easy
4–8 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly seated with gentle movement on board.
Set sail from Moss Landing on a private charter to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds up close. Choose from half- or full-day trips for a personal wildlife adventure.
Half (~3 hours)/ Full (~6 hours) day tour • Up to six passengers • Starting at $995
Embark on a personalized Private Charter trip in Monterey Bay, guided by an experienced captain and licensed drone pilot. Choose between half-day or full-day adventures to witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, and diverse seabirds. Capture stunning wildlife moments from a stable, low-to-water boat, ensuring an unforgettable experience with friends and family.
Half day (2.5 - 3 hours) & Full day (6 hours)
A Private Charter trip is tailor-made to you, where you want to go, and what you wish to see. Each trip includes our local, professional, experienced Captain/ Co-Owner who is also a licensed drone pilot with several years of experience filming wildlife here in Monterey Bay. There is a 6 passenger maximum capacity. A private charter trip is perfect to create an intimate experience with friends, family, or a photography/videography-focused trip. These trips are also perfect for those who wish to fly their own drones from the boat. Private Charter Trips vary from half-day trips (up to 3 hours) to all-day trips (up to 6 hours).
Species & Wildlife in the National Marine Sanctuary:
Oceanic Expeditions whale watching trips are the way to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The personable, high-end experience offered by an experienced captain and professional photographer establishes the best angles for photography and sightseeing. Our new stable, low to the water USCG certified Stabicraft boat offers a comfortable, safe ride and exceptional viewing of the wildlife.
Departing from Moss Landing, perfectly located between Monterey and Santa Cruz, the National Marine Sanctuary “hotspot” for whales, a well-known place where whales feed during the summer.
Seasickness
Come prepared. If you are sensitive to motion or you’ve never experienced an open ocean before, be precautious, and take motion sickness medicine one day prior to your trip. Dramamine is well-known in the U.S to help with motion sickness, and it's available at any drug store. If you prefer more natural methods, ginger candies before and during the trip can be of great help.
Restrooms
There is one enclosed restroom on the boat. There is also a public restroom available in Moss Landing Marina. We recommend using the restroom before trips.
Coastal weather can change rapidly, so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Enhance your viewing experience with binoculars for spotting distant whales and birds.
Waterproof cases or dry bags are recommended to keep cameras and phones safe on the boat.
If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before departure to avoid discomfort.
Moss Landing has a long history as a fishing village and marine research hub, contributing valuable knowledge to marine conservation.
Oceanic Expeditions practices eco-friendly tours that minimize disturbance to wildlife and support local marine protected areas.
Protects against wind and sea spray during the trip.
all specific
Helps prevent sunburn during quieter, sunny days on the water.
spring specific
Reduces glare off the water for better wildlife viewing and comfort.
summer specific
Capture detailed photos of distant whales and seabirds.