Top California Safaris

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

When visiting Sonoma, take a break from wine tasting to walk on the wild side at Safari West! Home to more than 700 exotic animals, the open-air wildlife preserve offers the experience of an African safari without leaving California. Get an up-close encounter with species like cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests and flamingos on a 3-hour Jeep and walking tour, while a friendly ranger offers insight into the amazing animal kingdom and the park’s conservation programs. Bring the kids for this fun and family-friendly adventure!

Get out on the water to enjoy unobstructed views of Santa Cruz's marine life in Monterey Bay. Your guide knows the best spots for whale-watching, improving your odds of seeing one in the wild. In addition to different kinds of whales, you may also encounter porpoises, dolphins, sea otters, and more. Add context to what you see with insights from your guide.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park on a small-group, guided tour that’s designed to cover key park areas efficiently, all without the need to plan routes or drive yourself. Travel between viewpoints while stopping for short walks to experience the landscape up close (park admission own expense). This half-day tour offers a practical way for visitors to maximize their sightseeing, and see a range of highlights in just a limited timeframe.

The Elkhorn Slough is home to the largest population of sea otters in California, as well as more than 300 species of birds. Get an overview of the local wildlife with insights from a guide with a degree in marine science on this guided boat tour of the wetland. Enjoy unobstructed views from the vessel, and preserve the memories with souvenirs from a science and nature-themed gift shop.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Prepare for an unforgettable encounter with the giants of the sea. Our 3.5-hour premium whale watching expedition takes you beyond the shoreline and into the heart of the ocean’s most spectacular playground. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or a first-time explorer, this journey offers the perfect balance of excitement and coastal relaxation. This trip is highly recommended during Blue Whale season (June – September). Since these 100-foot giants migrate further offshore, we recommend these trips during blue whale season as the extended time they provide give us a wider window to secure a successful sighting. Witnessing the largest animal to ever live is a true once-in-a-lifetime moment—maximize your chances by booking during their peak summer residency.