ecosystem and real-time commentary on the sights and sea creatures unique to your cruise. You'll also receive coupons to Birch Aquarium. Whale Watching Route Each whale watching excursion is slightly unique. We follow the whales' migration path to bring you up close for the best sighting spots, which change every day. In the beginning of the season, the southbound whales swim closer to the coast, so the maximum distance is about 3-5 miles. Toward the end of the season, when the northbound whales swim further out, we can cruise up to 9-12 miles off the coast.