3-Hour Whale Watching Tour in Morro Bay

Humpback whales breach alongside a 50-foot vessel in Morro Bay's open water.

A 3-hour whale-watching tour from Morro Bay aboard a 50-foot vessel with an expert captain, heated cabin and blankets included. You travel beyond the harbor along California's coastline in search of humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions, otters and seabirds. The crew shares facts about local marine life and ocean ecology as the day unfolds. Every trip is different depending on what wildlife appears that day.

The experience

The boat leaves the harbor and heads into open water where humpback whales and gray whales migrate along the California coast. The 50-foot vessel has comfortable seating, a heated cabin to retreat into if the wind picks up, a restroom, and blankets provided for everyone on board. An experienced crew narrates the journey with information about the animals you encounter and the ecology of Morro Bay, so you understand what you're watching as it happens.

What you see changes with each trip. On some days whales breach near the boat. On others dolphins play alongside or sea otters float near the kelp beds. The crew encourages cameras, and the three-hour window gives you time to watch behavior unfold rather than glimpse and move on. Infants can ride in a stroller or pram, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're seated on the boat for the duration.

What’s included

• Heated cabin with comfortable seating.
• blankets.
• restroom access.
• sea sickness medication.
• expert captain and crew narration about marine life and ocean ecology.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 32

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lost Isle Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to spend three hours on the water with a good chance of seeing whales and other marine wildlife without needing to arrange your own boat or navigate the coastline yourself.

Traveler reviews

4.66★★★★★★★★★★

93 verified traveler reviews

5 ★80

4 ★3

3 ★4

2 ★3

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales might I see on a Morro Bay whale-watching tour?

Humpback whales and gray whales are the primary species you're searching for, along with sea lions, otters and a variety of seabirds. The crew also watches for dolphins, which sometimes play alongside the boat.

How long is the whale-watching tour in Morro Bay?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return to the harbor.

What's included to keep me comfortable on the boat?

The vessel provides a heated cabin, blankets, comfortable seating and a restroom. Sea sickness medication is also included if you need it.

Is there public transportation to get to the Morro Bay whale-watching tour?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point, so you can reach the harbor without a car if needed.