FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Life on a boat is new to a lot of people. We strive to offer the most comfortable and successful whale watch experience on the west coast. Every trip is different and yields different weather, sightings, and encounters. Questions are always welcome and we encourage any and all. Enjoy our FAQ's page and don't hesitate to reach out to us on social media if you have any others.
Life at Sea
What should I wear?
Ocean temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than temps on land. While we do have an inside cabin that will protect you from the elements, its always best to have an extra layer or two! Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also recommended.
Will I get sea sick?
Some people get it, some people don't! If you're worried about seasickness, check the wind and wave conditions before your trip. Less wind = less waves! If you're unsure, you can always call the Santa Barbara Landing office, and the clerks will give you a weather report. If you're prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication beforehand. If you get seasick onboard, our crew will do their best to keep you comfortable.
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WE DO NOT TURN AROUND OR OFFER REFUNDS FOR SEASICKNESS
Are there amenities onboard?
While we will be at sea for hours on end, searching for incredible marine life, we offer all the amenities most whale watch companies don't. We have a full galley equipped with breakfast and lunch menus, as well as a full bar. We also have three restrooms aboard for your needs. Our boat is always equipped with the latest safety features, a captain and two crew, and a speaker system surrounding the boat, so you can always hear what the captain has to say!
The Wildlife
What will we see?
We are proud to have one of the most consistent sightings boards of any California whale watch company! We see whales and dolphins year round, and have decades of experience in finding animals. Whale migrations and patterns vary throughout the year, but we see an array of different marine species from humpback whales to common dolphins. You can sign up for our daily sightings blog, or click below to read up on our seasons and sightings.
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What if we don't see any whales?
While "whale less," days are rare here in Santa Barbara, we are always at the mercy of Mother Nature and it does happen. Sometimes weather prevents us from getting out to whale feeding grounds, or sometimes whales zig when we think they're gonna zag. This isn't
Sea World, the marine life we seek is wild and free and do as they please! If we don't see whales on your trip with us, we will offer you a "whale check," which is good for one FREE TRIP of equal value. Read up below about our whale watch guarantee.
Will we see the Channel Islands?
The 4 Northern Channel Islands border our channel to the south. On good visibility days you can see them all the way from mainland! While we're able to explore their nooks and crannies on our 4.5 hour whale watches during the summer, it is never guaranteed. We can go to the islands if whales, time, and weather permit, but finding whales is always our first priority!