
San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 190 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour worth booking?
San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour is a 1.8-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $56 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 190 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (190)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $56 per person
While you’re in port in San Diego, explore the city by both land and sea on the San Diego Seal Tour. On an amphibious vehicle that travels on land and in water, you’ll spend this independent shore excursion driving along the waterfront and splashing into San Diego Bay. It’s a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
What you get
About this experience
While you’re in port in San Diego, explore the city by both land and sea on the San Diego Seal Tour. On an amphibious vehicle that travels on land and in water, you’ll spend this independent shore excursion driving along the waterfront and splashing into San Diego Bay. It’s a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
What's included
Included
- 1 hour 30 minute narrated tour
- All taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Historic Tours of America - San Diego
This 90-minute shore excursion is a fantastic way to see the best of the Bay and San Diego during your limited time in port. On an amphibious vehicle that drives both on land and in water, you’ll depart from Seaport Village, located on Harbor Drive at the Embarcadero. As you travel along the beautiful bay by land, you will hear stories of early sailors and the history of the bay. You also will learn about the importance of the military in San Diego, home to several US Navy and US Marine stations. Pass by San Diego International Airport, dedicated to aviator Charles Lindbergh, just one of the many people you will hear about on your San Diego Seal Tour. Then, you will splash down into San Diego Bay, where you begin the water portion of the journey. As the seal boat travels through the Bay, keep your eyes peeled for a chance encounter with a California brown pelican. A cruise through Mission Bay provides views of SeaWorld, Hospitaltiy Point and Vacation Isle. Quivira Basin is a playground for seals and sea lions, so don’t look away from the water for a second! You will head back and land and return to your starting point via Harbor Drive, passing the Maritime Museum and cruise ship terminal along the way. Tour route is subject to change without notice due to weather or traffic conditions. Please note: This excursion is located within a 5-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in San Diego port. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Diego
Seaport Village is a 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 825 W. Harbor Blvd. next to the Bay Company retail store in Seaport Village. Check in 30 minutes required prior to tour time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Seaport Village is a 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 825 W. Harbor Blvd. next to the Bay Company retail store in Seaport Village. Check in 30 minutes required prior to tour time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Historic Tours Of America
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking
- Tour departs from Seaport Village
- Emotional support animals and Pets are not allowed on the tour
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 190 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
190 verified traveler reviews for San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Easy access on ADA lift....
Easy access on ADA lift. Left my walker at the check in area. Loved the corny jokes and the fun facts.
via Viator
Seal of approval
Make sure you wear sunscreen and be sure to get on the seal boat with Captain Teach and Guide Gus. They make a great duo. Gus was so fun and engaging-he really added to the overall enjoyment of the tour. Plus Captain Teach is a fantastic driver. We were so close to the seals I could reach out and touch them!!!!
via Viator
Fun
What a nice time getting to see all the seals and the dolphins. We had a enjoyable time. Great service as well.
via Viator
Wonderful
It was a great family adventure, everyone loved it! John and Fish Girl were great, would do it again
via Viator
Great experience
The water portion was the best. Seeing the sea lions, a baby sea lion that our guide saw, and the different birds. Our guide was able to share some interesting facts that added to experience. Jewel and Cameron were both great.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $56 to $76
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 67
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Historic Tours Of America, who run 57 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.8.
See everything Historic Tours Of America runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.
How much does San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour cost?
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Prices start at $56 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Diego usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Diego is not rushed.
Is San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 190 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Diego, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Around 67 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Diego can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Diego and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Diego within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Diego?
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San Diego is an outdoor-first city: whale watching from December through April, La Jolla kayak and snorkel runs year round, harbour cruises and the USS Midway, plus Balboa Park museums when the marine layer sits low. We rank water operators on group ratios and gear quality, which is where the cheap La Jolla trips fall down. On Outty we rank every San Diego experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date, Taste of Little Italy in San Diego, San Diego Whale Watching Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
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March to May and September to November, either side of the June overcast. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Diego?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Included: 1 hour 30 minute narrated tour; and All taxes. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pickup and drop off; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Seaport Village is a 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 825 W. Harbor Blvd. next to the Bay Company retail store in Seaport Village. Check in 30 minutes required prior to tour time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Diego. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour?
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Across 190 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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