We're located in The Princeton Pantry at 15 Johnson Pier at Pillar Point Harbor on beautiful Half Moon Bay in El Granada, CA Get Directions
Whale Watching & Eco Tours
We offer year round whale watching and nature trips from the Pillar Point Harbor located at Half Moon Bay California. Trips may be tailored to your specific group’s needs. Experienced naturalists can be made available to speak to not only the marine life, but the geology of the coast and ocean floor, it’s natural history and lore. That could be in addition to your knowledgeable Captains and crew who spend their lives on the ocean observing it’s life and patterns.
The multiple independently owned and operated boats we work with are all experienced USCG Licensed Captains and crew with all required safety equipment provided. They are familiar with the local and offshore waters.
Come with us and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience!
Our aim is to tailor your ocean adventure
experience
to meet your expectations.
Video taken on the New Captain Pete.
Whale Watching
We reside within the boundaries of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and are adjacent to the Gulf of the Farallons National Marine Sanctuary. Explore the possibilities to see gray whales during their winter migration, off shore pelagic seabirds in the summer and fall months. Humpback whales, sea otters, elephant seals, California sea lions, Harbor porpoise, Dall’s porpoise are frequently seen as well as the occasional Leatherback sea turtle or shark. The bird watching is excellent both in coastal waters as well as offshore and around the Farallon Islands.
Whale watching trips are usually 3 hours in length and during the Winter Migration (December to mid February) Gray Whales are the main feature, they are usually found 10-15 miles off the coast. In the spring, when they are heading north with their calves, they are usually found much closer to the coast and sightings of multiple whales is likely.
Gray Whale Watching trips are generally three hours in length and are scheduled regularly on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm from late December into April on a space available basis. Reservations are recommended. Click here to reserve online.
Eco Tours
During other times of the year there is an abundance of marine life available. Humpback and Blue Whales frequent the waters for the feed provided by the upwellings from offshore and can be seen often during the summer months from our boats. The Farallon Islands, 26 miles from Pillar Point Harbor is one of the largest seabird rookeries and tufted puffins, auklets, common murres, elephant seals and sealions are among some of the many species of life that may be observed on a trip to the Islands. Boats are available to groups for charter for nature/ecology trips by arrangement. Click here to reserve online.
What to Bring
Warm clothes in layers, jacket, hat and gloves (waterproof)
Comfortable non-slip shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera
Binoculars
Seasick? Check with your doctor or pharmacy about medication.
Prices & Details
We can provide for groups of 6 or less or groups as large as 49 people. Snacks and beverages included.
