Coastal Whale Watching
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Port
Santa Barbara, California, US
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
This option is available to guests who are returning to the ship.
Approximately 2½ Hours
Some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world are right here in Santa Barbara, whose south-facing coast and sheltered Channel Island waters offer an ideal corridor for whale migration. In fact, 27 types of whale and dolphin inhabit the Santa Barbara Channel at different times of the year. Appreciate the beauty of these magnificent cetaceans firsthand during this whale-watching expedition.
Step off the pier and onto a state-of-the-art, high-speed catamaran. The friendly crew welcomes you. Set off on a smooth, stable ride across the sparkling waters of the Pacific. Go topside, or stay in the luxurious, teak-paneled cabin equipped with booth seating and large tinted windows -- perfect for optimal wildlife viewing. There's a place for you on the bow or top deck viewing platform. Basking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze are added bonuses as you scan the water for telltale whale spouts.
These islands teem with wildlife. Winter and spring often feature gray whales on their annual migration. Humpback and blue whales enter the channel to feed from May until Fall. Marvel at the thousands of birds (including cormorants, gulls and the endangered California brown pelican) that nest among the craggy rock formations here. The rocky shores are also resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Keep an eye out for these playful creatures and for dolphins, who love to swim alongside boats, guiding them through these beautiful coastal waters.
Notes:
Dress in layers; it can be cooler on the water. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.