San Diego Whale Watching & Marine Life Calendar: What to See Each Month
- San Diego Beach Review
- Oct 13
- 5 min read
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San Diego is one of the best places in California to see marine wildlife up close. From sea lions lounging in La Jolla to thousands of leopard sharks gathering each summer, there’s always something happening along the coast.
This guide breaks down what marine animals you can see each month in San Diego — plus tips for the best beaches, tours, and gear.
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Want the easiest way to guarantee sightings? Book a La Jolla snorkeling tour or a San Diego whale watching tour.
Quick Reference: San Diego Marine Life by Season
Month | Marine Life Highlights |
Jan | Gray whales, harbor seals |
Feb | Gray whales, seal pups, sea lions |
Mar | Gray whales, sea lions |
Apr | Gray whales (late season), tide pools, sea stars |
May | Humpback whales, Garibaldi, bat rays |
Jun | Blue whales, humpbacks, leopard sharks (early) |
Jul | Blue whales, humpbacks, leopard sharks (peak) |
Aug | Blue whales, humpbacks, leopard sharks, sea turtles |
Sep | Blue whales (late season), humpbacks, dolphins, warmest water |
Oct | Humpback whales, lobsters, sea lions |
Nov | Gray whales (early season), humpbacks, seals |
Dec | Gray whales, tide pools, sea lions |
San Diego Marine Life by Month
January – Gray Whale Migration
What You’ll See: Gray whales making their way south from Alaska to Baja.
Best Spots: Cabrillo National Monument, Torrey Pines, and whale watching cruises.
Other Wildlife: Harbor seals basking near Children’s Pool in La Jolla.
February – Harbor Seal Pups
What You’ll See: Harbor seals with newborn pups at the Children’s Pool.
Why Go: It’s pupping season (January–March), and while the beach may be roped off, you can still watch from above.
Tours to Try: La Jolla kayak tours sometimes spot seals in the water.
March – Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove
What You’ll See: Dozens of California sea lions lounging on rocks and swimming right near shore.
Best Experience: Snorkeling or swimming alongside them (from a respectful distance).
Pro Tip: Early spring water can be chilly—bring a wetsuit for comfort.
April – Tide Pool Life
What You’ll See: Colorful starfish, anemones, crabs, and small fish in coastal tide pools.
Best Spots: Cabrillo National Monument, Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, Point Loma, or a guided tide pool tour in La Jolla
Family-Friendly: Perfect month for kids to explore coastal ecosystems.
May – Bat Rays & Garibaldi
What You’ll See: Bright orange Garibaldi (California’s state fish) and bat rays gliding through the shallows.
Best Spots: La Jolla Shores for snorkeling, Mission Bay for kayaking.
Why It’s Special: Waters begin warming up, making it comfortable for longer swims.
June – Start of Leopard Shark Season
What You’ll See: The first groups of leopard sharks arriving in La Jolla.
Best Spots: La Jolla Shores, especially the shallow sandy areas.
Tours: Snorkeling tours are excellent this time of year for close encounters.
July – Leopard Sharks Peak
What You’ll See: Thousands of harmless leopard sharks gather in La Jolla’s shallow waters.
Best Time: Mid-July through September.
Pro Tip: Bring a mask and fins for an unforgettable swim right off the beach.
Related Guide: Snorkeling in San Diego
August – Green Sea Turtles
What You’ll See: Sea turtles around La Jolla and some other parts of the coast.
Best Way to Spot: Snorkeling, paddleboarding or kayaking in calm, clear water.
Extra Bonus: Still peak season for leopard sharks.
September – Dolphins & Warm Water
What You’ll See: Pods of common dolphins cruising offshore.
Best Spots: Join a whale watching or dolphin cruise for the best chance.
Why It’s Great: Ocean water is at its warmest, perfect for long swims or snorkeling.
Related Guide: San Diego's Warmest Beaches
October – California Spiny Lobsters
What You’ll See: Divers and snorkelers sometimes spot lobsters during spiny lobster season.
Best For: Advanced snorkelers and divers.
Also Around: Sea lions and Garibaldi remain active.
Related Guide: San Diego Beaches in September and October
November – Return of Gray Whales
What You’ll See: The start of the gray whale migration back south.
Best Tours: Whale watching cruises from San Diego Bay and Mission Bay.
Extra Sighting: Harbor seals start gathering again near La Jolla.
December – Winter Wildlife Mix
What You’ll See: Gray whales offshore, sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and tide pools after winter swells.
Why It’s Special: San Diego’s marine life is active even in the “off season.”
Tour Idea: La Jolla kayak tours are less crowded and still see seals and sea lions.
Whale Watching in San Diego
San Diego is a whale watching hotspot, with different species visible throughout the year:
Gray Whales (Dec–Apr): Migrate between Alaska and Baja, passing right by San Diego.
Blue Whales (Jun–Sep): The largest animal on Earth feeds offshore in summer.
Humpback Whales (May–Nov): Known for their dramatic breaches and tail slaps.
Fin Whales (Summer–Fall): Second-largest whale species, often seen with dolphins.
Best way to see them up close:
San Diego Whale Watching Cruise – Year-round trips from the bay with marine naturalists
Whale Watching Cruise from North County – Whale watching cruise departing from Oceanside
FAQs About San Diego Marine Life
When can you see leopard sharks in San Diego?
Leopard sharks gather in La Jolla from June through September, with peak numbers in July and August.
What is the best time to see seals in San Diego?
Seals are visible year-round, but pupping season runs from December to May at the Children’s Pool.
When can you see whales in San Diego?
Gray whales: Dec–Apr
Blue whales: Jun–Sep
Humpbacks: May–Nov
Fin whales: Summer–Fall
Can you swim with leopard sharks in San Diego?
Yes! Leopard sharks are harmless and gather in shallow water at La Jolla Shores. Snorkeling tours let you get close safely.
What’s the best tour for marine life in San Diego?
For whales and dolphins, book a San Diego whale watching cruise. For seals, sea lions, and sharks, try a La Jolla snorkeling or kayaking tour.
Capture your marine life memories with a photo book or underwater camera!
Final Thoughts
San Diego’s coastline is alive with marine life every month of the year. Whether you’re snorkeling with leopard sharks, kayaking alongside sea lions, or spotting gray whales from shore, there’s always something incredible happening in the water.
For the best chance at unforgettable encounters, book a snorkeling tour in La Jolla or a whale watching sail from San Diego Bay — you’ll see why locals and visitors can’t get enough of the ocean here.
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