WHALE AND DOLPHIN SPECIES

The whale and dolphin species in San Diego can be described as; residents, seasonal feeders and migratory transients. Residents like Fin whales and Bottlenose dolphins can be found year round. Seasonal feeders like Blue whales arrive in the summer. Migratory transients like Grey whales are simply passing through during their seasonal voyage.

Located at the southern end of the South California Bight, San Diego is perfectly situated to host numerous species of whales and dolphins during the year round whale watching season. Almost every month brings different and exciting changes to what species we can observe on our tours.

Below are images of the 11 cetacean species we can reliably observe. You can click on the image to read details about each species and when we are most likely to be able to observe each species. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for whale and dolphin daily sightings reports.

Blue whales are seasonal visitors in the summer to San Diego.
Fin whales are a resident species in San Diego typically seen farther offshore.
Humpback whales are regular species seen in San Diego.
Bryde's whales are seen during the warmer summer months in San Diego.
Gray whales are a migratory species seen during the winter months in San Diego.
Minke whales are a resident cetacean species in San Diego.
The Long Beaked Common dolphin is one of the most often observed cetacean species on San Diego whale watching tours.
The short beaked common dolphin is a resident species often seen in large pods off San Diego.
Risso's dolphin are a resident deep water cetacean species off San Diego.
During the cooler winter months Pacific white sided dolphins are regularly seen off San Diego.
Bottlenose dolphins are a resident cetacean species in San Diego.