Dolphin Watching in San Diego: Everything You Need To Know
There’s something truly incredible about watching animals in their natural habitat. Although dolphins are found in aquariums and zoos, catching a glimpse of them in the wild is a special occasion. Learn more about San Diego whale and dolphin watching, then plan to take a whale-watching tour to experience the thrill of seeing these creatures up close.
What is Dolphin Watching?
Dolphin and whale watching is a popular activity in which you watch for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. While it’s primarily recreational, it can be educational to enjoy these sea creatures in the wild. Dolphin watching can help you connect to nature, reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and increase creativity. Dolphins are highly sociable mammals that breathe fresh air through their lungs, like humans, so they must frequently come to the water’s surface.
What Time of the Year is Best for Dolphin Watching in San Diego?
The best months to see dolphins in the ocean near San Diego are the spring through fall, but you can catch dolphins in the area much of the year. Different types of dolphins in San Diego include Common Dolphins (short-beak and long-beak), Bottlenose Dolphins, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Dall’s Porpoise, Risso’s Dolphin, and Orcas. Sometimes, we even see several species in one day. The cool thing about dolphin watching is that even if you don’t see dolphins, you’ll likely see other wildlife, whales, seals, birds, and fish, that are just as enjoyable to observe. Sea lions often join dolphin pods to take advantage of how the dolphins herd a school of fish into a tight area for feeding.
Can You See Dolphins in San Diego?
San Diego is home to many marine species, including bottlenose dolphins. You can take an ocean kayak or paddleboard in many areas of San Diego to observe marine life in its own habitat. Gray whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and even sea turtles can be found while out on the water. Don’t forget to look up to see cormorants, pelicans, and gulls that make their home in SD because of an unlimited food supply. A whale-watching tour isn’t complete unless it takes you through these beautiful waters to enjoy many marine life species.
How To See Dolphins In San Diego
Although you may see dolphins and whales from the beaches in San Diego, you should get out on the ocean for the best experience. A marine whale-watching tour is the best way to enjoy dolphins in the wild. You may even see a pod with up to 30 dolphins if you are patient. In the deep ocean, super pods with over 1,000 dolphins can be found in one location. It’s truly unique to see so many creatures together. We are lucky to see megapods of common dolphins here in San Diego due to the abundance of food in these waters.
Book Your Tour Today
Dolphin watching in San Diego is one of the most popular activities in the area. Booking a legitimate tour is one of the best ways to see these animals. Local guides can help you identify different dolphins you might see on the trip. Quite a few other species can be found in the San Diego waters. Sometimes, knowing the difference between a common dolphin and a bottlenose dolphin is difficult when you only get a few seconds to see them.
Book a tour today to cross whale and dolphin watching off your bucket list. A whale-watching tour is a great way to make memories and enjoy nature from a new vantage point. The few hours you’ll spend on a boat watching whales is something you’ll never forget.