Summer Whale Watching in Santa Barbara Channel
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour is on a stable vessel with minimal physical strain.
Overview
Join a private 3.5 to 4-hour whale watching tour in Santa Barbara Channel this summer. Spot Humpback whales, Blue whales, dolphins, and more in their natural habitat while enjoying coastal beauty.
Summer Whale Watching
3.5 to 4 Hour Tours • Humpback, Blue Whales & Dolphins
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 3.5 to 4-hour whale watching adventure in the vibrant Santa Barbara Channel! Witness the breathtaking spectacle of Humpback and Blue whales, along with playful dolphins, as they thrive in a nutrient-rich environment. Experience nature's wonders up close while enjoying a safe and respectful tour.
Come aboard to experience the Santa Barbara feeding season!
Duration
3.5 to 4 Hours
About
During the Spring-Fall season, the Santa Barbara Channel is teeming with life due to the process of upwelling. High winds push out warm surface water, bringing up cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths, creating a bloom of life. The phytoplankton explosion is so significant that it can be seen from space, providing a food source for anchovies and krill, which in turn feed the magnificent creatures we are searching for. Our summer whale watching season offers an incredible opportunity to see a variety of whales and dolphins, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Minke whales, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and Risso's dolphins. It's an extraordinary experience to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, and we prioritize safety and respect for both the animals and our guests during our tours.
A MINIMUM OF 4 BOOKED PASSENGERS IS REQUIRED FOR THE TRIP TO RUN
What Should I Bring?
Be sure to bring warm clothes, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat), a camera, and a smile ready for adventure! Also smart to pack water and a light lunch or snack!
What to wear?
Dress WARM! Even in the summer, temperatures on the water are at least 15 degrees colder than on land. Definitely wear long pants, close toed shoes, layers, and a wind/ water resistant jacket.
What will we see?
Summer in Santa Barbara is our most action packed time of year. Humpback whales show up to the channel to feed in the early spring months. They will be our most frequently seen baleen species throughout the year. Known for their aerial acrobatics and charming personalities, we love every day spent with humpbacks! Accompanied by their sidekick cousins, the common dolphin that can often be seen in the thousands here in the channel, summer in Santa Barbara is a sight to behold. Blue whales are typically seen in the late summer months, around June-August; there's nothing quite like the shimmer of the largest animal ever to roam planet earth! We also see other species, including but not limited to : offshore bottlenose dolphins, Dall's porpoise, minke whales, fin whales, and if we're lucky, killer whales.
Adventure Tips
Bring layered clothing
Ocean temperatures can vary; layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the trip.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming the marine environment by choosing eco-friendly sunscreen.
Keep your distance from wildlife
Respect the animals by maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
Bring binoculars and camera
Enhance your viewing and capture unforgettable moments with binoculars and a zoom lens camera.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales
- Dolphins
History
Santa Barbara Channel has been a traditional marine hunting and fishing area for the native Chumash people for thousands of years.
Conservation
Santa Barbara Whale Watch follows strict guidelines to minimize human impact and promote awareness of marine wildlife conservation in the channel.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Barbara
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Helps adjust to changing temperatures on the water and ocean breezes.
summer specific
Binoculars
Allows for better viewing of distant whales and marine life.
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
Protects your skin while being environmentally friendly.
summer specific
Camera with zoom lens
Captures stunning close-ups of wildlife and coastal views.