Oceanside Adventures

4.7 (485 reviews)

Boat Charters, Whale Watching Tours

Closed • 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

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Oceanside Adventures - Mom & Baby Gray Whale taken by our drone photographer Mark Newman - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Oceanside Harbor - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Pacific white sided dolphin - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Oceanside Adventures - Oceanside Harbor photo credit Alan Crosthwaite Photography - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Tish W.

Although this was a sad occasion the crew of Oceanside Adventures made it lovely. First off the boat was really nice. It had covered seating as well as seating on the bow. The boat was clean and it also came with snacks for our 25 minute ride out to sea and back. Not sure if he was the first mate or the captain and I'm probably spelling his name wrong (Tolcan) was super attentive to our group. The ride was what could be expected on the ocean. A super plus was all the dolphins that we saw. This crew and the young lady at the sign in booth made this a very nice family event. If you are in the market to charter a boat, this is definitely a company I would look into.

Jane R.

Such a beautiful evening for a wine tasting cruise! This company partners with Beach House Winery to host such a cruise--check website for times/tix. I do get the comments about the crew mostly interacting with each other, and in this case, the winery folks and it was also someone's birthday (George!) within their inner circle. But I was able to mingle with a lot of people and someone had made birthday cupcakes (made with merlot!), and they were offered to everyone and it really all added to the experience. I generally do my whale watching in Santa Barbara, but I will try it with this group at my next opportunity! I also want to visit the winery. Thanks for a fun time!

Lizlynne H.

It was easy to book our whale watching and dolphin viewing adventure. The process was seamless in terms of location and directions to parking, etc. Chris was a fantastic captain. Given his heads up anytime we should be on the lookout for wildlife in the ocean highly recommend.

Caroleann B.

I was invited by a friend on this adventure. Although we didn't see any whales on this ride we saw pods of Common Dolphins frolicking. What a sight to see these beautiful creatures play in the deep blue. This experience was a pleasant beginning with the check-in at the booth. Because we were part of a group we had to wait for everyone to be present so that we could all head out to the vessel after signing a waiver. Although we were part of a group there were still room for other's that had made a reservation. After boarding and sailing off, our captain introduce himself and the crew and gave the run down of the tour. The tour is about 2 hours. A single restroom is available on the boat. There are light snacks available for purchase. Outside liquor is prohibited but they do have some for purchase on board. The boat itself is spacious with front (uncovered) of the boat. The seating along the sides are covered above, so provided good shade. It did get a little chilly when the sun was on the other side of the boat. I saw sweaters being passed by family members. We sat towards the back. Dress accordingly at least a sweater to take the chill off. It was a smooth ride, no rough waves. The two young crew graciously answered my many question's. I would definitely suggest this business to friends and family. I will return in the future.

Tracey C.

We have used Oceanside Adventures yearly and have always had an amazing time. We have seen dolphin pods, whales, and just enjoyed our adventures. Great family fun!

Scott R.

Oceanside adventures is our go to for whale watching in San Diego for the last nine years. Incredible captain, crew, and boat!

Sterling B.

A lovely voyage, not too many folks, sea lions barked as we headed out. We soon spotted a lone Humpback and escorted it to a small kelp island, where it stirred up the avian occupants and flipped its tail several times. AND, to the Captain's credit, we chased down and relieved the ocean of a despicable mylar balloon! A lovely way to spend an afternoon! Thanks again!

Becky W.

Incredible afternoon. With the Oceanside Adv crew! They were polite, friendly and knowledgeable! The boat was clean and we felt safe. We were so lucky to see four fin whales (second largest whales in the world) and two types of dolphins! One of the whales Swam under our boat. It was so neat! Fantastic fun with our family!

Dianna S.

What a great day for whale watching. We saw lots of dolphins and a blue whale. The crew was awesome.

Went out yesterday. Friendly crew. The Nala is solid, clean, and provides a smooth ride. Great views. We did not see whales as we are kind of at end of one season and before the next. Not unexpected. However, our common dolphin encounter and just being out on the water was a great time. We will come back in November to January for sure!!

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Jeff H.

3 years ago

I had a great time last week taking my youngest daughter, I plan on taking my other daughter this week. Highly recommend!

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Donna K.

Thank you so much we appreciate you coming out!

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Janell J.

5 years ago

Great cruise and they even provide a free re-ride if you don't see any wildlife. Excellent customer service too!

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Donna K.

Thank you so much Janell. We hope to see you again!

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Ned B.

7 years ago

Not really whale watching season but we wanted to take advantage of the senior discount and good weather. First hour was a bit boring and you NEED to bring a cushion because the seats are terribly uncomfortable. However, on our way back to the dock, immediately following the conversation about a free trip IF we see nothing...an amazing thing happened...500 dolphins! Great experience and a delightful trip! read more

Oceanside Adventures - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Donna K.

Thank you for taking the time to share you experience with others!

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Barbara A.

5 years ago

Chris and TCon (sorry if I misspelled your name!) were the best tour guides we could have hoped for on our two-hour whale watching cruise! It's obvious that they are well-schooled in their field of expertise...Chris' commentary on what to look out for and the fascinating details and facts about what we viewed was a welcome change to other scripted/canned tours. I love that he took the time to point out historical points and background information such as how the pod of dolphins we saw compare to others throughout the world. He was able to locate a mega-pod of dolphins and they dove and swam all about us, later a minke whale, and then a sunfish...made this trip unforgettable! I felt like a kid! We loved it and the fact that it was how we spent our anniversary was so great! The pictures I took don't do it justice, but imagine being surrounded by hundreds of dolphins frolicking all around the boat! I know we were lucky to have had this wonderful experience! I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a first hand glimpse of ocean life in southern California! Thanks again, Chris and TCon! read more

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Lowan M.

4 years ago

Absolutely a great day! Saw a large pod of dolphins, then a super pod!! Great weather, wonderful staff. Tikhon and Tammy were nice and helpful, answering questions and taking care of guests. Chris the captain knowledgeable and found these pods quickly. No whales, but still fantastic trip!! read more

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Janet B.

5 years ago

We had a great time. Josh helped by explaining the grey whales. Loved seeing them and the dolphins! Thank you.

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ALLYSON Z.

3 years ago

highly recommend! i'm an oceanside local and tell everyone that visits to go. fun for all ages! knowledgeable staff and great experience.

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Donna K.

Thank you how nice to hear.

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Jane R.

5 years ago

Great trip! Saw two different types of dolphins and lots of cool fish and birds. Will totally come again. read more

Oceanside Adventures - Birds - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Dolphins - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Donna K.

Thank you so much Jane for your kind words and sharing your cool…

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Susan S.

4 years ago

What a fantastic voyage! We saw several gray whales, including 3 breaches and 8 flukes. Then we were surrounded by hundreds of dolphins that played and raced with our boat. It really was spectacular! Highly recommended! read more

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Donna K.

Yayy 8 flukes wow that is a wonderful trip thanks for coming out !

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Sue R.

4 years ago

A beautiful day beautiful trip we didn't get to see wheels, but we saw so many dolphins. The crew is fantastic. The boat is fantastic.

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Julia F.

5 years ago

Oceanside Adventures did an amazing job on our whale watching cruise! The crew was friendly and informative, the boat was extremely clean and it was a delightful day. I highly recommend this "two hour cruise" as a way to relax and enjoy the splendid sights nature has to offer on the Pacific Ocean! Look forward to going again! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Julia!

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Rodney J.

5 years ago

Our family of 2 adults, two teens abs two kids had a great time! The staff was fantastic. Just the right amount of time. We saw the most amazing pod of dolphins and learned a lot about the ocean. Thanks for a great trip! read more

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Wendy J.

5 years ago

Always a delight. I am fortunate to live nearby. Every few months I treat myself to a beautiful 2 hours on the water. I am always thrilled to watch the dolphins swim and play. It's amazing on a beautiful sunny day. It's cozy to cuddle up on a brisk fall day. Great crew! Bar on board. What more can you ask for read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Wendy! We look forward to seeing you again.

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Terry L.

726

157

4 years ago

We had a great time today. Captain Chris, and staffs Kaitlyn and Ivy were very professional and kind. Chris is very detailed and descriptive and humorous so the whole 2 hours went through fast. Kaitlyn and Ivy are also very nice. We saw lots of dolphins today and will definitely come back again in February or March to see the whales. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Terry!

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Samantha M.

6 years ago

We had a great time! Thank you for your excellent navigation skills that let us experience these beautiful dolphins! read more

Oceanside Adventures - Pod of Pacific Bottle Nose Dolphins - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Donna K.

Thank you very much Samantha for sharing your experience and the…

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Rebecca N.

5 years ago

Super nice young captain. We were sad for the kids who did not see any dolphins! We know they are wild animals which move around a lot. Nice crew so will give our tickets away since we'll be gone. It was a fun boat ride. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Rebecca. Hang on to your re-ride tickets as they never…

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Donovan B.

7 years ago

We had another amazing day on the ocean. We did not see any whales but we did see well over 2000 dolphins. Both the rare beautiful Pacific and our Common Dolphins. To me it was a beautiful experience. Fist trip I have never seen a whale but this was a bonus. Being in the middle of thousands of these amazing mammals feed and play. Never have we seen so many concentrated in such a small area. Never a dull moment read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Donovan! We appreciate you sharing your amazing experience.

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Dave K.

6 years ago

This was our second time. Very fun, educational. We did not see any whales, but we saw lots of dolphins. Well worth it. P.S. I hardly ever give 5 stars. read more

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Donna K.

Wow thank you so much Dave! We greatly appreciate you taking the…

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Kim B.

8 years ago

We had a fabulous time on our tour and actually got a two-fer due to their awesome policy of giving a "rain check" when on the rare occasion no wildlife is spotted. We first did the sunset cruise and although all we saw were sea lions, I got some fabulous sunset photos of the coast and harbor. We returned the next morning and this time were delighted to see a pod of playful dolphins and a grey whale. The crew was amazing, the vessel is immaculate and comfortable, and the prices can't be beat! If you want great photos of the dolphins, sit up front! This adventure is a must-do when visiting Oceanside! Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring a little cash to tip the crew, they more than deserve it for the value you get as well as their professionalism! Bon voyage! read more

Oceanside Adventures - So close you can almost touch them! - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Oceanside Harbor upon returning. - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Beautiful sunset views! - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Dolphin rainbow! - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - Grey whale - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Donna K.

Thank you Kim for sharing your experience and photos and we are…

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Kasey B.

6 years ago

Wonderful boat ride today!! We were able to see grey whales and sea lions. The Captain and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Oceanside Adventures - Grey whales - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

Oceanside Adventures - 5grey whales - Boat Charters Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Tandra R.

6 years ago

Although we did not see any whales, it was a great tour. The weather was perfect. We saw dolphin (up to 800), sea lion and a seal. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable. A must see event that I highly recommend! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you so much Tandra! We appreciate your kind words and…

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Kim M.

6 years ago

I had the most awesome time this trip. I always see Dolphins, which I love. This time I got to see my 1st Whale. It was a humpback Whale. That made my day! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Kim! We look forward to having you aboard again in the near…

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Ronald B.

5 years ago

Wonderful time out in the Pacific Ocean.Highly recommend !! Ronald Broems read more

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Donna K.

Thank you very much Capt L

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Frank G.

230

9 years ago

We went whale and dolphin watching. We saw both! It was one of the better trips I've been on. Very informative we also saw some sea lion sunning themselves on a buoy on the way out. The ship was newer and in excellent shape. The benches are made out of metal and a little cold so bring something to sit on! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you for taking some of your valuable time to provide fellow…

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Heather B.

9 years ago

Used a Groupon, saw two gray whales...great afternoon. They have chips and candy, drinks and a small bar. Bathroom on board. The crew knew a lot about spotting the whales and were able to stay with them for quite a bit. Bring a jacket! read more

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Donna K.

We appreciate your positive rating. It's always appreciated and…

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Andrew R.

4 years ago

Great experience with Oceanside Adventures. They accommodated our large party in short notice. The kids enjoyed seeing dolphins and fish!

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Donna K.

Thank you so much so glad you had a fun time

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Brian H.

7 years ago

My wife and I loved our trip. Good, stable, safe, clean boat. Knowledgeable captain and mates. Leaving from Oceanside harbor makes for shorter trips - closer to the whales. We followed two whales and encountered multiple pods of dolphins. We plan to return next year. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Brian! We look forward to having you aboard next year!

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Richard G.

8 years ago

Weather wasn't great, but Wife and I decided to have some fun. "The Weather started getting rough,the tiny Ship was tossed, if not for the spirit of the two person crew, the fun surely would have been lost"! We had a great time! We only saw Sea Lions up to the point of turning around, then we saw two whales surfacing! The Captain went the extra mile so we could have an opportunity to see more of these Grey Whales, it was fine. An excellent Captain and First Mate, a memorable experience we will do again soon. read more

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Donna K.

That is so funny Richard, thank goodness it was only a 2 hour tour…

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Paul D.

7 years ago

We went a year ago and had a no show day for dolphins and whales, so they gave us a full credit to use on a future outing. We went again this week and saw different kinds of dolphins, sea lions, and 4 grey whales. They also showed us the close up drone video from above the whales which was thrilling to see. The staff provided a lot of details on the Oceanside harbor history and local sea life. Great trip! read more

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Donna K.

So awesome Paul! Thank you for sharing your experience.

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Camille D.

9 years ago

Friendly staff, friendly dolphins. We didn't spot any whales, but we saw 3 different species of dolphins and boy were they playful. Bottleneck dolphins...meh...but overall great 2 hours out at sea. If boozing while you're cruising is your cup of tea, there's a bar on board, so you can spice up the dolphin & whale watching. Very friendly staff and all around good vibes with the passengers. Never felt too crowded and the captain gave everyone fair warning about where the wildlife was. Definitely grab a spot up front for prime viewing. Bring layers just in case you get cold on the water, but an afternoon tour in December proved to get a bit steamy. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you for taking some of your valuable time to provide fellow…

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Quin S.

6 years ago

I went on the sunset wine tasting cruise last Saturday. Had a great time. The crew and wait staff were very friendly. Had some great conversations and really loved the guys dressed as pirates! wink wink. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you matey! Glad you had a great time, maybe we will see you at…

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8 R.

6 years ago

The crewmen/women were great! They were attentive &during the trip made sure everyone was taken care of. We didn't get to see any whales this trip around but they tried so hard looking for some. We ended up running into a bunch of dolphins & it was awesome to see them that close & to learn about them. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you for your kind words and sharing your experience with…

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Carter M.

8 years ago

The most fun I have had in a long time! Really friendly and knowledgeable crew, Super great and sturdy boat! All around fun for all! I'll defiantly we on the water next visit to San Deigo! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Carter! We look forward to having you aboard again soon.

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Karen C.

4 years ago

I loved the boat! It's very stable and easy to quickly get from one side to the other. The sides are clear or screened, so my two year old grandson could easily see all the action. They had toy whales and dolphins he could play with which was great. We saw lots of dolphins and a couple of whales from a distance. Highly recommend! read more

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Jennifer B.

4 years ago

We had a nice time on the whale dolphin cruise. We did not see any whales but a tone of dolphins.

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Jonathan R.

4 years ago

Great day on the water. Boat was clean and kept up. Captain and deck hands were great with the passengers and really tried to make the tour a very good experience. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you Jonathan!

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Patrick M.

9 years ago

My wife, our 8 year old, and myself had a blast!. Boat is very nice and the crew was great! We enjoyed being able to buy a beer on the boat and cruise. Also had kid drinks and snacks. The Captain and crew were very knowledgeable and accessible to answer questions. My son enjoyed the Captain making us "honorary spotters" and really kept him looking for things. We found a big pod of dolphins, some sea lions, and a very friendly Minky whale. 2 hours was about the perfect length. Would highly recommend! read more

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Katie S.

6 years ago

We had the BEST day with Oceanside Adventures!!! Captain Chris was awesome and found us soooo many Dolphins. We were hoping for the first whale of the season, but the adventure did NOT disappoint. Cindy was so helpful with questions and of course beverages. We are trying to book again now. It was also a fantastic boat. Thanks for a great day! read more

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Donna K.

Thank you so much Katie! We are very happy to hear you had a great…

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Lori A.

4 years ago

Went on a whale watching tour. The guys were great and knowledgeable but it was hard to see anything because the whales we did see were far away. We did however see tons of dolphins at the end of our trip. I would definetly do it again next time we are in Oceanside. read more

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Donna K.

Thank you again for coming out hope we see closer whales next time

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Zee M.

118

4 years ago

The tour was fun and a Chris and TConn were great tour guides. We saw 4 whales and some dolphins! Definitely recommend this whale watching tour. read more

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Page 7 of 13

256 Harbor Dr S
Oceanside, CA 92054
Directions
(844) 205-0644
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/

Payment methods

Does Oceanside Adventures take credit cards?

Yes, Oceanside Adventures takes credit cards.

Other Amenities

Does Oceanside Adventures have free WiFi?

No, Oceanside Adventures does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We are Oceanside Adventures on of "The best things to do in Oceanside" — a top-rated luxury Whale Watching company located in front of the historic Light House in Oceanside Harbor. Come out with us for an AWE inspiring Whale and Dolphin Watching adventure. Our trips are 2 hours and are great for families, couples, private parties, and corporate events. Our adventure is perfect for anyone and everyone that loves the ocean or the wildlife we may encounter. Our vessel is a 50 foot beautifully equipped one level fast Catamaran built by Cooper Marine in Florida. This US Coast Guard inspected Catamaran is perfect for optimal viewing, we have both covered and non covered areas and seating throughout. Get up close and personal to the marine life minutes away from Oceanside Harbor. Rated the best "Family activity in Oceanside." Offering Burials at Sea at an affordable price. Private Charters.

History

Established in 2015.

Our vessel is a NEW 50 foot beautifully equipped, wheelchair accessible, one level, fast Catamaran built by Cooper Marine in Florida. This US Coast Guard inspected Catamaran is perfect for optimal viewing during the San Diego whale watching season; we have both covered and non covered areas and seating throughout. Get up-close and personal with the marine life we may see minutes away from Oceanside Harbor. There are no steps from the parking lot to the check in counter and onto the boat so our vessel is easily accessible. Each trip is narrated by an expert Captain, a certified naturalist who loves Whales and Dolphin just like you do. Come out with us for an AWE inspiring adventure of Dolphin and Whale Watching in Oceanside. Our trips are 2 hours and are great for families, couples, private parties and corporate events; for anyone and everyone who loves the ocean or the wildlife. View our calendar and book your adventure!

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Hours

Oceanside Adventures Reviews in Other Languages

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Ask the Community - Oceanside Adventures

What type of alcohol drinks/beer is Served?? And what type of snacka

Our cash bar serves beer, wine and cocktails. Dry snacks available, chips, candy, granola bars, nuts. https://www.oceansidewhalewatching.com/faqs/

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Has anyone done the 5-7pm ride, we will be in town?

We spread my parents ashes last night and we came upon two types of dolphins at the same time. Incredible trip and send off for my parents!!…

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Will be in town next week. Been on boat trips prob a dozen times, in moss landing, in so calif dana point, which is one of my fave as the water is VERY calm, and SD couple years ago which was CHOPPY. is the water here pretty calm comparatively?

We were out on a boat today and the water was fairly calm while we were in the harbor area. After we left the harbor, it was a bit choppy but not to bad. One of the boat crew mentioned that the water is more "choppy" in the afternoon.…

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Review Highlights - Oceanside Adventures

“Amazing afternoon with Captain Chris and deckhand Tikhon watching a young humpback whale in glassy seas.”

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Kenny E.

310

3 years ago

I recently had the privilege of joining Oceanside Adventures for a whale watching tour that left me absolutely awestruck. I can't help but share my genuine enthusiasm for this incredible experience. From start to finish, every aspect of our journey with Oceanside Adventures was nothing short of outstanding. The absolute highlight of our trip was the rare sighting of not one, but two magnificent blue whales. To witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The expertise and dedication of the crew were evident as they expertly guided us to these incredible marine giants, providing us with a truly unforgettable encounter. But the wonders of the ocean didn't end there. We were fortunate enough to come across a pod of playful dolphins, gracefully swimming alongside our boat. Their acrobatic displays and cheerful energy brought immense joy to everyone on board. Additionally, we were treated to the fascinating sight of two Mola mola fish, adding to the diversity of marine life we had the pleasure of witnessing. I must commend the entire Oceanside Adventures team for their exceptional service. Ivy, who assisted in the galley, was friendly and attentive, ensuring that we were comfortable and well taken care of throughout the trip. Chris, our skilled boat captain, navigated the waters with expertise and shared captivating insights about the marine life and the surrounding area. Their genuine passion for what they do shone through, making the experience even more memorable. The boat itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious, providing ample room for everyone to enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean. The crew's commitment to safety was evident, and their professionalism made us feel at ease throughout the journey. If you are searching for an authentic and awe-inspiring marine adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Oceanside Adventures. Their dedication to delivering an exceptional experience, combined with the breathtaking encounters we had with blue whales, dolphins, and Mola mola fish, surpassed all expectations. This was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you, Oceanside Adventures, for an unforgettable journey into the wonders of the sea! read more

Joe G.

9 years ago

Decided to avoid the terrible traffic going to San Diego and give Oceanside a try. The boat is smaller than some of the ones we looked at touring in San Diego, but it was not crowded, over sold and plenty of room to move around and view the different sides when animals were spotted. We were not disappointed in any way. With this kind of tour, it is somewhat dependent on how the animals cooperate, but we took the morning 2 hour cruise and hit the trifecta. Seals, Dolphins surfacing along the boat and incredible views of several Blue Whales. It was amazing. As advertised, we left at 10am and were back promptly at 12 noon. The crew consisted of a bartender and skipper and they were both extremely friendly and you knew they enjoyed what they were doing. For a couple from New Mexico, it was the memory of a lifetime. Very much worth the price! read more

Amanda L.

11 years ago

My family live in Texas and came out to visit for Christmas. My mother was very interested in whale watching. This is the only thing she wanted to do. After decision based on price, distance and time, we went Oceanside Adventures. My mother got very sick that morning and was not able to come with us. I did not even try to ask for money back on her ticket. I read the policy and my brother, father and I were still able to go. They not only went above and beyond on this trip, they refunded us money back for my mothers ticket without having to or letting me know prior and wanting recognition. We had the best tour guides who knew a lot of information about the animals and one even let us borrow his binoculars for a moment. This is the best company with incredibly employees who love their jobs. read more

Ryan H.

4 years ago

Our experience with Oceanside Adventures could not have been more perfect. From booking our reserved outing, to the kindness and attentiveness of the boat crew day of the excursion, the professionalism was front and center from start to finish. We rented a boat for a small gathering of 13 individuals for a burial at sea/spreading of ashes. Communication and sensitivity were felt throughout the entire process, especially on the day of the memorial. The team gave us space when we needed private time as a family, yet were available whenever we had a request or question. Our adventure ended with an amazing and emotional sighting of a magnificent pod of dolphins. The day could not have been more perfect. Thank you for making an important day that much more memorable. Highly recommend! read more

Olga W.

Elite 26

331

325

2 years ago

On a whim, we decided to embark on a spontaneous "oceanside adventure" while visiting Carlsbad. With a stroke of luck, I managed to snag last-minute tickets for a whale and dolphin watching cruise the very next day. Despite the slight hassle of finding parking, the dock was easy to locate. The crew members were warm, welcoming, and had us setting sail right on time--a detail I really appreciated. The boat wasn't overcrowded, and there were plenty of seats to go around, making the experience comfortable for everyone. Although we didn't spot any whales, the abundance of dolphins more than made up for it. The two-hour cruise was an absolute delight, and I would highly recommend Oceanside Adventures to anyone visiting Carlsbad. read more

Tony B.

8 years ago

We had a blast on our trip on May 26, 2018. We were on the trip at noon, and we started out by seeing some California sea lions, but the real excitement of the trip was when we found a pod of dolphins, probably several pods actually that was literally hundreds of common dolphins. We watched them chase the boat and our guide on the deck explained some of their behaviors, like we saw/heard 2 belly flops, and he explained that is a signal from the matriarch of the pod telling the others to change direction. This was my third whale watching trip, second with Oceanside Adventures, and they never fail to deliver. Awesome experience, and my mom enjoyed it too. Her first whale watching trip, and it was on her birthday no less. read more

Sue B.

10 years ago

I was lucky enough to be part of the group of gals on the charter boat on 4/23/2016. We were told that weather permitting; we would be able to go outside the harbor to experience the open seas. I was very happy that it all worked out. It was a clean, spacious boat with ample places to sit inside away from the elements. Being from Arizona, it was a treat to enjoy the sunset on water. The crew was great, providing information and all necessary assistance. It was a fun experience with party music and loads of laughs. Unlike a previous review written by Debbye S., I would definitely recommend this company to everyone! read more

Colton M.

9 years ago

Today we saw HUNDREDS of dolphins! No whales unfortunately but seeing that alone made the money 100% worth it! Seeing wildlife the way it should be free and carefree is absolutely amazing! I will never go back to sea world after seeing these dolphins swimming so happy and not caged was absolutely amazing! Staff was awesome and super helpful and knowledgeable on the area and animals. It may seem pricey at first but for me it was so worth it! Highly recommended to anyone, even if you don't see anything it's still a 2 hour relaxing ocean boat ride! read more

Julie M.

5 years ago

Had a great experience with Oceanside Adventures despite the fact that I was doing a memorial for my father at sea. Everything went well. We saw Dolphins and had the boat to ourselves for my family. Went to a perfect place by the pier where my father loved to visit. We were able to play music via bluetooth on their sound system which as great. The boat was great as it was very stable and allowed my niece to come out and she didn't get sick which was amazing. Thank you Oceanside Adventures for a lovely experience. read more

Mark W.

109

8 years ago

We went out on the boat this past Saturday and the experience we had was amazing. We found a extremly large group (multiple pods) of dolphins. We estimated over 500 that were leaping out of the water all around the boat. We didn't end of seeing any whales but our expectations were blown away with the "Planet Earth" type experience! The staff great and very personable. It was great to chat with them throughtout the experience and learn more about the sea life and area. We would highly recommend this company to all. read more

Faye C.

10 years ago

I enjoyed the sunset cruise we (group of 18 women 50-60 years old) took on 4-23-16. Since I am one of the 60+++ in the group, I enjoyed this very much... Well, except when my free got wet. Being on the back of the boat in the open sea was like riding a roller coaster and you can feel like a kid again. They even got us up close to a group of dolphins. The crew was awesome! I would recommend this company for a cruise as the boat was well maintained and the entire crew was very attentive. read more

Lori W.

10 years ago

Had a fabulous time with all my girlfriends on the boat. There was a fabulous sunset and the view from the boat to the coast was incredible with the cloud formations and the sun reflecting on the buildings on the coastline. The music and drinks made the trip that much more fun. The boat was spotless and the crew fun and very attentive. Would go on this boat again with another private group - I highly recommend it. Thanks for starting our girls weekend off with a memorable experience. read more

Robert H.

Elite 26

125

114

1 year ago

Whale Watching in Oceanside was an absolute delight! Our trip was a huge success, with sightings of Minke and Finback whales, playful dolphins, and even a friendly Mako shark. The crew struck a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, sharing fascinating insights about the marine life with charm and enthusiasm. A big thank you to Captain Chris and crew members Tikhon and Clara for making our sea adventure unforgettable. We can't wait to return with friends and their kids! read more

Sherry B.

11 years ago

Went on the 2:30 Whale & Dolphin trip this week, and enjoyed every minute. We saw so many Dolphins it was awesome. There is a whale not seen very often because it is shy and we had the good fortune to actually see the Minke Whale. Picture will be posted after we hook up off our camera later. The guide up top was wonderful and answered many questions I had. Taking a second trip tomorrow, looking forward to more great viewing opportunities. Great fun! read more

Erin O.

4 years ago

Have toured with these guys multiple times and enjoyed each time! The boat is comfortable and rides smooth. The captain is always knowledgeable and I learn something new each time I go out. I've seen a number of different dolphin species - the babies are the best no matter the type! sea lions, sunfish and huge schools of tuna. You never know what you will come across. my goal is to see a blue whale so I'll go out with Oceanside Adventures again! read more

Dana W.

7 years ago

Our experience was wonderful, we took my sons family which included a one year old infant, there was plenty of shade also. We did not get to see any whales but did get to see a pod of dolphins in which everyone enjoyed as the captain would chase and the dolphins would encounter and then follow and lead the boat....it was a fantastic time aboard the new catamaran oceanside adventure boat. Thanks again! Mr and Mrs Ronnie Whitman read more

Judy P.

11 years ago

Great boat for whale & dolphin watching. Recently celebrated my birthday aboard the boat with several of my whale-watching friends and we had a fantastic timel....highly recommend one of their trips for a great time on the water! Captain and crew are very helpful and they are very good about making sure everyone gets a good look at the marine mammals that are seen on the cruise....make it a MUST DO for your next summer outing! read more

Kaylee H.

9 years ago

Reasonably priced especially for what you get to see! They even took us out longer than 2 hours because we had spotted a whale in the distance! I got awesome pictures of both dolphins and a whale along with getting to see a few sea lions, plus the staff is amazing and extremely informative! Definitely something to do whether you live in Oceanside or are just visiting! I will be coming back for sure! read more

Rebecca W.

8 years ago

We took a boat tour today for my daughter's 8th birthday. We were a bit concerned about the weather, but they assured us it would be ok. They were absolutely correct! It was a wonderful cruise. The staff was incredibly friendly, the boat was perfect and we got to see a whole lot of dolphins (the one thing my daughter really wanted for her birthday)! We will definitely be going again! read more

Amy G.

8 years ago

We had a great experience on our whale and dolphin excursion! They showed up to pick us up promptly, we got to stop and see sea lions soaking up the sun and a large group of common dolphins, we missed the blue whale that the excursion before us got to see but not for a lack of trying! The employees were fantastic and shared tons of knowledge about sea life with us. Great experience! read more

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Oceanside Adventures - boatcharters - Updated October 2026

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(136 reviews)

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