Ocean Safaris in Monterey Bay

Join us for a fantastic day whale watching on Monterey Bay

Spend time seeing animals like seals, otters, whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and the coastal scenery of Monterey Bay!

Duration: 3 hours

Ages: private trips available for families with younger children, 10+ years

What to bring: Camera, hat, and rain jacket (it could get wet!)

Info: Great for small intimate group trips (6 passengers max)

Timing: Trips depart everyday at 9am from Santa Cruz North Harbor

Pricing: $185 per person

Groups are small (six people max), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the wildlife. There is plenty of free time for us to explore.

Humpback whales
Killer whales
Blue whales, Minke whales, Fin whales
6 species of dolphins (bottlenose, white-sided, Risso’s, short beaked and long-beaked common, and Northern right-whale dolphins)
Harbor porpoises and Dall’s porpoises
Sea otters, harbor seals, and California sea lions

We draw on our experience and expertise to teach, educate, and provide amazing experiences. Whether it is photographing sharks, whales, and other wildlife, or just spending a day on the boat, we are here to make your trip the best it can be.
With only 6 passengers max, each guest has a comfortable seat with a front row view of the adventure.
Each guest is provided with a very comfortable Mustang inflatable life jacket to wear during the trip.
All of our trips are guided marine wildlife expeditions led by an experienced captain/naturalist.
Our Wildlife encounters are true coastal adventures where you can have exclusive educational wildlife experiences that are family-friendly.

Because our boats travel at 20 plus miles per hour, there is a wind factor that can bring a chill. We have always said, “dress like you are going to the snow in layers.” Monterey weather can feel much cooler when on the water. We have spray-proof jackets for you to wear over your clothes if needed. Once on site, typically it is warmer and we are adjusting our clothing layers as needed
Please visit the bathroom before you get onto the boat. There are no bathrooms onboard, and the trip lasts three hours. Also, please remember to pay for parking.

Departing from Santa Cruz North Harbor “J Dock” –More info and driving directions here

All Guests must be in reasonably good health and able to step down into and step up out of the vessel to and from the dock
Our boat is equipped with comfortable seats with soft cushions and backrests but even so, if you are pregnant, have a weak back or neck, or if you don’t like going fast over the water, you should not go. If you have concerns please consider booking with one of the the large capacity vessels in Monterey Bay
Contact us for additional details.