Step aboard our 54-foot expedition vessel, the SUNFISH, for a full-day adventure into the Channel Islands National Park, one of California’s hidden treasures and the nation’s least-visited parks. Paddle downwind through sparkling waters, snorkel among vibrant kelp forests, and explore hidden sea caves around every bend. Along the way, watch whales and playful dolphins, soak in the scenery, and experience a truly wild marine paradise largely untouched by visitors.
Whale Waching
4 Hour Boat Excursion in search of Gray Whales in Channel Islands National Park
Family Fun Whale Watching Adventure!
Experience the gray whale migration as these amazing animals make their annual northern migration up the California coast to Alaska with their calves in tow.
Highlights
Whale Migration Routes
The Channel Islands are strategically located along the migration routes of several whale species, including gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, and more. This makes it a prime spot for witnessing these majestic creatures during their seasonal migrations.
Abundance of Wildlife
In addition to whales, the Channel Islands are home to a wide range of marine wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, and various seabird species. This makes the overall marine wildlife experience more dynamic and captivating.
Protected Marine Reserves
The waters surrounding the Channel Islands include marine reserves and protected areas. These conservation efforts contribute to the health of the marine ecosystem and create a favorable environment for whales and other marine life.
Our Journey in search of Whales
Check-in at Marine Emporium Landing in Oxnard
Check in starts at 8:45am for an 9:00am departure. This is a half day adventure outside of Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.
Whale and Dolphin Discover Crossing
As we cross the Santa Barbara Channel we enter a international Whale Heritage area that is known for over 33 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) like the Blue Whale and Orca.
Watch for pods of dolphins around the boat
Stay on the lookout! Dolphins often join the adventure, surfing the bow and stern wakes for the best front-row waves in the ocean.
Look for Sea Lions as we come near islands and shorelines
As we cruise past the islands, watch the rocks and kelp beds, sea lions often pop up like little torpedoes, checking out who’s cruising through their neighborhood!
Pelicans & Waterfowl of the Channel Islands
Watch brown pelicans dive gracefully for fish while cormorants, gulls, and waterfowl flit among kelp beds and rocky shores. Year-round and ever-active, the islands’ coastal birds turn every glance skyward and shoreline into a wildlife spectacle.
Guaranteed Whale Sightings
Join us for an unforgettable adventure where whales take center stage. We guarantee you’ll see these magnificent giants breach, tail-slap, and glide through the waters of the Channel Islands. And if we don't see whales, you can return on any whale watching trip we operate during the same season.
FAQ’s
Do you guarantee whales?
All of March we guarantee you will see gray whales or another type of large whale species. We almost always see dolphins, which are toothed whales :), but these are not included in our promise to you.
If we don’t see whales, you can return on any whale watching trip we operate during the same season. An email will be send post trip with a code to rebook for free!
Do we land on the island?
We do not land at the Channel Islands on our whale watching trips.
Is food included?
Food is not included. We recommend to bring snacks with you aboard the boat.
Bring a reusable water bottle with hot or cold beverages.
What are your booking policies?
Minimum to run requirements apply to this trip. Once our minimum has been met you will be confirmed option. If we don’t meet our minimum you will not be charged.
Whale Watching Guarantee only provides you with credit, we do not issue refunds for not seeing whales.
Payment in full is required to reserve your whale watching tickets. You can reschedule or cancel up until 7 days prior to your departure. Cancellations requiring a refund will be charged a 15% processing fee. There is no fee to reschedule.
BOOK Whale Watching
See why our Customers Love Us!
Bringing Paddle Sports to the Santa Barbara area for over 30 years!
