Next Level Sailing

We were not able to make the trip due to an illness in the family. We had to cancel at the last second (past the cancellation cut-​off), but Next Level was understanding about our situation. They offered a credit to come back another time, but traveling all the way from Chicago, that is probably not going to happen. After going back and forth a few times, they agreed to refund the amount we had originally paid. Really appreciated this as the family illness was enough stress to deal with and we were really bummed that we couldn’t make the whale watching tour. Hope to someday return and complete the trip we were hoping to make!

Wow, what a terrific way to spend our day and our vacation dollars. On our recently trip to San Diego, I was determined to book a lovely whale watch for us on an enjoyable craft rather than an ordinary «ferry» style boat. I found Next Level and their gorgeous wood World Cup sailing boat!
Everyone on the crew was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun! The captain who controls the boat and crew was very good at his job (although I may not be qualified to say that) and the narrating «captain» who is like a friendly pirate gets 5 stars.
We took this journey on a warm, sunny day and per the instructions we were emailed brought minimal items but were sure to bring a sweatshirt layer. I did end up using that as it’s about 10 degrees cooler out on the ocean at any given time, but I was so comfortable and happy with the 130 foot sail over my head, lovely ocean breezes, and sunshine.
We saw plenty of whales, as all the whale watch crews are on radio with one another and work to ensure that everyone sees a whale. There were also sea lions and dolphins. The crew knows a lot about these beautiful animals and they are happy to share. You should be prepared to cash tip the crew as you disembark, and, they share the tips.
Now, on the subject of kids. We brought our 17 year old and her 19 year old boyfriend, who love the outdoors and are healthy kids with an appreciation for what we were doing here. Just because your «child» under 21 can go with an adult for «free,» that doesn’t mean he or she *should.* Here’s what I mean. This flipping adventure was almost ruined for us by the incredibly annoying droves of kids brought along by their parents who had never done a thing to foster appreciation for nature in their kids. The crew offers coolers of free soda and free single-​serving bagged snacks during the 4 hour excursion along the lines of cheetos and cheese crackers and chips, etc. during the adventure. There were plenty of people on this trip – and you can picture them – who never saw a whale and were in the way of people who DID want to see whales, because they were obsessing from the moment the food and beverage was made available until it was gone – after which these little animals played games on phones for the duration. The crew was literally struggling to keep the snack basket full, and, these stupid kids and their clueless parents (and there were 15 – 20 of them) defied crew instructions by setting open sodas on the beautiful wooden deck only to have them topple without apology from the offenders. They opened soda after soda with no parental discipline. They opened bag after bag of free Costco type snacks, focusing only on crunching and munching and then letting the bags blow away into the beautiful Pacific while their parents played on their phones and pretended not to see.
You may be wondering by I spent more time complaining about the kids on this trip than I did talking about the whale watch. The boat and whale watch are amazing, but if your idiot-​kid/​parent detector is switched to high alert, you’re going to get crabby like I did. Go into this with a deep calm and a determination to enjoy yourself, and, you will. Meanwhile, if you have a kid like this? Explain before boarding that the whale watch is about nature, not free soda and snacks, and, limit your child’s snacks/​soda to one per child, so that adults who may want one (I did not) may have one and more importantly, so your child can see and learn something.
Bring a fleece or more if you chill easily. Bring little else. Make plans to move about the boat and look/​see everything. Wear comfortable shoes. Wear sunscreen on your face, and, enjoy this magnificent outing!

I took my husband on a whale watching trip on the America and we both loved it. Al and Huey and the entire crew were dedicated to showing us a great time. They were relentless in locating whales (listening to the radio, climbing the mast) and we found 4 whales! On the way back, we found a mega pod of dolphins. it is a beautiful boat sails so smoothly on the ocean, you will want to go back, which I am doing again this week with my mother and sister. And, with the price of admission, you also have access to the Maritime Museum which is awesome!
This was such a special day, made all the more special by the amazing crew. You have to go if you love to watch whales, or if you just want to take a trip on the ocean on a beautiful boat!

Ahoy Mateys!!! What a great way to spend an afternoon in San Diego!
The boat is amazing (a reproduction of a historic schooner), the crew friendly and accommodating (even had blankets for when it got cold out there!) and the scenery kept changing with sea lions cavorting about and the city of San Diego in the background. No whales on the day we were there– but we did see the Navy Seals which was almost as exciting!
Our «host» for the day was an affable chap named «Al». What a character! But he made the whole experience fun, from raising and lowering the American flag, to pointing out interesting sights along the way, to nicely reminding us where to sit when they were trying to dock the boat.
And don’t worry about having a few drinks on board– the «facilities» down below are quite nice and it’s easy to maneuver the stairs.
No need for Dramamine or other «cures» either. This is a smooth sailing ship that never really leaves the harbor so there is none of the dipping and swaying that sometimes keeps people off of boats.
Ask when you book what you can bring on board to drink or eat. Individuals are responsible to bring on their own beverages unless set up in advance.
Ahoy Mateys! This is a great way to see San Diego from a whole different perspective!!!

We went on the America on September 18. It was a terrific experience. Living in SD for more than a decade, my wife and I have enjoyed dozens of «trips and adventures» but none topped this. We were out on the America for about 4 ½ hours. Got close to the huge blue whales and were surrounded by hundreds of playful dolphins, much better on a sailing ship. The American is clearly maintained in real ship shape fashion. Immaculate. The crew was pleasant, well inflormed, solicitous. Thanks especially to student Scott. The snacks were yummy. At the end, a round of applause from everyone on board. Can’t top that.

Got a Sign on San Diego Deal for a 4-​hour whale watching tour. Went on a relatively nice and sunny Sunday afternoon, which turned overcast pretty quickly. The historical yacht we rode was the America, a replica built in 1995. The captain and crew were really nice. Al was our narrator for the trip. He’s a very jolly pirate-​looking chap who is very knowledgeable about sailing and sea life. Towards the end of the trip, he gave an educational talk and showed us the size of whales in comparison to other animals as well as other fun facts.
Because of the overcast weather, it was quite cool once we were out on the ocean. I’m quite glad I brought two hoodies but even with that, I was still cold. I’m also glad I was wearing jeans instead of shorts. Best to bring a windbreaker or jacket in overcast weather even if the forecast says the low is in the 60s (around 15ºC?) because out in the Pacific, the wind makes it feel like mid-​50s (around 12−13ºC). Mind you, this was August weather and I thought it would be warmer but I was wrong. There were blankets available on the ship but if there are a lot of passengers, there aren’t enough to go around. I think there were about 40 of us.
As we started on the trip, the crew got all the passengers involved in the raising of the sails. Men on the starboard side and women on port side. For some, it was a workout and for others at the end of the rope, (like myself) it was more about trying to keep up and make sure the rope didn’t tangle up on the floor or get in anyone’s way. The kids got involved in a flag raising ceremony.
We ended up going about 7 miles into Mexican waters and saw a pod of dolphins and a fin whale. The dolphin sighting was amazing! So many of them jumping about around the ship. This happened about 2 hours into the trip and frankly, I was getting doubtful that we’d see anything at all. I think the dolphin sighting was even more exciting than seeing the whale even though the whale was huge. The captain (and owner of the America) was nice enough to give us the extra hour out just so we could see the whale. We ended up docking around 8:30pm. This usually doesn’t happen but because the captain is also the owner of the boat, he doesn’t have any strict times to follow like other tours.
Maritime museum admission was also included in the fare but we didn’t have time afterward to go and the museum was close to closing at 9pm. I would recommend setting aside time before boarding to go to the museum since there are some ships, a couple submarines and exhibits to see. I don’t think we missed a lot but it would’ve been nice to go.
Overall, the tour was great and it was also a good opportunity to have a picnic as they suggest. While they provide baked chips and cheese and crackers for free it’s nice to bring light food like sandwiches. They also offer pop and bottled water for free and beer for $ 4. There is a washroom/​restroom available on the ship if you really have to go so you don’t have to hang your tush overboard or anything. Anyone with wine will have to pour it out onto plastic cups which are provided on the ship but you may also bring your own. They don’t allow glass as a safety precaution. Perhaps I’ll go whale watching on the America again on one of my future visits. It was so worth it to get it as a deal.

Unbelievably wonderful whale watching experience — went far beyond my expectations. The boat is lovely, the crew experienced, kind and interesting. The crew made our group feel like we were on a private yacht, bringing us just feet from some whales, offering blankets to those who were underdressed, and sharing hot cocoa at the end of the trip. We brought a picnic lunch and wine, but snacks, drinks and beer/​wine (beer/​wine for sale) were available. My father in law is a former sailor, and is unsteady due to health reasons, but he was treated with respect and care. Al and the rest of the crew hosted us as if we were old friends, and shared fantastic information and stories for both kids and adults who were interested. If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to go, definitely book it!

My wife and I went on a sunset cruise on the America during our honeymoon in San Diego and had an absolute blast. The weather was great, the crew was fun and professional and the boat was amazing.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique experience.

This is a unuique and fun experience. We went on the older ship, the America. It is a beautiiful cool ship. The seas were rough but actually made it more fun, but be warned not the best for older people. My dad walks with a cane but we got him into the cockpit in the back and did well (big tip the cockpit is great refuge for kids and older people and maybe the best spot in the boat anyway). The crew was the real deal, very professional and friendly (not creepy re-​enactors), good conversationalists. We saw some dolphins and gray whales which was great, but the sailing was just great all by itself. They do a really good job with food too; they have baskets of chips and snack bars (good ones, baked chips and baked cheetos) and free soft drinks (beer for purchase). Probably best to pack a sandwich, but if you don’t bring anything their is plenty to snack on.
Great experience, highly recommended.

My Fiancé and I spent a day whale watching on the America, and had a blast! What a great and entertaining crew with a very subtle and relaxing trip. We had Al who seems to be a sailor to his very core and new just about everything there is to know about sailing. Bring a bottle of wine, sit back, relax and have a great time on this boat sailing trip.

We spent 2 ½ hours out on the bay on the Abracadabra racing the Stars & Stripes boat. We had a great time… all the guys that run the boats were awesome. This is not a regular sail boat… you really see how much work it is to run these type of boats. I will appreciate watching the races a lot more now! Thanks for a great day!

I woke up last Sunday, and thought, what a gorgeous day– I want to go sailing! Neither my husband or I had ever been sailing before. I grew up boating, but never sailing, and I knew they were quite different. So a quick Google/​Yelp search landed me on the Dennis Conner home page. Gave them a call, and delighted to find that they had extra space for the day’s sail, signed us up!
We went on the 2.5 hr SD bay excursion on the Stars and Stripes, a boat which won the America’s Cup Regatta in 1995. What a treat! Troy was our skipper, and let me tell you, he was amazing! His son and another gentleman were his crew, and the 18 or so guests on board were also excited to act as crew, as most of us took a hands-​on role. (But if you don’t want to to be active, no need to fret– you are totally welcome to just sit or stand around and enjoy the breeze and the sights.)
Troy was VERY knowledgeable about just about everything– from sailing, the America’s Cup, San Diego, anything! He was very personable and answered all of our questions. He is funny, warm, and will provide you with an amazing tour of both SD bay, and you will learn your way around a sailboat. I felt very safe and no one got sea sick! We even got a special bonus no one had planned on– a Portuguese Navy ship was in town, leaving the harbor en route to Hawaii while we were sailing– so we got some amazing once-​in-​a-​litetime photo ops. Troy even asked everyone if it was OK to extend the tour a little bit, so we could sail alongside the ship for a while. Of course everyone was ‘gung-​ho’ for added adventure!
I highly recommend this tour for those who want to see the city from a great view, learn a little about sailing, and go fast (crave a little adventure)! I liked the small group size– 18, maybe 20 guests– made it easy to take part in steering, adjusting the sails, asking questions, have a nice group conversation, etc. (I think the America is a much larger ship that holds more like 100??)
Beware this is a sailboat, so no bathroom of course! Glad I reminded myself of that right before we boarded. Also, they provide waters and sodas during the trip, which was nice. (They told me over the phone that I could BYOB and stick in the cooler if I wanted… haha!) I felt SOOOO bad that I didn’t have any cash on me to tip the awesome crew. When I bring friends and family on this tour (because I will for sure!), I will be sure to tip them double :)
I am also active duty for the Navy, and though I didn’t ask at the time of booking, Troy said they offer a military discount! Awesome! Gotta love our small businesses that support the troops.
Your sailing ticket also gives you admission to the Maritime museum, so leave a little extra time either before or after sailing to go through all the ships of the Maritime museum. Definitely a value, and makes for a great day down at the harbor.
Another glowing review for Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup Experience, and especially Troy Sears and crew, for truly making our day amazing!

I had to write a review for the America and its crew because I had such a fantastic time with them. I had low expectations going on a whale watch, because it’s always so tricky whether or not you see anything at all. But these guys were awesome! Knowledgeable, funny, always quick to get everyone into the action. The boat itself is gorgeous and the afternoon flies by, especially with all the snacks and drinks they provide. I had the best time, and I’d recommend this to anybody, whether to a couple or to a family with kids looking for a fun Saturday activity!

So much fun and beautiful boats! Thank you on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary.

I had heard an advertisement through SDCCU for a discount on Whale Watching… I have lived in San Diego and have never been. I thought it would be something fun to do for Valentine’s Day! It was super easy to book. I really liked the description because they limit the number of people they take and it was a true sailing experience… not being on a jamb packed ferry. They also GUARANTEE that you will see a whale and you will also not get sea sick!
We had a fabulous time! It was so much fun! I would so highly recommend this adventure to anyone. We loved Al… the narrator for the excursion. We had great weather… we saw some whales and all in all had a wonderful day sailing on San Diego Bay!
Description from their website…
In the ²⁰⁰⁸⁄₂₀₀₉ season the beautiful ‘America’ carried over 4,300 guests to the whale grounds in her 110 sailings. This was amazing support from the public in what is the worst economy in decades. This wonderful support is testament to the ‘value’ included in every trip. Here are the main ingredients with every ticket purchased:
* A lifetime opportunity to sail on the most famous racing sailing vessel in the world.
* Free entry to the wonderful «Maritime Museum of San Diego»
* A «NO Seasickness» Guarantee
* A «Whale Sighting» Guarantee
* BYO lunch & alcohol for a «Picnic On The Ocean» with the whales and dolphins
* The ‘Green’ way to get up close with ‘Mother Nature’
Most charter vessels close whale watching by April 7^th, however scientific evidence and long term data show positive proof that these Baja Gray Whales are still migrating in quite large numbers past San Diego through until the end of April. The «American Cetacean Society Los Angeles Chapter» have been monitoring and recording whale migration passing Los Angeles for 30 years. These volunteers watch the migration from the cliffs of Palos Verdes and in their own words… «we see only a small proportion of the total gray whale population».
Hence the yacht ‘America’ will commence our season on December 19 and sail through to April 15 or longer if sightings and public support prevail. In ²⁰⁰⁹⁄₁₀ we will continue to provide a ‘whale sighting guarantee’, a ‘No seasickness guarantee’, entry to the ‘Maritime Museum of San Diego’ and the BYO ‘picnic lunch’ option as has been very popular in past seasons.
Join us and see what makes the whale watching tours on America experience so popular.
From December 19 through to April 15^th experience a rare opportunity to whale watch on AMERICA, the famous San Diego racing yacht. Experience San Diego sailing as never before on our luxury and historic yacht America as we go whale watching. This is the peak season for whale watching, when some 28,000 Gray Whales migrate over 10,000 miles to Baja California where they birth their young.
Your AMERICA whale watching ticket also includes the $ 14 admission ticket to the San Diego Maritime Museum. Here you can pursue all of the amazing history, boats and ships that the Maritime Museum has to offer. Explore the magnificent «Star of India», prowl an ancient Russian Submarine and navigate your way through «Surprise,» the beautiful ship from the movie «Master & Commander.»
AMERICA is the ONLY sailing yacht that opens its decks to the public each day as we head out to watch the grace and beauty of California Gray Whales. Unlike other San Diego whale watching tours that use diesel engines (which can cause some ocean-​goers to become seasick), our AMERICA yacht is a sailing yacht, allowing us to offer a «no seasickness» guarantee.
When you sail with us to the ocean, should sea sickness spoil your experience we will invite you back to sail with us free of charge on another day, OR we will issue you a $ 40 Gift Certificate for lunch at the famous San Diego «Fish Market» restaurant. That is how confident we are that you will not get seasick!
Make no mistake about it, this is not your ordinary whale watching trip — this is a «once in a lifetime» thrill. The famous «America», the whales, dolphins and nautical history… this is by far the «Premium» whale watching experience in Southern California.