Last week we got to check out in person a Whale Watching tour with Channel Island's Whale Watching Excursions and what an amazing and wonderful experience it was.
The day started as we boarded our boat "Ranger 85". Then we enjoyed the ride out to sea. We saw a couple of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions on the way out, but that was merely a small sample of what was to come.
The day started as we boarded our boat "Ranger 85". Then we enjoyed the ride out to sea. We saw a couple of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions on the way out, but that was merely a small sample of what was to come.
The first part of the tour (90 minutes of 3 hours) is very slow going as you exit the Santa Barbara Channel, you will enjoy some beautiful scenery and catch a few ocean creatures swim by like an occasional Whale or Dolphin. This is when you want to go below deck and enjoy some snacks because the tour gets really exciting after this.
On the tour we saw one single Grey Whale but he put on an amazing show for us. He frequently came to the surface, blew its spout then fluked (raised its tail out of the water). According to the captain whales often go 5-6 minutes between surfacing but this whale was up every 2-3 minutes and often more frequently.
After enjoying the show we thought that was the end of the excitement but we were very wrong. As we headed back to shore we got close to one of the oil rigs. Right by it were several Sea Lions (Pinnapeds) on top of some type of metal structure (we weren’t sure if it was a tank or an upside down boat). My daughters were so excited as we sailed right by the Sea Lions.
As we headed back to Channel Islands we saw scores of common dolphins jumping swimming together and jumping in and out of the water. It was absolutely amazing to behold. We spent quite a bit of time watching this before heading back to the harbor.
This tour was simply wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will definitely be going back again. Be sure to dress warmly and understand that most of the real excitement occurs after being out at sea for an hour and a half or so. I would also recommend getting to the bow (front of the ship) for the whale sightings although there are good views from other parts of the ship.
Here is a video we put together of highlights from our trip:
Here is a video we put together of highlights from our trip:
Channel Islands Whale Watching provides half-day whale watching excursions during the week and on the weekends. Rates are $50 for adults; $40 for seniors; and $30 for children under 12. Plus they currently offer a wonderful groupon at http://www.groupon.com (where you can save up to 50% off those rates).
Schedule
Tours are 3 hours long and you need to arrive one hour before departure.
Tours are 3 hours long and you need to arrive one hour before departure.
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM
- Weekends: 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
FAQ @ Whale Watching
Call today to book your professionally guided whale and marine wildlife watching tour (805) 382-1612 or click HERE to sign up online.
Call today to book your professionally guided whale and marine wildlife watching tour (805) 382-1612 or click HERE to sign up online.
For more information visit the website at www.channelislandswhalewatching.com or join them on Facebook.
