From the early thirties and up until the late seventies San Diego was known as the Tuna Capital of the World. More than 40,000 people were employed directly or indirectly by the industry.

Big Bay Whale Watching

From late December to early April, San Diego celebrates the migration of thousands of California Gray Whales. Their annual journey takes them from the Bering Sea, past the San Diego coast, to the protected warm waters off Baja California, Sonora and Sinoloa, Mexico. The longest migration route of any mammal, the gray whales travel nearly 13,000 miles roundtrip each year.

Make reservations for a whale watching excursion with one of these participating tour providers. 

All whale-watching season make reservations for a whale watching excursion with one of these tour providers:

–        H&M Landing — Several trip options are available. Choose the trip length that best fits your schedule. All trips include informative narration on whales, their migration and the other marine life and sights you will see on your cruise.

–        Hornblower Cruises & Events — Join San Diego Natural History whale naturalist volunteers for a three and one half-hour whale watching expedition. Museum whalers are trained by museum staff and marine scientists to provide naturalist interpretation on the Hornblower Whale Watch cruises.

–        San Diego Harbor Excursions — Scripps Institute of Oceanography naturalists will accompany you on twice-daily cruises to point out California Gray Whales migrating to Mexico's breeding grounds. Naturalists will have gray whale biofacts to show-and-tell during the cruise and facts about other sightings that may include seals, sea lions, dolphins, migrating birds and more.

–        Maritime Museum — This is no ordinary whale watching experience. It will be presented with an educational and historical perspective on a replica of the 139-foot yacht AMERICA that won the historic Royal Yacht Squadron's “100 Guinea Cup” race around the Isle of Wight. The trophy came to be known as the “America's Cup”.

–        Orion Sailing — Commissioned in 1934, Orion was a racing force for more than a decade winning the coveted Bermuda and Fire Island races. Today, Orion hosts whale watching excursions in classic style. Meet the gentle giants aboard this classic 64-foot wooden sailing yawl.

–        Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup Experience — Whale-watch like the rich and famous on an authentic America’s Cup Class racing yacht. Enjoy an excursion on the AMERICA and live the dream for yourself and feel the power.

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