10 Dolphin & Whale Watching in California That You Shouldn't Miss

Explore Monterey Bay year-round with a marine biologist aboard Santuary, a beautiful boat that is only booked to 80% of her capacity for a more personalized passenger experience. We run longer trips with fewer passengers. We really care about the environment and run 100% local biodiesel. Knowledgeable, warm owner/operators engage and enchant. Responsible captains who don't crowd the animals but ease into the area, which often results in fantastic sightings. We have a great device for avoiding seasickness. Located in Moss Landing at the heart of the Monterey Bay & beginning of the submarine canyon for awesome sightings. We are the boat the locals prefer and the National Marine Sanctuary recommends.

Whale watch with Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point on our high-tech sailing catamaran year round, with two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. For 20 years Captain Dave's has provided daily trips to see dolphins, up to 10,000 strong, leap and play right off our bow, plus Gray Whales (December through April), Blue Whales (May through November), and year round Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and so much more. Go underwater with whales and dolphins without getting wet during your whale watch in our Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods aboard Manute'a. Listen to dolphins during your whale watching safari with our underwater Hydrophone. Celebrity and certified naturalists make this exciting Dana Point whale watching excursion educational and entertaining too. Mrs. Capt. Dave's famous triple-fudge brownies make this a one-of-a-kind dolphin and whale watching adventure unforgettable. We are a real Eco-tourism company providing only sustainable wildlife viewing. Ask about Fast Cat, our upscale Rigid Hull Inflatable Catamaran and the newest boat in our whale watching fleet.

Where your Catalina adventure begins! We offer Dolphin/ Sea Lion trips, Coastal Sightseeing/ Eco-Tours, and the Astronomy Experience night time tour all at the best prices in town! We can also customize a private charter to suit your needs. We specialize in small groups (6 or less) and offer the attention to detail and customer service you deserve.

Fast Raft Ocean Safaris are a fun and exciting way to explore the beautiful Monterey Bay Sanctuary! Our low to the water boat, Ranger is comfortable and highly maneuverable, offering an incredible perspective of ocean wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery. With a maximum of six passengers, each Eco-Tour is custom designed to the unique desires of our guests.

The Stagnaro family has been serving the Santa Cruz area for over a century, ever since Italian patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879. This historical landmark business is still leading the way in ocean fun on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is something for everyone: Whale Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Fishing Trips and Private Parties for any occasion. Whichever your choice, today's fourth generation Stagnaro Charter Boats will surely make your trip fun and memorable.

Experience the thrill of whale watching up close on a fun, fast, 6 passenger RIB boat! Here at Adventure RIB Rides, we seat 6 people per boat so you are never fighting for that seat leaning over the rail like many larger boats. We are the only YEAR ROUND whale watching company! Our ocean excursion on the Authentic NAVY SEAL R.I.B. (Rigid Inflatable Boat) provides an adventure to remember as we race through the ocean finding all types of marine wildlife there is to be seen with captains whom are extremely experienced and passionate about marine life and the history of Sunny San Diego. Our boats are all authentic Navy Seal Team R.I.B.s purchased from Navy Seal Team 1 here in San Diego. Explore the marine life on some of San Diego's historic boats with us! For videos that explain more about the experience, check us out on Facebook!

Enjoy sailing San Diego Bay aboard our Beneteau Oceanis 40. We offer private and public charters for small groups with a Captain. Sunset sail, day sailing adventure, or seasonal whale watching cruises are available. We encourage our guests to take an active role sailing the vessel or sit back, sip on some win and relax while we sail effortlessly through the water.

Whether as an individual, family, group charter, corporate event, or just plain fun – there is something for everyone. A day from which wonderful memories and tales are made! Our daily fishing trips depart from Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

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's Finest Sailing! With over 28 years of experience and thousands of happy clients, our crew works diligently to insure each trip is a perfect one for all! All of our crew love what they do and it shows!! Come out for an intimate sail for 2, corporate event, sailing lessons , fishing trips, whale watching experience, or a memorable celebration at sea with a few friends. We excel at doing private parties, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays or a romantic sunset sail. All or excursions come with a knowledgeable friendly Captain, complementary chilled Wine, Beer, Sodas & yummy snacks. Take the helm, hook A fish, trim the sails,or sit back and enjoy a glass of wine on the bow. Our boats were purchased with YOU in mind.The cockpit is where you will spend much of your time and it's roomy. Our Boats are always clean. 34' power boat, (3) 40' sail and (1) Brand new 42' sail in our fleet. We can't wait to take you for your next San Diego adventure!