My family LOVED the sunset tour that left at 5 pm! The online tix purchase was easy and parking was free, if you follow their specific directions to their lot. Check-in was quick too. The weather was perfect and the crew was friendly and knowledgeable. I'd recommend wearing layered clothes and a jacket because it does get windy in the open sea. We saw plenty of birds, sea lions, and pods of dolphins swimming and diving close to the boat. It was thrilling! Right before we had to turn back, we actually saw a Finn Whale spouting and breaching. So cool! The guide pointed out how rare that sighting was since Finn Whales are endangered. It made the tour so worthwhile. Not to mention the beautiful sunset we witnessed. Overall, I'd recommend Legacy to my family and friends. read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

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Pro Tip: Weekday rates are half price and there are good deals on Groupon as well. Free parking outside. Went on the 10am trip, and the swells were pretty gnarly. A lot of people were sick on the way there as the boat ride was quite bumpy. We didn't see any whales, but did see a large pod of dolphins, which was neat. They give a 50% off coupon since no whales were spotted, but it's only useful if you are paying full price. Otherwise, trip was fine but not sure if I would have paid more than the discounted weekday price. read more

I went this past Father's Day with my dad. The staff were wonderful-- however, this tour is NOT ADA friendly. That's understandable for older ships, however, when we called the people at the front desk said that it was ADA friendly when it wasn't. Additionally, it's hard for those that are disabled to see all of the sightings due to crowds forming/not enough viewpoints besides the back of the boat. When a whale is spotted, naturally, the captain drives towards the direction of the sighting. However, the people in back then can't see it :/ For relevance, my father is in a wheelchair. I'm only providing this review for those interested and to whom this information is applicable. This isn't meant to serve as a takedown of the entire business. And, those manning the ship did do their best to try and accommodate us, which was appreciated. read more

Staff is professional and helpful. I learned about the different types of dolphins. The boat was clean, with a well-stocked snack bar and clean bathrooms. read more

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Saw literally nothing the entire trip. We actually saw more seals in the marina then we saw in the ocean. Instead of giving us a refund they give us free passes which are difficult since we are visiting here and might not be here again. read more

I had a wonderful time whale watching today during the 10am charter. The boat is clean and spacious. The staff & volunteers were fantastic. Today's weather was absolutely perfect & the water was calm & smooth. We saw tons of dolphins, sea lions, lots of birds and the highlight was a juvenile gray whale. We saw him surface a few times and he brought all of us joy Whale watching is the sort of activity where you could see tons of whales or nothing, and I certainly felt lucky to see the young male on his journey north. There are bathrooms & a snack bar on the boat and plenty of places to sit both inside and outside. I highly recommend this experience for anyone who enjoys learning about San Diego's many sea creatures and being on the water. Mahalo! read more

Legacy Whale Watch was a great and fun experience. Would I do it again? Probably not, but that is only because I am not a sea person and could not really handle the movement. The tour itself though was lovely. The tour guides explained everything clearly, it was very organized, and they told us where we were going every step of the way. Very punctual and efficient. We left at 10 on the dot. The yacht had a few bathrooms and tons of seating space. It is not very stroller friendly though, there is nowhere to park a baby stroller so we were kind of in the way. We saw dolphins and met up with two whales. They were a little shy so we did not see them fully, but we did see water spouting from their blowholes, which was still cool. Overall, good tour, Pricing was what I expected. I did not puke (though came close) and I saw whales. No complaints from me. 4.5 rounded down. read more

Canceled tour without notifying us! We only found out the sunset dolphin cruise we booked got canceled when we were already standing at the check in half an hour before it was supposed to start. They called the manager who claimed he emailed and called us six weeks ago. Well, no email or call/voice mail in my caller or email history! Also, NO REFUND for the cancelled tour, which you would expect when they cancel your tour. But no, we had to specifically ask for it at the counter and are still waiting for it. Seems like they just hoped we would be a no show and they can keep the money. Do not book with them!! read more

The staff has horrible attitude, isn't even open to any type of accommodations, and was not conversing in a professional or respectful manner, specifically whoever was working the phone on Wednesday July 8th at about 9:40 AM read more

I purchased it on Groupon. Booked at 10am on a Sunday. The tour had a pre briefing before its take off just in case you parked at the wrong place or have serious motion sickness issue. Very thoughtful. The captain and marine biologist onboard were very informative during the 3 hour journey. Saw plenty of dolphins but no whale during our ride. The ship was clean without any funky smell. The only smell you will smell if someone barfs or craps. Kidding but not kidding. Nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable trip for the price. I would definitely recommend it. It gets a 4.8 out of 5. read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

This was the best whale watching trip ever had. I have been on many. This is a hidden gem. The boat and the crew were awesome! There were volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum who answered any questions as well as the staff. We saw dolphins and whales. This was so exciting and fun. We used the Groupon special for two. Money well spent! read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale tail - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

Crew members were absolutely amazing, so knowledgeable and friendly! It was obvious they loved their jobs, which made the experience even better. Very reasonably priced and the boat is roomy with tons of seating. On our tour, we saw a grey whale and two species of dolphins as well as some sea lions. I will definitely be returning to do another tour with them read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

This was an awesome experience! We saw so many dolphins on the way going towards the open ocean and on the way back to shore! They were so cute following the boat and were so visible! When we got to the location where the hump back whale was, it was a little bit of a waiting game to see the whale but we did see it pop out of the water a few times. The boat offers snacks, beverages and alcoholic beverages. There were volunteers on the boat that talked about the sea animals and even did a fun activity with the kids. The boat is big and spacious, leaving enough room for everyone to have a view. Overall it is a really cool experience. I highly recommend! read more

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A great three-hour tour. Highly recommended! We saw a huge pod of common dolphins and grey whales. A humpback whale was sighted momentarily, but did not reappear. The staff were excellent in both hospitality and educational knowledge. Lots of seating options, including the weather deck, main deck interior cabin, bow, and stern. I didn't take any chances and took the recommended anti-motion sickness pill. No problems as a result. It was relaxing to be on a boat and the views of wildlife, ocean, and shore were fabulous. My favorite part of our SoCal vacation. read more

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I really enjoyed it! The guides were very knowledgeable! Even though we didn't see any "whales" we say lots of dolphins! Would recommend! Thank you! read more

I totally recommend adding this adventure to your San Diego trip. Firstly it's so inexpensive! I live in Seattle and a day on the waters here cost 4 times as much. The staff was extremely kind and the boat was so spacious. I enjoyed the tour and will be soon! read more

Went out this morning. Boat was super clean, easy check in, great communication on parking. Free parking! Clean restrooms. Overall great experience. You can even take your own snacks and drinks. Shout out to Sue, our volunteer from the whaling museum. She was fantastic! read more

We had a great 3 hour tour. We saw a lot of dolphins and some sea lions. The dolphins were jumping and swimming all around the boat and so much fun to watch. However, all of the whales were hiding. They offered us a 50% coupon to use next time, which was a nice gesture, since we didn't see any whales. When we visit again, we'd definitely consider going again. read more

Great tour Saw a lot of sea life! Been on tour a few times and each time I've seen something different read more

incredible trip experience! my dream came truethe whales were very close. They were visible even without binoculars. We visited San Diego in November - it's early in the season, but we still had fun read more

Legacy Whale Watch - binoculars - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was a bit disappointed and one of their staff misrepresented the offer. Now I realize no one can guarantee whale sightings as there are many factors involved. The woman in the boat said if you see no whales or dolphins, you get a full refund. If you see dolphins and not whales, they'll give you a 50% refund. That was not the case. You get a business card with half off a future trip (they must not see whales often to have color biz cards printed.) So notice if you're visiting the area like most people were and you don't have time to book another 3 hour tour, you're out of luck. I'd also recommend some sort of cushions where guests sit. It's a very tough surface esp for a 3 hour tour. read more

What an amazing tour!! This was really fun and informative!! The staff went beyond their ways to get us to see some whales and we seen 3! It was very organized and a really spacious boat!! Loved it!! read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

This was so great! We saw so many dolphins and they were all around and jumping like crazy. We also saw a juvenile hump backed whale...equally as cool. Staff on board so nice and knowledgeable. And People when they say take the Dramamine if you don't know if you get seasick....take it. Don't be dumb. There were 4 people just on the top deck puking. For those of us not puking-it was so fun and really a great price as well. read more

My sister and I went whale watching today. We saw lots of dolphins, some seals and sea lions but no whales. Depending on the time of year, you will need a jacket, light scarf and possibly a hat and gloves. The ride was quite windy and choppy. Becca, our guide was terrific! She warns you ahead of time to go in the shop to purchase sea sickness medicine. Trust me, get it. There were several people vomiting and just laid out and that was just after 1 hour out on the water, we still had 2 more hours to go. Overall, the experience was pleasant. read more

It's just a great day to spend out on the water with some knowledgeable and friendly crew. Plus you get some Whalers from the Natural History Museum that are there to answer any questions you may have. Even if you don't get to see a whale there's plenty of sea life out there! read more

This was a truly incredible experience and I say that because I never saw whales in the wild, only on TV. Before you get on the boat there a briefing about parking and that you vehicle must be parked with in the tours designated area or you will be towed. Hourly checks is the duration of when they check the parking lot. Hopefully someone knows if they get motion sickness and take the precautions and take the meds required before they get on the boat and be ill and messes up every one else experience. Upon check in be sure to keep the small receipt because that one will be given to the crew to be authorized every one go down the dock and get on the boat. It's first come and no reserved sitting The boat was a smooth ride out to the point where you see Whales On the boat you had outside and inside seating on a double decked boat. If you choose to sit outside bring the appropriate layers to stay warm or cool depending on the weather. They have snacks and drinks with plenty of popcorn on board. There are at least 3 bathrooms. Ok on the mammal experiences There were many Gray whale encounters but from a far. You would need a high powered lenses or binoculars to truly get a close look.Or used your Smart phone video function to view at some later. The Captain did his best to get close as possible. With multiple spouts of the Whales showing their location with a Whale tail or dorsal fins going in and out of the water. We were even treated to a pod of smaller dolphins on the way back. The entire experience took over 3 hours so be prepared if you go because you may just like it!!!! Oh almost forgot it is on Groupon!!!! read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Going down to dock to the boat. - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

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This tour was great. Check in area you just have to go provide your last name and confirm the amount of people in your party. They give you a boarding pass and then you wait to board. Everything is and was within the federal law and everyone was cooperative with the masks on and within the six feet apart! We had a beautiful view of a lot of dolphins and the whale was just great. I would 100% recommend this. read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Hump back whale - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

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Loved every minute of it! We didn't see any Whales today but saw plenty of dolphin pods! To me who cares if you see whales or not, Just to be out on the water amongst this pandemic felt beyond great. Staff was extremely nice. They have snacks and beverages available on board! I personally never experience motion sickness however beware for those of you that do. Once you get out far enough, the boat does move quite a bit. You may want to pop some Dramamine. Since we didn't see any Whales, they gave us a coupon when we left for half off. I definitely plan on doing this again as I love being surrounded by water on a beautiful San Diego Day! read more

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My best whale watching experience to date. One whale feeding at a respectable distance and literally hundreds of dolphins swimming towards the whale's feeding ground! No exaggeration! We were told this was a rare dolphin experience. An absolutely amazing sight! read more

We saw a grey whale with her newborn. Then we saw dolphins. Being from Florida I was planning to be unimpressed with dolphins but it was like an invasion of a hundred dolphins! Great trip! Great price too! read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

Tours themselves are nice, customer service has been hit or miss and the boat staff is hit or miss, some are great and others quite rude.

We had a great time on the whale watching cruise. The crew was helpful and had great information about all of the sea life. We saw birds, sea lions, numerous dolphin including some babies and a sunfish-which was really cool. We were only able to see a whale's spout, not the actual whale. It was some rare breed that tends to be elusive. As a result, we were given half off vouchers to come back again. I thought that was pretty cool. read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Sea lion on our way out of the harbor - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

Our group had such a wonderful time on our excursion out of San Diego for my sisters' 60th birthday on August 2nd! The boat was comfortable and the crew amazing, so knowledgeable and fun! We were fortunate enough to experience multiple pods of dolphins swimming alongside our boat with their young and just before we were to turn back the scout located two Blue Whales!! We were fortunate enough to spend time watching them swim and the guide had plenty of information about the sea life that we saw. A great trip, definitely worth every penny! Would highly recommend it! read more

Great company! Customer service was above and beyond. We saw two types of dolphins and humpback whale. I recommend going during the week- they have 50% off weekdays on their website ($29) and it's a lot less crowded so you can move around. The animals are constantly moving fast, so we were able to run to all corners of the boat to see them! Only warning is you will be freeezing, so bring more layers than you think you need. You can rent binoculars there but bring your own because they don't work well. read more

Legacy Whale Watch - Dolphins! - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

The Whale Watch was a bunch of fun! AND we saw two BLUE WHALES and a Dolphin "Mega Pod" Nursery ( moms & babies) I gave one one minor complaint. I wish the seats (benches) were a little higher. It was difficult for me, a senior to sit down and worse to get up. All the employees were very nice and pleasant to everyone read more

Legacy Whale Watch - My videos and other photos wouldn't load here? - Whale Watching Tours Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a great time. I think we got lucky but we saw 3 hump back whales just right off the coast and then after a bit of watching them we kept going and saw three pods of 150+ dolphins! It was amazing and such the highlight. The boat was older but in good condition. They sold drinks and snacks on board. The captain and staff were very friendly and full of knowledge. They also respected the ocean and wildlife in it. The ocean has those deep rolling waves and the boat goes up and down with it - if you're prone to seasick highly recommend taking medicine prior to getting on board. We didn't go very far because we got lucky early into the trip but if we would have kept going further out to sea it could have been rough for the seasickness. read more

I highly recommend Legacy Whale Watch! I've been on numerous of times and I'll keep going back! I've been very fortunate to have seen so many dolphins, whales and other really cool fish. The team is so fantastic from the store where you pick up your tickets to everyone on the boat. read more

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Right from check in, we got to see marine mammals! We got to see some sea lions playing in between the boars while we waited. Boating out towards the ocean, we got to see a pod of about 50(ish) common dolphins, they were playing and jumping in the wake of our boat. As our trip continued we saw bottle nose dolphins and then 3 whales! 2 humpbacks (mom and calf) and a minky whale. Great trip overall! Crew was great, naturalist was knowledgeable and captain did N amazing job! We really enjoyed this trip. We have taken several in the area since we are locals and this has been the best one so far! We got a great deal for 5 of us on Groupon read more

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Quinn and the captain were both super attentive. My boyfriend and I would often have questions, and Quinn would answer them with no hesitation. We learned a lot. Despite the gloomy weather, we saw about 6-7 gray whales! Before you even leave the dock, there's sea lions hanging out. We didn't see dolphins, which Quinn explained it was likely due to orcas being detected slightly up north of SD, which causes the dolphins to become sparse since they're orca prey. It was our first time here and we saw so much. We've been to other places where despite how many times we went, we never saw anything. He also threw in little facts and knowledge about the wildlife in the area and things we saw, which was neat. 10/10 would recommend, and I'd go back again! read more

The nicest tour boat I've even been on. Wow. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, nicest bathrooms I've ever seen on a boat. Staff are incredibly kind and helpful. Great skipper. Felt safe and comfortable for a 12 hour trip! Wonderful day on the ocean! Thank you Legacy Whale Watching Trips for doing pelagic birding trips too! read more