San Francisco Whale Tours

What kind of whales and marine life have been sighted recently?
Yes! We are seeing whales! ---Humpback whales are typically seen in the Spring and Summer months while gray whales have been feeding in and around the San Francisco Bay in the winter and Spring months. Other marine mammal sightings include Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, California Sea Lions and many pelagic sea birds. Join us on board!

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is required, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.

What happens in the event of bad weather?
Trips will continue rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, you will be notified of the cancellation and offered to refund or reschedule to another time depending upon availability.

Are children allowed?
Children of all ages are welcome on board.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?
Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities. For safety reasons, we do not recommend that pregnant women attend.

Do your trips depart on time?
Yes, our trips do depart promptly! We kindly ask that you arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Don't miss the boat! Tickets are non-refundable less than 48 hours prior to the tour.

How far are you from the major airports?
We are approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland airports depending on traffic.

Do you guarantee whale sightings on every trip?
Yes! If you don't see a whale your next trip is on us.

What kind of whales will I see?
We have seen Gray and Humpback whales throughout the year depending on the season.

How close up can we view whales?
We will stop 300 ft. from the whales and let them come to us, following federal whale watching guidelines. We do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.

What happens if I don't see a whale or any dolphins during my trip?
We will try our best to make sure you have a great experience on board with us, but we cannot control where the whales are at any given time. If you don't see any whales or dolphins during your trip, we kindly invite you to come back again for another trip!

What other marine life should I expect to see?
The other marine and wildlife include: Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, California Gulls, Western Gulls, Pigeon Guillimot, Brandt's Cormorant, Double Crested Cormorant and so much more!

How far do we have to travel to view whales?
Our goal is to find whales in the wild. The destination depends on where the whales are feeding any given day and time.

How long is the trip?
The tour duration is about 2.5-3 hours depending on weather conditions.

Will I get off of the boat at any point?
No, you will not get off of the boat at any point during this excursion.

Where do the trips end?
The trips end at the same dock which they departed from.

Which boat will I be on?
All trips take place on the 65 foot catamaran, Kitty Kat. If the vessel is no longer available an equal vessel may be substituted.

Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, then there are a few great remedies out there to try. Please be prepared and take preventative measures after consulting with a doctor. Keep in mind that this is an intense expedition and the boat WILL stop (but you will NOT get off) which may result in some light rocking. Fortunately, our boat is one of the best out there and its modern technology helps make every trip a great ride.

Are there restrooms on the boat?
Yes, there is a gender neutral restroom.

Are the boats safe?
Safety is our number one priority! Our boat meets the current United States Coast guard regulations, and our experienced captain and crew make every effort to ensure a fun and safe adventure.

Are there life jackets on board?
Yes. We carry life jackets on board for all passengers.

Are your boats handicapped accessible?
Unfortunately, there are 4 steps you must take to board the boat, but if you are mobile enough our crew would be glad to assist you onto the boat with the best of their ability. The bathrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible but can be used by a passenger with limited mobility.

Can I smoke on the boat?
No, smoking is not permitted on board.

Are pets allowed on board?
We cannot allow pets on board, with the exception of service animals.

Can I bring my own food and beverages on board?
Yes! Please feel free to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages on board. Beer and wine are allowed on board, but hard alcohol is not.

Can I bring alcohol on the cruise?
You may bring beer or wine on the trip. Harder alcohol is discouraged because we are a family- friendly experience.

How should I dress?
Dress warm and in layers. Waterproof jackets are great and comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Depending on the weather conditions it is always a possibility that you may get wet. Please plan accordingly.

Do you have translators for non-English speaking people?
Trips are narrated in English, but the scenery is enough to take in even if English isn't your first language.