Whale Watching Cruise: Santa Barbara's Azure Seas

Embark on a Santa Barbara yacht cruise to witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, and stunning coastal views. Book your adventure today.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Santa Barbara Channel - Renowned as one of the planet’s most biologically productive marine ecosystems, the Santa Barbara Channel thrives due to its nutrient-rich waters and the gentle mixing of currents within its sheltered, tranquil coastal environment. This unique setting fosters an extraordinary variety of marine life, offering an ideal and…
What's Included
  • 2-hour Whale & Wildlife Cruise
  • Departure from 237 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara
Additional Information

Embark on a journey with Azure Seas, a 70-foot multi-level yacht, as it sets sail from Stearns Wharf to explore the stunning Santa Barbara coastline. This near-coastal area becomes a haven for diverse marine life during the whale migration season. You might encounter migrating gray whales, humpback whales, playful dolphins, sea lions, and more.
Marvel at…

Location
237 Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is the historic wood pier at the base of State Street. Celebration Cruises is located near the end of Stearns Wharf on the left-hand side. There is limited parking available on the wharf, near our ticket kiosk. Additional parking is available at 1 Garden St (corner at Cabrillo Blvd)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(18 Ratings)
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Cedarion_q
Feb 23, 2026
Amazing 1st Whale sighting experience - Absolutely amazing! The views are to die for. GREAT drinks and service. Whether lower deck or upper the experience is awesome. Love that the waiters come to you. The guide was very informative and a great spirit! Saw whales in the first 5-10 mins, they swam along side our route. 10/10 would ABSOLUTELY recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Eliana
Jul 15, 2025
Highly recommend if you have never been whale watching - We did a short getaway in Santa Barbara and decided to go whale watching. This was a great experience, we actually got to see the whales. Be sure to bundle up because it gets cold out on the boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christiane_l
May 10, 2025
Great expedition. - Captain Andy did not disappoint. Navigate us straight to the whales. Saw dolphins and sea lion as well.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_s
May 9, 2025
Lots of wildlife and very... - Lots of wildlife and very attentive staff. It was a great experience I would recommend to everyone!!
Review provided by Viator
Lois_m
Apr 27, 2025
They will enjoy every... - They will enjoy every minute and crew was wonderful. The wild life was all around us and captain tried to give the best experience.
Review provided by Viator
Martital2025
Apr 25, 2025
Local exploration - The experience was invigorating. The staff was so attentive and helpful. We were able to get pictures and videos of whales. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was very much impressed. I can't wait to go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_m
Mar 28, 2025
Whale of a Good Time - We had a mix of beautiful weather and some foggy cool temperatures. The cruise itself and the way it was conducted was Top Notch and professional. We saw only a few whales from the distance but no disappointment as the overall experience was great. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Ryan_u
Mar 18, 2025
Top Notch Crew! - Even though there was some rain, the crew was very diligent and attentive in making sure our experience was great. I would definitely take this tour again!
Review provided by Viator
Mary_m
Feb 22, 2026
Fun excursion - It was a beautiful day for a cruise. Didn't see any whales . But it was a lovely day anyway. Captain was knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
Alan_t
Apr 22, 2025
Whale trip - Well organised and pleasant crew but unfortunately no sea life to be seen no whales no dolphins however nice boat ride
Review provided by Viator
From $55
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).