Dolphin Watching in Santa Monica, California

Captain Newport is a premier boat and yacht rental and charter company based in Newport Beach, California. With a reputation bolstered by over 450 five-star reviews, the company offers extensive experience in providing luxury maritime experiences along the coastal waters and to Catalina Island. Their fleet features a diverse range of vessels, including sleek VanDutch models, Sundancers, catamarans, and large Azimut yachts, accommodating groups of up to 120 guests. This variety, combined with professional service and well-maintained equipment, distinguishes them as a top choice for both casual outings and special occasions. The company provides a wide array of rental options, including 3, 4, 6, and 8-hour charters, as well as weekend getaways tailored to different group sizes and preferences. Their offerings cater to private parties, corporate events, and leisure travelers seeking unique coastal experiences. Guests can choose from intimate boats like the 18-foot Duffy for smaller groups or expansive party yachts in Long Beach and San Diego that host up to 120 people. Each charter promises a personalized and memorable journey, supported by experienced crews and premium vessels designed for comfort and style on the water.

Marine Emporium Landing is a premier waterfront destination located in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, California. It serves as a gateway to a wide range of maritime adventures and dining experiences, set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura County’s coastal waters. The landing is distinguished by its access to the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, often referred to as North America’s Galapagos, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore diverse marine life. With years of experience in providing high-quality charters, tours, and rentals, the location combines natural beauty with expert services to create memorable outings on the water. The offerings at Marine Emporium Landing include half-day cruises featuring dolphin, porpoise, and sea lion sightings, year-round whale watching, and romantic sunset weddings aboard the Scarlett Belle paddle wheeler. Visitors can also engage in sport fishing charters, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling to fully experience the marine sanctuary. Onshore, a variety of waterfront dining options provide fresh seafood and other cuisines, enhancing the overall experience. The landing caters to adventurers, families, and couples seeking both relaxation and active exploration in a well-equipped, accessible harbor setting.

Located in Newport Beach, California, Captain America Boat Charters offers a distinguished selection of boat and yacht rentals designed to showcase the scenic beauty of Newport Harbor and its surrounding coastline. With over 15 years of local expertise and leadership from USCG Master Captain Andy Navarro, the company combines professional service with extensive knowledge of the area’s waterways. Their fleet includes electric Duffy boats, double-decker pontoons, and luxury yachts, all equipped to accommodate up to 12 passengers, providing spacious and comfortable seating that exceeds typical rental capacities. What sets this company apart is its commitment to personalized experiences, including unique excursions such as private cove swims, dolphin tours, and exclusive dock-and-dine options at members-only restaurants. The charter services cater to a wide range of customers, from casual day-trippers to those celebrating special occasions like birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or corporate events. Guests can enjoy diverse activities including harbor cruises past multimillion-dollar estates, fishing trips, sunset dinner cruises, and multi-day voyages to Catalina Island with expert guidance. The company also offers speed boat rentals for thrill-seekers, complete with optional water sports equipment and the option of guided tours. Safety is a priority, with all rentals including necessary equipment and adherence to age and licensing requirements. With convenient access near the Pacific Coast Highway and a reputation for top-tier customer service, these charters provide an exceptional way to explore the natural and luxurious attractions of Newport Beach.

Located in Oxnard, California, Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures specializes in guided harbor tours around Channel Islands Harbor and its surrounding areas. With a certified captain at the helm, the company offers a unique and personalized experience tailored to each group’s interests. What sets these tours apart is the focus on marine wildlife observation, including sea lions, dolphins, and sea birds in their natural habitats, combined with educational insights into the local ecosystem and cultural history. The tours depart from the Seabridge Marina area, providing scenic views and a comfortable, festive atmosphere aboard a well-equipped boat. The business offers a variety of tour options, including 90-minute day tours and sunset harbor cruises available Thursday through Sunday, accommodating up to six passengers per trip. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages, enhancing the relaxed and intimate setting. Private events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and parties can also be arranged, with customizable itineraries to suit special occasions. Throughout the journey, Captain Dave and his crew share local knowledge, wildlife facts, and recommendations for dining and events, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for families, groups, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Located in Santa Barbara, California, this company specializes in coastal cruises departing from Stearns Wharf, offering a unique maritime experience in a picturesque setting. With a focus on providing relaxing and scenic boat rides, the business boasts a fleet that includes the Whisper electric boat and the Azure Seas yacht, known for their cleanliness, comfort, and quiet operation. The staff is experienced and attentive, ensuring guests enjoy smooth journeys with stunning views of the harbor, coastline, and local wildlife such as sea lions and dolphins. Their reputation is built on personalized service, accommodating groups ranging from families to private parties, and creating memorable outings that highlight the natural beauty of Santa Barbara’s waterfront. The company offers a variety of cruise options including public sunset cruises, private yacht charters, and specialized harbor tours, catering to both casual visitors and those seeking exclusive experiences. Guests can enjoy light appetizers on board, with reasonably priced drinks available, while taking in the serene atmosphere enhanced by romantic music and expert captains who engage with passengers. The cruises are ideal for couples, families, wedding parties, and tourists looking to explore the area from the water. Whether it’s a quiet electric boat tour or a lively sunset sail, the experience combines comfort, scenic vistas, and friendly service to create a memorable outing on Santa Barbara’s coastal waters.

California Dream Tours operates private boat charters from Marina del Rey, California, offering a distinctive maritime experience along the Southern California coastline. The company is distinguished by its USCG-licensed 200 Ton Master Captain and a Coast Guard–inspected vessel that accommodates up to 20 guests, making it one of the largest private charter boats in the area. Since 2015, it has provided safe, comfortable, and customizable cruises that highlight iconic views such as Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. This combination of professional licensing, vessel capacity, and scenic routes sets the company apart in the competitive Los Angeles charter market. The business specializes in private charters tailored for a variety of occasions including birthdays, corporate events, bachelorette parties, graduations, and wedding photography sessions. Guests can choose from weekday or weekend harbor cruises, as well as open ocean coastal trips, each designed to offer a unique and memorable experience on the water. The charters emphasize safety and enjoyment, with the option to accommodate additional guests beyond the standard capacity for an extra charge. Beyond recreational outings, the company also provides professional ash scattering memorial services through its sister company, Ocean Memorial LA, offering a respectful ocean farewell in the Los Angeles area.

Charters 2000 is a premier boat rental company located in Marina del Rey, California, specializing in luxury yacht and sailboat charters. With a fleet of three well-maintained vessels accommodating up to 12 guests each, the company offers a unique maritime experience guided by U.S. Coast Guard certified captains. Their yachts range from a three-level 50-foot yacht to elegant 55-foot sailboats, providing a variety of options for cruising the scenic Southern California coastline. What sets this provider apart is their commitment to quality, safety, and personalized service, ensuring each outing is both comfortable and memorable. The company offers a diverse range of services including sunset cruises, private celebrations, romantic dates, dolphin watching, and lively party events on the water. Customers can bring their own food and drinks, enjoy Bluetooth-enabled music, and explore destinations such as Santa Monica, Malibu, and Palos Verdes. Charters 2000 caters to groups seeking anything from tranquil sailing adventures to festive gatherings, all supported by expert crew and comprehensive inclusions like captain fees, fuel, dock fees, and insurance. This combination of flexibility, premium vessels, and attentive service creates an exceptional boating experience in Marina del Rey.

Located in Newport Beach, California, Newport Surfrider offers exceptional whale and dolphin watching tours that showcase the rich marine life of the area. Veteran owned and operated, the company stands out for its experienced captains who are Certified Marine Naturalists with over 20 years of ocean expertise. Guests enjoy the comfort and speed of a state-of-the-art luxury Zodiac vessel, providing a unique and intimate way to explore the waters. The company’s commitment to treating each guest like family adds a personal touch to every excursion, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Newport Surfrider specializes in private, 2.5-hour tours that combine wildlife observation with narrated cruises through Newport Harbor, one of the largest and most scenic recreational harbors in the United States. These exclusive charters accommodate up to six people, offering a personalized adventure that includes expert commentary on the local environment and history. Whether guests are seeking to spot dolphins and whales or enjoy a relaxing cruise, the tours provide a blend of education, excitement, and comfort. This tailored approach appeals to families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a distinctive maritime experience.

AllWater Boat Rentals & Charters operates in Dana Point, California, offering a comprehensive range of marine experiences tailored to both novice and seasoned enthusiasts. Renowned as Southern California’s premier fishing charter provider, the company distinguishes itself through its fleet of specially designed boats, expert captains, and high-quality tackle, ensuring an exceptional blue water fishing adventure. Their local knowledge of Dana Point, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Catalina Island waters allows them to provide access to some of the region’s richest fishing grounds and scenic coastal areas. With a commitment to safety, comfort, and personalized service, AllWater delivers memorable outings that highlight the natural beauty and abundant marine life of the area. The company’s offerings include private sportfishing charters targeting species such as seabass, yellowtail, tuna, and marlin, as well as diving and spearfishing excursions suited for all skill levels. Beyond fishing, AllWater provides whale and dolphin watching tours, coastal and harbor cruises, sunset cruises, and customizable private charters for groups and special events. Their boats range from 25 to 65 feet, equipped with modern electronics and maintained to the highest standards, accommodating a variety of trip durations from hourly rentals to overnight island expeditions. Whether seeking an active fishing day, a relaxing cruise, or an educational wildlife experience, customers can expect expert guidance and a well-organized outing that showcases the best of Southern California’s coastal waters.

Duke Sportfishing offers private yacht charters from Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA, and lake charters from Castaic Lake and Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles County. They provide custom experiences including fishing, whale and dolphin watching, diving, snorkeling, cruising the coast or islands, tubing, and watersports using vessels like the Parker 2820 XLD sportfishing yacht and 23’ Chaparral 230 SSI boat.

Adam's Memory Maker Fishing Charters offers private fishing charters and sightseeing excursions from Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island. Designed for families, friends, and special events, their trips combine scenic coastal views with hands-on sport fishing adventures in the productive waters surrounding the island. Whether guests are planning a weekend fishing trip, a Catalina Island sport fishing excursion, or a relaxing sightseeing cruise, the goal is to create memorable experiences on the water that last a lifetime. Operating aboard a spacious 35-foot Crystaliner sportfishing boat powered by twin Cummins turbo diesel engines, the charter accommodates up to six passengers for comfortable, personalized outings. With more than 15 years of experience, the crew provides bait, tackle, ice, drinks, and fish cleaning so guests can focus on the excitement of fishing. Departing from Avalon’s Green Pier, Adam’s Memory Maker Fishing Charters delivers professional guidance, friendly service, and unforgettable days exploring the waters around Catalina Island. 🎣🌊🚤

Channel Islands Sportfishing, based in Oxnard, California, has been serving the sportfishing community for over 15 years. Located conveniently at Channel Islands Harbor, it provides fast access to some of the most productive fishing grounds along the Southern California coast, including the Northern Channel Islands such as Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and San Nicolas Islands. The business is distinguished by its fleet of 12 independently owned and operated sportfishing charter boats, staffed by experienced captains knowledgeable about the diverse marine habitat. As a Certified IGFA Weigh Station, it offers anglers the opportunity to catch and weigh world-class fish, including record-setting California Halibut and White Seabass. The operation offers a variety of fishing trips ranging from half-day to multi-day excursions, with options for overnight trips featuring full galleys and bunks. Anglers can target a wide range of species such as Halibut, White Seabass, Sheephead, Barracuda, Yellowtail, Rockfish, Lingcod, Salmon, Calico bass, and more, with seasonal opportunities for Sand Dab fishing and encounters with exotic warm water species during El Niño conditions. Beyond fishing, the business also provides seasonal whale watching tours aligned with the Gray Whale migration, as well as harbor cruises and dolphin adventures. With amenities including a live bait operation, free parking, and a fully stocked tackle shop, the experience caters to both novice and seasoned fishermen seeking quality sportfishing and marine wildlife excursions in Southern California.