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Whale Watching Cruises with Next Level Sailing

2050 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California

Description

Next Level Sailing runs daily whale watching trips off the San Diego coast on their 43m (141 feet) sailing yacht. The trips last 3.5h to 4.0h with a nearly flawless sighting rate during the winter season. Gray whale watching season spans from mid-December through April, humpback whales migrate past SD in March whilst end of April and May brings fin whales and blue whales. Other animals spotted on a regular basis include sea lions and dolphins.

Access & Transport

Address: 2050 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106 The check-in location is on the grass across the street from the Island Palms Best Western Hotel and the Blue Wave Bar & Grill.

Instructions & Recommendations

a) Customers will receive a full refund for cancellations made outside of 48 hours prior to the trip; b) Dress in layers. It can feel chilly once out on the water; c) Feel free to bring your own lunch & drinks (no red wine allowed onboard). Water, soda, chips, and granola bars are provided during your voyage free of charge; d) Dogs allowed but number per trip is restricted so double check with info@nextlevelsailing.com

Meta review

Excellent reviews from customers who enjoyed the sailing on this beautiful yacht, the friendly and knowledgeable crew and the sighting of whales and/or dolphin pods. The only mixed comments are from those who did not see any whales - or only from far away and felt that they missed out on the main objective. Apparently the boat can be a little crowded on some days during the peak season.

Environmental & Social

The sailboat is powered by wind and 'clean diesel' + other sustainable and energy efficient practice: https://nextlevelsailing.com/2019-sustainable-achievement-awards/ Some educational aspect for those listening to the captain during the trip.

Conclusion

Highly recommended for those keen on sailing, most likely with dolphins for company at some stage, with the potential bonus of spotting whales. Don't go into it solely focused on the whale element: it is the journey that matters, not the destination. Reviews about the boat and crew are excellent.

Key positive

Beautifull sailing yacht

Seeing dolphins and maybe whales

Free re-booking (not refund) in case no whales were spotted

Key negative

A little time consuming

Re-booking doesn't work for road-trippers / international travellers

Suitability

Not recommended for infants, those prone to sickness and wheelchair users

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
Food
chips and granola bars
Drinks (non-alc.)
water and soda
Timing
Duration of visit
Check-in at 10h00-10h30, departure at 11h00 and return by 15h00

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:4h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:30 - 15:00

Tuesday10:30 - 15:00

Wednesday10:30 - 15:00

Thursday10:30 - 15:00

Friday10:30 - 15:00

Saturday10:30 - 15:00

Sunday10:30 - 15:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$85
Adult
13 - 64
US$85
Child
3 - 12
US$51
Infant
0 - 2
US$51
Weekend pricing is $95/$57

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