Price from:
11 USD
***Private Charters:*** Please call to book
Key Points
- Awe inspiring adventure
- Beautifully equipped vessel
- One level boat designed for optimal viewing
- Fun for all ages
Tour Details
Welcome to Oceanside, CA. We are OCEANSIDE ADVENTURES, the top rated luxury Whale and Dolphin Watching company located in front of the historic Light House in Oceanside Harbor.
Come out with us for an AWE inspiring Whale and Dolphin Watching adventure. **Our trips are 2 hours and are great for families, couples, private parties, corporate events and more**. Our adventure is for anyone and everyone that loves the ocean and the wildlife we may encounter.
Our vessels, **newly built 2024 Catamaran NALA 63- foot state of the art Catamaran** with a raised platform for optimal viewing and a **VIP Captain Deck**. Oceanside Adventures our signature **50-foot, 45-passenger, beautifully equipped catamaran**. Both vessels were built for Oceanside Adventures by Cooper Marine in Florida, both vessels are perfect for Whale Watching We get you up close and personal to marine life minutes away from our harbor.
What we see:
**Nov-April:** Gray Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback , Fin Whale and all 4 species of dolphin
**May-Oct:** Fin Whales, Blue Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and all 4 species of dolphin
Other sightings may include Orca, Pilot Whales, Turtles, Sharks, Sun Fish, Sea Lions and various birds and other marine life, one never knows what we will see next on one of our adventures. Our daily sightings log is on our web site oceansidewhalewatching.com
What Is Not Included?
Food and beverages are not included in your ticket price but are available for purchase.
Meeting Location
Oceanside Harbor: 256 Harbor Drive South Oceanside, CA 92054. Hopefully these landmarks will help you to find us better: Oceanside Adventures is located in the heart of Oceanside Harbor off the 5 freeway, and 30 minutes north of Sea World in San Diego, and 30 minutes south of Orange County! Our ticket office is located near the Lighthouse in front of Rockin Baja Lobster, 256 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside, CA 92054
FAQ
**What kind of whales and dolphins have been recently sighted?**
For the latest sightings please visit our trip logs Please note that there is NO better time for seeing whales or dolphin as they both move 24 hours/day!
**Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?**
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance.
**What happens if it rains?**
We do run in light rain, but if it becomes extremely windy we might have to cancel the trip for safety reasons. If the trip has already left the dock and conditions become unsafe, we will issue a "whale check" that will allow you to come back another time for another one of our whale watching cruises!
**Are children allowed?**
Yes! We have no age limit for our whale watching cruises. Everyone is welcome, and our vessel is very safe with high rails. However children ages two and under are not recommended.
**Is this cruise suitable for pregnant women?**
While we don't put a limitation on who may or may not attend, pregnant women should always consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities.
**If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list?**
Unfortunately we do not have waiting lists for our trips. If the date and time you want is sold out, please choose another date and time from the schedule for this activity.
**How early should I arrive to check in before the trip?**
Please arrive no later than 60 minutes before the cruise departs. ( parking is very hard to find, especially on weekends please allow your self ample time to find a spot , we can not refund you if you miss the boat )
**Are we guaranteed to see whales or dolphins?**
While we can’t guarantee a whale or dolphin sighting every trip, our experience has allowed us to maintain an unsurpassed record for success in the Oceanside area!
**When is whale and dolphin watch season?**
It's always whale watch season at Oceanside Adventures! Grey whale season officially begins on November 28th and runs through the end of April. Blue Whale Season runs May - November. The Dolphins do not migrate, so we often see Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, and Pacific White Sided Dolphin all year round!
**What is the best time of the day to see whales or dolphins?**
Whales migrate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no "best" time to see whales or dolphins, but the weather on the water tends to be calmer in the morning.
**How close do we get to the whales and dolphins?**
The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires that we stay 100 yards away from the whales, but some may swim right up to the boat! Dolphins usually come very close, but we do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.
**How far does the boat go out?**
Grey whales are coastal navigators, so usually we travel about a mile offshore. The same is generally true for Blue whales. The boat does have the range of up to 7 miles if needed. While we would love to see whales and dolphins as much as you every day is different and whales and dolphins can never be guaranteed in nature..
**Where exactly is Oceanside Adventures located within Oceanside Harbor?**
Hopefully these landmarks will help you to find us better: Oceanside Adventures is located in the heart of Oceanside Harbor off the 5 freeway, and 30 minutes north of Sea World in San Diego, and 30 minutes south of Orange County! Our ticket office is located near the historic Oceanside Harbor Lighthouse in front of Rockin Baja Lobster restaurant, 256 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside , Ca 92054
**Will I get seasick?**
While the Oceanside Adventure's dual-hull catamaran construction makes it very safe and stable, we will be in the ocean. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you might want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand.
**Are there restrooms on board?**
Yes, there is a clean marine head on board.
**Is there shade on the boat?**
Yes! Indoor seating and awnings are available. If you plan on staying outside to have a better view of the whales and dolphins, please dress appropriately with a hat, sunglasses, and/or sunscreen.
**Is the boat safe?**
Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (EPIRB, Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) the Oceanside Adventures is constantly maintained and inspected once a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.
**Is the boat wheelchair accessible?**
Yes! however we have two vessels , one boat has a very large, wide ramp which can accommodate guests in wheelchairs, and the entire boat has just one level. If you have any additional questions, please click on “Contact Oceanside Adventures” to the left of the page. The vessel Nala has stairs please make sure you call us to find out what vessel is running your trip.
**Are there life jackets on board? Do I have to wear one?**
We do have life jackets on board, but it is not required for any passenger to wear one during the cruise.
Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?
There is limited room to stow your belongings on board. Please only bring what is absolutely necessary for the trip.
**What should I wear?**
Warm, layered clothing is best. It is always much cooler (10-15 degrees) on the ocean than in the harbor, so it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Once you are comfortable you can always peel a layer off! Waterproof clothing might be a good idea in the event of rain, and sunglasses are an absolute must!
**Can I smoke on the boat?**
No smoking is permitted.
**Are dogs allowed on board?**
We do not allow dogs on board, with the exception of service animals.
**Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?**
No hot food or Alcohol may be brought on board. Dry snacks and drinks, (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase on the boats.
**How much money should I bring?**
While no money is required from you on board, if you'd like to purchase food or beverages at the full service galley, or souvenirs, please bring extra money (approximately $20). While the store on-land accepts both cash and credit cards for souvenir purchases, food and drink on the boats' galleys will need to be purchased with cash only.
**How much should I tip the crew if any?**
There is no gratuity required, but a recommended amount would between $2-$5 per person. The crew works hard to make your trip enjoyable!
**Can I bring an ice chest?**
No ice chests or coolers are allowed on board. We will make exceptions for special diets, however.
**Can I book a private charter?**
Yes, all boats are available for private charters. The charter office can be reached at 1-760-277-3073
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Policies
**Refund/Rescheduling Policy**
**Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.**
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
**Other Policies**
**Full accommodation will be provided in the rare scenario the trip is canceled for any reason.**
The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event for weather-related reasons or otherwise, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability), receive a credit for a future event or receive a full refund.
**All participants are required to have tickets for this event.**
Our boats are United States Coast Guard documented for a certain amount of passengers and we cannot exceed the capacity. This means that all passengers must have a ticket.
About
**Oceanside Adventures, Sea Life Tours**
Set in a beautiful and flourishing harbor, Oceanside Adventures showcases our brand new state-of-the art high speed 63 foot catamaran Nala as well as the 49ft. Oceanside Adventures catamaran both will be have a naturalist led whale watching and sea life excursion cruise. Either boat may run your trip.
The captains, crew, and onboard naturalists on our Oceanside Adventures trips share more than 20 years of on the water marine life experience. Come one, come all: whale watching is an event anyone will enjoy.
Booking Notes
**IMPORTANT: The person booking this ticket and guests assume all risk of personal injury and loss or damage to property. Management reserves the right to revoke the license granted by this ticket (s).**
##Check-in Note
**The WHOLE party must be present in order to check-in.**
**When to Arrive**
**It is important that you arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. We recommend at least 60 minutes on weekends and holidays, please note that parking is extremely hard to find and if you are late we can't refund you ** Please have your entire party check in at the kiosk for boarding passes and to sign the manifest.
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**What to Wear**
Warm, layered clothing is best. It is always much cooler (10-15 degrees) on the ocean than in the harbor, so it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Once you are comfortable you can always peel a layer off! Waterproof clothing might be a good idea in the event of rain. You **must** wear soft soled shoes, no heels please.
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**What to Bring/What Not to Bring**
• Bring a small bag with extra clothes, a camera, binoculars, hat, gloves, sunglasses, or sunscreen. You may bring a personal water bottle only on board.
• **No alcohol, hot food, ice chests, or coolers** are allowed on board, except in the case of special dietary needs.
• Dry snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase on the boat.
• If you'd like to **buy food, beverages, or souvenirs** at the full service galley, please bring extra cash (~ $20). Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on board.
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**Other Tips & Guidelines**
**It is important that you arrive at least 45 minutes before departure on weekdays and 60 minutes on weekends. We recommend allowing more time on weekends and holidays** Please have your entire party check in at the kiosk for boarding passes.
**If using a voucher or discount, you must present proof of valid promo/voucher code at the time of check in.**
**Important:** Any directions or maps provided by Oceanside Adventures are only a rough guide. You are responsible for arriving at the activity's meeting location on time, so make sure to check with a second source that can provide specific directions from your starting point.
**Detailed Directions**
You can find us at **256 Harbor Drive South. Oceanside, CA 92054** in the heart of Oceanside Harbor. It is conveniently located near our dock and the historic Harbor Lighthouse. **You must check in at the kiosk to pick up your boarding pass before going to the boat.** If you are lost or running late, please call (760) 277-3737.
**From LA:**
• Take the Freeway I-5 South and keep right to stay on I-5 South.
• Take exit 54C towards Oceanside Harbor Dr. / Camp Pendleton.
• Turn right onto Harbor Drive.
• Continue straight to stay on Harbor Drive.
• Turn left to stay on Harbor Drive.
• Destination will be on the right.
**From San Diego:**
• Take the I-5 Freeway North.
• Follow I-5 North to Harbor Dr. in Camp Pendleton South.
• Take exit 54C from I-5 North.
• Merge onto Harbor Drive and continue straight.
• Turn left to stay on Harbor Drive.
• Destination will be on your right.
We are located on the south side of the Oceanside Harbor Lighthouse just past the Rockin' Baja Lobster restaurant. Please look for our kiosk in order to check in and pick up your boarding pass.
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**PARKING:**
FREE 72hr parking can be found at 401 Riverside Dr. Oceanside, CA 92054. From that parking lot, head west under the railroad tracks-through the tunnel and towards the Historic Light House to our kiosk to check in.
Due to the harbor being busy please allow adequate time to find parking. If you have any questions or are running late please give us a call at 760-277-3737.
PARKING TICKETS: DO NOT park in spots where it states Slip Renter or Permit Parking. Ticketing will be enforced and we are not responsible.
If you have any questions or running late please give us a call at (760) 277-3737.
***Parking tickets: Do not park where it states slip renters parking or parking permit. Ticketing will be enforced!***
To our valued customers: All tickets will have a temporary fuel Surcharge added at check out. It will be listed and included in fees. Thank you
**Message for our wheelchair guests -We can accommodate standard size push wheelchairs with a wheelbase of 25” or less. The max width to get through the gate is 27”.
Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate electric wheelchairs or scooters, even if they fit the wheelbase provided above.
Please call after booking 760-277-3737 so we can make a note and have the ramp deployed and ready for your arrival.”
