We boarded the mighty Marietta for a whale watching tour outside of San Diego Bay. Spotting marine mammals is a challenge at the best of times; capturing a photo or video harder still. On this tour people spotted upwards of six whales: 5 Gray and 1 Humpback. I was fortunate to hear a couple blows, the whale exhale, and spot one. We were fortunate to have superb conditions. The swells outside the bay, especially at Nine Mile Bank where we hung out, were less than one foot high. The wind was negligible. As the heat scorched the land we felt pretty comfortable as the sun shone down upon us.
Besides the whales we saw countless marine birds, sea lions basking on channel markers, and scores of dolphins playing around the boats. I suppose I should say everyone else saw the vast array of life. I saw the birds near the boat but not much else. I still had fun.
Photos and Video
Dolphins seem to enjoy playing around the boat. They particularly like to jump on the wake.
Mom and Dad standing on the sun deck of the Mighty Marietta. We’ve seen sea lions, dolphins, and maybe by this point the blow and back of a Gray Whale. I think four or maybe five whales were spotted. I heard a couple blows and was lucky to see one blow. I don’t think I really ever saw the dolphins.
--February 28, 2026 at 11:06 AM.
Maps are centered on the photo: Google map, Apple map, CalTopo map
Almost back at our dock. It has gotten much busier in San Diego Bay. We certainly are noticing many more sailboats. Photo by Jonathan.
