Hop aboard a whale watching tour

The Santa Barbara Channel is a body of water found within the northern portion of the Southern California Bight, extending from Point Conception in Santa Barbara County all the way south to Point Dume in Ventura County.

The Whale Superhighway

An Ideal Spot for Whale Watching

Also known as the "whale superhighway," the Santa Barbara Channel is an exceptional spot for whale watching. The nutrient-rich waters provide a popular feeding ground for several types of whales. From late spring through early fall, it's common to spot humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, fin whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, coastal bottlenose dolphins, and Risso's dolphins.

When to Go Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

Seasonal Whale Migrations

From late November through April each year, thousands of Pacific gray whales migrate south through the channel to Baja California, returning in the spring. During this time, you can sometimes see mothers with newborn calves, heading to the Bering Strait off Alaska to spend the summer.

Best Times to Spot Specific Species

If you’re hoping to spot humpback or blue whales, the best time is from late spring through early fall. These species are drawn to the channel to feed during this period.

Whale Watching Tours

Condor Express

Condor Express is one of the top-rated vendors in the area, praised by past passengers for its knowledgeable staff and large stable boats, which are ideal for those prone to seasickness.

Sunset Kidd Sailboat

For a more intimate outing, the 15-passenger Sunset Kidd sailboat receives favorable reviews from travelers.

Other Recommended Companies

Other highly-rated companies recommended by the tourism board include Captain Jack's, Celebration Cruises, and Double Dolphin.

Tour Details

Tour lengths vary by company, with some tours spanning 2 1/2 hours and others lasting more than four hours. Ticket prices can also vary from $80 to $125. For more information, visit the individual website of each company.