About this Experience
What you'll do:
Signature Dolphin and Whale Watching Trip aboard Hana Hou
A real-life Planet Earth experience, Gone Whale Watching is the company trusted by National Geographic, Apple TV+, NBC, and the Blue Planet team for world-class whale encounters/footage. Now you can join the same crew on the ocean for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Step aboard Hana Hou, our fast and comfortable open-air vessel designed for close wildlife encounters and stunning ocean views with a low-capacity passenger count. We head offshore and search the same hotspots where we film wild blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, migrating gray whales, superpods of dolphins, sea lions, and pelagic birds for major film productions. If you have ever watched a nature documentary and thought I wish I could be there, this is the trip that brings that feeling to life!
Come experience the wild Pacific the way the film crews do!
Why we love it for your party:
Join the same team trusted by National Geographic and Blue Planet for true documentary-level wildlife encounters in the open Pacific
Ride aboard Hana Hou for close, non-touristy, unforgettable views of dolphins, whales, and ocean wildlife in a fun, adventurous atmosphere
Capture incredible photos and memories as you experience a real-life Planet Earth spectacle
About this experience partner:
Our captain and crew specialize in creating a welcoming, safe, and fun experience. Expect good music, good vibes, and front row views of some of the most beautiful animals on the planet. Dolphins often swim at your fingertips. Whales feed, breach, and cruise past the iconic San Diego coastline. Every trip is different, and every encounter feels like a moment you will talk about forever.
Additional information:
Check-in details: We will embark on a 2-2.5 hour (usually shorter in the winter and longer in the spring-fall) whale watching adventure from the dock located directly in front of Sportsmen's Seafood. The address is 1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA. During our trip, you will have the best chance available in San Diego to spot dolphins, whales, and any other marine life swimming in the open ocean.
What to bring: Dress warm, no matter the weather! The ocean is COLD! Layers are an absolute must, even in July when it's 80+ degrees on land. If it's a rare day where it actually feels warm on the water, you can always take layers off, but you can't put them on if you don't have them!
Restrictions: Please note our vessels are extremely fast and can encounter the occasional bump on the open ocean. For this reason, we do not recommend these trips for anybody with back or neck problems. We also do not allow children under 5 years of age, passengers who are pregnant, or passengers who are unable to board and exit the vessel without assistance (call for further clarification). You assume all risk and release Gone Whale Watching Inc. of any liability by boarding our vessels.
Book This Experience
Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.
LocationSan Diego, CA
1617 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USASan Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Warm clothes! Even if it’s a warm and sunny summer day, the open ocean is always much cooler. Jackets are definitely recommended. Don’t forget any clothes and accessories that help protect you from the sun and wind. A rule of thumb if you can’t decide: it’s better to be over prepared than under.
What if my trip is canceled due to weather?
We understand it’s disappointing to have a trip canceled, but your safety is our top priority. In the event of a cancellation, we will contact you for rebooking or refund options. Our experienced captains use their best judgment when analyzing weather conditions, and will only cancel if necessary.
