Discover the thrill of observing majestic whales in their natural habitat on a private boat tour off Pacific Palisades. This guided adventure is perfect for wildlife lovers and families seeking an up-close ocean experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Pacific Palisades has a rich history as a scenic coastal community, with sailing and fishing being a longstanding part of its heritage.
Conservation
Fish Out of Water Tours prioritizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life and promoting responsible wildlife viewing.
Fish Out of Water Tours
Discover the thrill of observing majestic whales in their natural habitat on a private boat tour off Pacific Palisades. This guided adventure is perfect for wildlife lovers and families seeking an up-close ocean experience.
Fish Out of Water Tours is a San Jose, California-based operator offering marine-focused adventures and training across the Baja California region. The company provides a range of experiences including private Marlin Expeditions (private charters for up to six passengers), Whale Safari departures in San Jose and Cabo guided by marine biologists and professional photographers, Baja day cruises to islands such as Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo, spearfishing outings, and structured freediving courses.
The freediving curriculum includes introductory PADI Basic Freediver or SSI Freediving Basic Course options (2–3 days) and an advanced SSI Level 2 or PADI Advanced Freediver course (3–4 days). The basic course prepares participants with breath-hold skills and relaxation techniques and serves as a foundation toward SSI Level 1 or PADI Freediver certification. Spearfishing trips operate with high-speed boats to maximize dive time, while day cruises combine diving, hiking, and local wines for customizable itineraries.
Fish Out of Water Tours emphasizes structured courses and guided wildlife encounters. Whale Safari listings explicitly note involvement of marine biologists and professional photographers, and course descriptions reference PADI and SSI certification pathways. All descriptions are presented in third person and reflect the experiences and offerings provided by Fish Out of Water Tours in the San Jose and Baja California operating areas.
Location
San Jose, CA
Operating from San Jose, California
Tours Offered
7
Whale safaris, charters, courses
Private Charter
Up to 6
Marlin Expeditions capacity
Certification Paths
PADI & SSI
Basic and advanced freediver courses
Secure dates for private charters, whale safaris, spearfishing trips, or PADI/SSI freediving courses departing from San Jose.
Wear layers and bring sun protection
The ocean breeze can be cool, even on warm days, so dress in layers and wear sunscreen to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Enhance your wildlife viewing with binoculars and capture the incredible moments with your camera or smartphone.
Arrive early for the best viewing spots
Getting to the dock ahead of time ensures you secure a desirable spot on the boat and maximize your chances of whale sightings.
Stay seated and listen to the crew’s commentary
Maintain a safe distance from the water and enjoy the educational insights provided by the experienced guides.
Wide-brimmed hat
Provides shade and helps prevent sunburn during outdoor time on deck.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry in case of splashes or light rain during the tour.
spring|fall|winter
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from UV rays while spending time outdoors on the boat.
summer
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing and helps spot whales from a distance.