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Condor Express Whale Watching

4.3 (112 reviews)
Closed 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Services - Condor Express Whale Watching

Boat charters

Bartending services

Venue rental

Condor Express Whale Watching Photos

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Darren T.

Went on a whale watching tour a few days ago. Online reservations and payment were easy and fast. Check in information was good and check in easy. Tour started on time. The only bummer about our trip was last minute a large school group of Jr High students got on and took over where we were sitting and the large group made it hard to see. Other than that our party of 4 adults enjoyed this trip! Ordering drinks and food was easy. The bathroom wasn't the best but it was clean. Our captain was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw many whales that came close and stayed close to our ship. So close that I got sprayed by one. Captain said when that happens it's called being kissed. I can proudly say I got whale kissed! We will surely go again on our next visit.

Blue whale tale
Laura N.

Yesterday my family and I went whale watching with some of our friends. We had 2 young children with us and a teenager. We had an amazing time! When we got to the dock, we checked in and they gave us our boarding passes. The boat left promptly and on time. While the boat is leaving the marina, they give a little science lesson on the whales and what we can expect to see. We saw 3 blue whales and a couple humpback whales. The blue whales are extremely rare this time of year. It was a very active day! We also saw lots of dolphins and seals. I've been whale watching out of Long Beach many times and I've never seen as many whales as I did yesterday. This was my first time whale watching in Santa Barbara and would definitely do it again. Great time!

Humpback whale tail
Nina L.

Honestly, deserves more than 5 stars. I had low expectations for seeing whales, but we saw at least ten humpbacks and dozens of sea lions feeding when we visited Santa Barbara in mid April. I can only say good things about our whale watching cruise. The crew was friendly and the captain was very knowledgeable about the marine life we encountered and provided a good description of their feeding behavior. He also positioned the boat so the lighting was optimal for pictures. Highly recommend paying the extra $5 to get a seat on the top deck. There are less people on the top deck and they'll serve you drinks when you're seated while you get out far enough to see any marine life. Parking on the pier can be a bit of a mess. We parked in one of the neighborhoods across the street and walked about ten minutes. The ticket station is close to the end of the pier so give yourself ample time to make your tour, they recommend at least 30 minutes. You can book reservations online directly through their website or you can buy tickets the same day. You might have to wait for the next tour if you don't buy tickets in advance. If you get sea sick, take some ginger candies or dramamine with you. We also brought ginger ale just in case. Take an actual camera if you have one. I don't know how anyone got any good shots with their phones. You don't get that close to the whales, remember they are protected marine mammals. I couldn't ask for more for my first whale watching tour. This will definitely not be my last whale watching tour with Condor Express.

Sea lions hanging out just outside the marina.
Dan N.

Right now, the boat is running at 50% capacity, but we were out a week ago and had a full (50%) boat. Arrived at 9 in the marina to make sure we had good seats up top. Boarding started at 9:30. Ship leaves at 10a and normally you go about 30 mi out. This day we were put close to 50 mi as we were following multiple whales including some fin whales and many blue whales. They were amazing to watch. Well worth going out with them. Just a few things to remember: 1. Wear a jacket as it does get chilly on the water. 2. Bring your sunscreen as the sun will scorch you 3. Pack a lunch and snacks. They do have a galley but this is a cheaper option. 4. Have fun! They say August is a great month to see the whales but I hope to see them again in the future.

The blue whale we saw in June
Rachel D.

The best experience of your life. I've been on this boat at least 5 times and we ALWAYS see wildlife. Multiple dolphin species, seals and sea lion, and of course many species of whales. The captain and crew are so knowledable of the ocean and wildlife and are able to give you the best experience possible. They have great food and drinks as well and are extremely friendly. We will continue to come on more trips! It's the best days ever.

Little selfie time
Kate C.

My boyfriend and I visited back in October 2020 for his birthday. What an amazing experience! I can not recommend this whale watching company enough. My boyfriend is a Marine Biology major, a scuba diver, and marine life lover. He was so impressed with how many whales and dolphins we saw on our trip. Condor Express is truly one of the best whale watching companies in Santa Barbara. They do their research on where to find the whales and we saw about 4-5 whales on our trip. However, I did get a little seasick. The ride was around 2 hours long and they did have food available. Since I'm not really that big of a fan of boats, I took a little nap because I felt super dizzy and seasick. I still enjoyed the trip and I'm glad my boyfriend had a great time. We got great photos and my boyfriend is longing to go back! Thank you Condor Express for such a great time and I'm sorry we were a little bit late when we arrived. You guys are awesome! We will definitely be back. If you're in Santa Barbara, give this place a try.

A decorated boat waiting for the sun to set.

What a great experience! A group of us went out for a night cruise on the Condor Express to watch the annual Santa Barbara holiday boat parade. They put out a yummy spread of snacks, drinks were reasonably priced, and the staff was friendly and helpful. A fun group of spectators and festive Christmas music just added to the festive mood. On top of enjoying our awesome position just past the decorated boats going by, we were treated to a pod of dolphins who were feeding in the pitch black water. Did you know they bioluminescence? Streaks of pale light in the water were followed by the noise from their blow holes and then a shadow of them leaping out of the water. And to top it off, a fireworks show for the ages. It was an evening I will never forget. Thank you, Devin and crew. We'll be back next December with more friends!

Kristin H.

On May 24, 2022 I had one of the absolute best experiences of my life in which we saw at least 9 whales, 100s of dolphins, and even a puffin! We had barely left the harbor and there was a HUGE pod of dolphins feeding on anchovies. They were precious surrounding the boat. Everyone was so excited! The waters were crystal clear and we could see 100s of them all around us. Shortly after, we came across a mom and calf humpback whale. They were extremely friendly and came very close to our boat even waving at us several times. I could not quit smiling. So incredible! After spending some time with the sweet mom and calf we moved on towards Santa Cruz island and saw more humpback whales. Some of them came close to the boat and at one point one of them went directly under our boat! I could see it in the crystal clear water. It felt as though it went right under me! I will NEVER forget this incredible experience of a lifetime! Thank you so much Condor Express! On another note, the drinks and food are also delicious! I enjoyed an irish coffee and a delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwich. :)

Whale
Jaime D.

I've been going out on this boat for 20 years. Crew is friendly and welcoming. The food is great. They offer a whale check if you do not see whales. It's important to remember whales are wild animals, it's not like they have trackers on them. Usually the Capt can find the whales, Santa Barbara is unique since they come thru the channel almost year round. This is a MUST!!

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7 months ago

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1 month ago

Easy to book. Easy to find. Friendly staff. Knowledgeable crew and volunteers. The boat is not for the weak stomachs!

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3 years ago

Kind of saw whales they did try to find them but only saw one whale and calf from a distance waste of time and money for me.

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6 years ago

Had a fabulous day of whale and dolphin watching....crew was great just everything was perfect....deserves more than 5 stars

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Ask the Community - Condor Express Whale Watching

Is the cafe food and beverage complimentary on the Condor Express?

No, there is a menu with prices available on board

Is it true that early morning around 9 am is the best time to go whale watching? Also, is this when the water is the calmest?

Yes

Will be in Santa Barbara between Christmas and New Years. Really interested in whale watching with those who haven't been before. Anybody been on a whale watching tour during that time? I've only been in the summer

I was gonna post same question but noticed no one answered 🙁. Did you end up going.. if so how was it? Might be going this December and wondered the same thing

View All 4 Questions

Review Highlights - Condor Express Whale Watching

We saw 5 blue whales, 10 humpback, and 600+ (yes you read that right) dolphins on our 4 hour trip today!

Mentioned in 19 reviews

Read more highlights

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Condor Express Whale Watching - boatcharters - Updated May 2026

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