On the Water
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$85
per adult
Next Level Sailing
Next Level Sailing
5
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Full view
About
Welcome aboard the world famous 139ft yacht AMERICA for a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience. This luxurious sailing schooner provides the most environmentally friendly and personal wildlife experience in San Diego. Highlights: * 4-hour cruise to spot whales, dolphins and more * "Whale sighting" and "no sea sickness" guarantees * Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included * low sweeping decks offering fantastic uninterrupted views and a deep keel for stability, the AMERICA offers whale watching at its best.
San Diego, California
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,917 reviews
Excellent
1,712
Very good
118
Average
44
Poor
22
Terrible
21
elato67
1 contribution
Jul 2020
Was a nice trip with perfect weather. Not much wildlife to see beside a small pod of dolphins, got a free next cruise because no whales to see (we will use it for our next visit to San Diego). Disappointed with the fact that we didn’t really sail, they just raised a sail to create the illusion and engine running at all times even though other boat around the area were sailing for real.
Crew was extremely helpful and overall a great time.
Crew was extremely helpful and overall a great time.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I am glad to hear you had a great time overall. I will be sure to pass along your feedback to upper management so we make sure to get some sailing time in on future trips. We can't wait to have you back to fulfill your whale watching guarantee. Thanks again for joining us!
Written August 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica V
Tucson, AZ8 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
If you want great service, caring crew, and a fantastic sailing experience with whale and dolphin sightings this is your tour! The sailboat is beautiful and spacious (we had close to 50 people on the boat and plenty of space still to walk around). They provide snacks and water/pop but you can also bring your own food (most people did) for the ride out to open water and back. Not only did we see the illusive blue whale up close and personal but the crew took the time to sit with my young children on the deck (5, 8, & 9) and teach them about what we might see. They also had another crew member up high in the crows nest to tell us when the whale was surfacing so we could be on the right side of the boat with camera ready. Two of my family members suffer from motion sickness and they didn’t get sick. The kids were never bored and the views were fantastic. I cannot say enough good things about this tour. I have been on quite a few whale watching tours all over the west coast and this tour was by far the best I have ever experienced. Worth every penny and the best thing we did on vacation!
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for your review! I am thrilled your entire family had a wonderful time sailing with us. We are so happy that this was the highlight of your vacation. Thank you so much, we can't wait to have you again when you are back in town.
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MGreene16
San Diego, CA1,872 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We had a wonderful Fourth of July on the Yacht America fireworks cruise. Captain Troy and his crew and family did a wonderful job making us feel at home, feeding us, telling us about the boat and views, and taking care of our safety. It was like going on a friend's very big sailboat (although we did very little actual sailing in the crowded bay). We parked in a great spot for the fireworks. Everyone in other boats seemed to know Captain Troy (except for the one boat that crossed our bow, and they know him now!).
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you had a wonderful time sailing with us on July 4th. It is great to hear that you felt like going aboard a friend's boat. We definitely want you to feel at home aboard the yacht America. I am thrilled you had a great time. Thank you!
Written August 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DWAYNE H
Winnipeg, Canada11 contributions
Feb 2020
We were looking forward to going on a sailing vessel, as was advertised. The sails were put up but the engines ran the whole trip. We understand that around the whales they use the engines in order to steer better but we were promised sailing power after we left the whales. We could have saved a considerable amount of money and taken a regular non sailing ship. Saw a few grey whales, which I suppose is better than none. However the crew of Alex, Cody, Claire and Troy were funny and very knowledgeable and tried hard to please everyone. Snacks were provided. Enjoyed the trip, just a bit disappointed about the sailing.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for your review! I am sorry to hear that you were not able to sail without the engines on. Sometimes there is just not enough wind or the boat is too far out to sail home. That said, I will absolutely take your review to upper management and see what we can do for future trips to avoid this situation. I am glad you enjoyed the crew and overall trip. Thanks again for your review!
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vacation10721427695
1 contribution
Jun 2020
We were fortunate enough to go out on The America whale watching on June 25th 2020. We saw three blue whales, a couple fin whales, and common pacific dolphins. This is a great trip to take during the present day health concerns. A small group of passengers are on board. The crew constantly disinfects high touch surfaces and cleans the restrooms between each use. They ensure social distancing is maintained in a professional manner. This is a great outdoor activity in the sea breeze and sunshine. Make sure you dress in layers the morning is cold bring a hoodie, light jacket, and/or a blanket. Afternoons are gorgeous and warm. The crew has bottled water and soda included in your days fees, and you can bring food with you onboard. We have been on several whale watching boats. Take this whale watching tour!!!
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your kind review! We really appreciate your feedback and we are so happy to hear that you felt safe during your entire voyage. I just posted the photos on our facebook page for June 25th, so feel free to check them out! It was such a pleasure having you aboard, thank you again for sailing with us :)
Written July 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy L
Colorado Springs, CO1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
We not only saw gray whales and rode with a huge pod of common dolphins, we also enjoyed Al's informative and fun talk .He was great and the ship is a stunning vessel to be aboard 👍My son and I enjoyed the Friday morning immensely ..AND we were treated to witnessing dolphin boat training.. F-18 taking off ..and the deployment of the USS Teddy Roosevelt aircraft carrier... AMAZING!! Cheers to the incredible crew and the incredible day!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim A
3 contributions
Aug 2021
My wife and I had a fantastic time with Next Level Sailing! America is a classy sailing yacht and a lot of fun to be aboard on the Pacific. Once you depart the harbor, you can help hoist the sails and be on your way. A crew member gave us a bit of history of the yacht and information on many of the animals, military ships and sites that we saw. It was just the right amount of information where the trip was relaxing and informative. There was a young man with special needs on the boat and the woman presenting did an amazing job answering his questions and having him be part of the fun. He even sang the national anthem as he raised Old Glory to the mast. All the crew were very courteous and offered drinks and snacks along our voyage. We didn't see any whales or dolphins this trip but they offered us to rebook with them at anytime for free so that we can see these magnificent creatures! That is a pretty incredible offering and great service! We will book again in the future and have already started recommending to our friends! Thanks for the amazing time on yacht America and a top notch experience!
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for your review, Tim! I am so glad you enjoyed your sail. Thank you very much for your feedback regarding my informative narration, I really appreciate it. We always strive to make the experience relaxing and informative, so I am thrilled you felt that way. It is a joy to inspire all of our guests, especially teenagers and young kids. We can't wait to have you aboard in the future. Please rebook by giving us a call 619-922-6215 or emailing us info@nextlevelsailing.com. Thank you!
Written August 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheLawsFamily
1 contribution
Jul 2020
The America, Captain Troy & the crew never disappoint. The boat is a gorgeous piece of living nautical lore, Troy a generous host, the crew friendly & attentive. They have gone to great lengths to assure everyone's safety during these COVID times on the boat. Literally assigning specific areas to each passenger's group. So while outdoors on the deck one may ride mask-free while being much more than 10' away from any strangers. Only dawning the masks when moving around the deck or traveling down into the cabin/restroom areas. The views of the point down to Mexico are great...the whales were illusive on this day...but we did traverse over the path of give or take a 100 dolphins feeding & frolicking. The kicker is Captain Troy gave us all a free 'return pass' for the future to fulfill his promise to see some Whales. Gratefully, we will be back!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainFathom
Thank you so much for sharing your review! We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful time. We look forward to seeing you again soon so we can fulfill your whale watching guarantee. Thank you!
Written July 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hippienerdbabe
29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We chose this whale watching experience because of the high reviews that it has. We were not disappointed. We saw whales, seals, dolphins and an added bonus - a working submarine. It just happened to be going out of the channel when we were going in. The entire crew was very professional and genuinely seemed like they wanted us to see a whale. Al was a fabulous host and very entertaining. **Dress warmly in layers. Wear more than you think you need. When the sun is on the other side of the sail, it gets cool.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda J
Garden Grove, CA2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Great whale watching trip on an old tall sailing ship. Saw a rare fin whale and many gray whales. The captain did a great job getting us close for pics.
Al (one of the mates) was a terrific addition telling jokes, knowledgeable about the area, whales and the sea.
Tour was very interactive too. We got to raise and lower the ship’s sails and the American flag. Ship was beautiful and everyone boating by took note smiling and waving.
I highly recommend. Great for all ages.
Al (one of the mates) was a terrific addition telling jokes, knowledgeable about the area, whales and the sea.
Tour was very interactive too. We got to raise and lower the ship’s sails and the American flag. Ship was beautiful and everyone boating by took note smiling and waving.
I highly recommend. Great for all ages.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SherriLiiiii
Jersey City, NJ
Is there an indoor space on the boat to sit?
Robin C
1 contribution
No, but they do offer blankets which were nice in addition to us wearing layers to stay warm. We took the trip in October.
Jen L
Asheville, NC4 contributions
We will be visiting from March 17-22, is there a good chance of seeing whales and such? It is our first trip to San Diego and think this would be an awesome experience for the kids! How early should I plan on making reservations? Thank you in advance.
happytraveler2010_10
Sedona, AZ147 contributions
Seeing whales is never guaranteed. I have been on whale watching trips from San Diego on two different ships. over several years and saw whales 50% of the time. December seems to be the most likely time since they are traveling down to Mexico. March also works since the whales are doing a return trip up the coast at that time. Next Level Sailig will give you a FREE trip next time if you don't see a whale. So do some of their competitors.
Thijs R
Amsterdam, The Netherlands3 contributions
Can I park here?
Yes, you can park at 2050 Shelter Island Drive. Thank you!
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