Whale Watching Santa Barbara
Whales from grey whales to humpbacks migrate up and down the west coast year long. Whale watching trips depart daily in the summer months from Santa Barbara wharf and we can assist with pre-booking a shared or private experience.
Area
California
The Santa Barbara Channel is home to more than 30 species of whales, dolphins, seals, sea otters, sea birds and sea lions that visit throughout the year. It is one of the most consistent locations found anywhere to offer blue whale watching, gray whale watching and humpback whale watching.
Private charter trips are available offering a personal and close encounter experience. Please inquire if of interest as charters are priced on application depending on your requirements.
Please note that bookings generally open 6-8 weeks prior to departure.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourJust Us: Californian Honeymoon
On this luxury escorted USA tour, you can indulge in a stylish journey through California, where your guides will take you to exclusive locations in LA and San Francisco. You'll also stay at the finest hotels, including an extraordinary retreat on Big Sur, take a trip to the stunning Sonoma Valley and experience coastal life in Santa Barbara.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationSun Rose West Hollywood
Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.
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View AccommodationCarmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Located near exclusive Nob Hill and close to the heart of downtown San Francisco and Union Square, the historic Ritz Carlton offers guests a timeless escape into luxury. With a cable car stop right outside it's also perfectly placed for exploring too.
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View AccommodationStanly Ranch
Stanly Ranch is a 21st century luxury resort, winery and residential community set in over 700 acres of rolling green vineyards.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Napa Valley
As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.
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View AccommodationEl Encanto
A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.
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View AccommodationHotel Californian
Enviably located just steps from the beach, Hotel Californian is a celebration of Spanish Colonial architecture and modern style and design. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, there's no better place to experience the American Riviera.
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View AccommodationThe St. Regis San Francisco
Located in San Francisco's trendy SoMA district, St Regis San Francisco is a luxurious city hotel with a contemporary edge. Boasting stylish interiors and well-appointed lavish suites, the St Regis is perfect for families exploring the city by the bay.
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View AccommodationHotel Casa del Mar
Once an opulent beach club for Hollywood stars of the 1920s, Casa del Mar oozes old school glamour and relaxed sophistication. Sitting on the golden sands of Santa Monica beach, the hotel has uninterrupted ocean views and a delightfully decadent décor.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperiencePrivate Tour in Hearst Castle
Enjoy a private, half-day tour of Hearst Castle, bypassing lines for exclusive access to this opulent estate. Personalized to your interests, explore lavish rooms, gardens, art collections, and breathtaking views.
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View ExperienceBeachside Horseback Ride and Scenic Picnic Lunch
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
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View ExperiencePrivate Joshua Tree Hike
Explore Joshua Tree’s wild beauty on a 1-6 mile off-trail adventure. Hike through canyons, towering rocks, and surreal vistas while your guide shares history, geology, and wildlife insights—plus optional rock scrambling!
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Yosemite Hiking Excursion
This morning, explore Yosemite's Mariposa Grove on a private guided hike. Marvel at giant sequoias on a personalized 4- to 5-hour trek or shorter 2-hour walk. Learn their ecology, capture stunning photos, and enjoy lunch back at your hotel afterward.
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View ExperiencePrivate Old Town San Diego Food and Wine Tour
Discover San Diego's Old Town on a culinary walking tour! Enjoy historic landmarks, unique food pairings, craft beers, tequila, California wines, and decadent chocolate in a vibrant cultural setting.
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View Experience
Private Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure
Embark on a thrilling private offshore adventure from Newport Beach in search of whales and marine life.
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View ExperienceDisneyland Private VIP Tour
Experience the magic of Disneyland with a VIP guide, skipping queues and customizing your day! Meet Disney characters, enjoy top attractions, and access exclusive parade and show viewing areas.
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View Experience
Beekeeping Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch
Embark on a VIP apiary tour in Carmel Valley, donning beekeeping gear to explore a hive of 60,000 Italian honeybees. Learn about their social structure, sample fresh honey, and take home a special gift.
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View ExperiencePrivate Lake Tahoe Boat Tour
Enjoy a private 27-foot luxury boat tour of Lake Tahoe with a guide. Explore Tahoe City, Emerald Bay, and Camp Richardson, plus enjoy hiking, local culture, and scenic views before returning to your hotel.
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View ExperiencePrivate Insider Architecture Tour
Dive into Palm Springs' mid-century modern scene on a private tour. Explore iconic homes, admire interiors, and learn about architects like Wexler and Frey. See outdoor art and celebrity estates on this insider’s journey!
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View ExperienceExplore San Francisco in a Private Cable Car
Take a private sightseeing tour aboard the Powell-Hyde streetcar, enjoying stunning views of San Francisco's landmarks, from Coit Tower to Lombard Street, with a local guide.
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View ExperiencePrivate Surfing Lesson
Learn to surf along the California coast with a private expert instructor. Master wave timing, pop-ups, paddling, and ocean safety, leaving confident and ready to ride like a pro!
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning