06.08.2025 PM Whale Watch

Aboard the Legacy, we set out under clear skies and a salty breeze, ready for whatever the ocean had in store—and wow, did it deliver! Not long into our journey, we were surrounded by pods of common dolphins, leaping through the waves like nature’s acrobats. Moments later, their bigger cousins, the bottlenose dolphins, showed up to join the show, slicing through the water with sleek grace and playful energy.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, someone shouted “Whale!” and the chase was on. A minke whale surfaced nearby, sleek and swift, followed soon after by the mighty fin whale—a true giant of the deep, gliding past with serene power.

And all the while, terns dove from above like tiny dive-bombers, plunging into the sea to snatch up fish stirred by the frenzy below. It was a wild ocean dance, with dolphins, whales, and birds all performing in perfect harmony.

It wasn’t just whale watching—it was a full-blown marine symphony, and we had front-row seats aboard the Legacy. Definitely a day to remember!

What a great way to spend a day on the water. The Sunday afternoon cruise left the dock at 1:30pm and returned at 4:39pm. It was an action-packed 3 hours in the Legacy. The marine layer stayed with us the entire trip keeping it cool and with very little wind. When leaving Mission Bay we headed west and then north.

Captain Sean, Kai and Annika made the trip comfortable and exciting for all. We encountered several small groups of common dolphins that were feeding and now riding. We then came across a larger pod of common dolphin that were feeding. We also saw a mola mola at the surface. It’s the world’s largest bony fish.

We traveled west and saw a spout. Thar she blows!! We saw the world’s second largest animal, a fin whale. The fin whale was also feeding in the same fish the dolphins were feeding on. Everyone got good looks at the fin whale as it came up several times. The common dolphin pod caught up to the whale and surrounded the area feeding. What a great day!

As always, you can book your trip here on our website or by calling us at 619-309-1680. We hope to see you soon!

Then, sign off with your name Kaye Volunteer Whaler, San Diego Natural History Museum (“ The Nat”).