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YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS!

Experience the Best Whale Watching and Private Boat Charters in Santa Barbara!
Book Your Adventure Today!

For over 35 years, the Condor Express has been creating unforgettable experiences on the Santa Barbara Channel! Whether you’re joining us for whale watching or booking a private boat charter, come aboard to enjoy incredible marine life and create memories that last a lifetime!

Blue whale seen on the condor express clear, blue water santa barbara channel islands on the condor express, where every moment becomes an unforgettable memory!
The Condor Express is Santa Barbara’s largest and fastest boat, offering an unmatched experience for whale watching and private charters! Whether you’re out on a scenic excursion to see marine life or hosting a private event, enjoy stunning coastal views and the incredible diversity of species that call the Santa Barbara Channel home!

WHY CHOOSE THE CONDOR EXPRESS?

humpback breaching right next to the condor express with the channel islands national park in the background! the condor express, where every moment becomes an unforgettable memory!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ADVENTURE!

Whale Watching Gift Certificates

​Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience on the ocean! From humpback whales breaching over the glassy ocean, to pods of dolphins surfing the wake, a Condor Express Whale Watching Gift Certificate is the ultimate gift for adventure seekers and ocean lovers alike!​

The Perfect Holiday Surprise!

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, ORDER YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE TODAY!

Gold Badge Condor Express Premier charter and whale watching boat

AVAILABLE IN ANY AMOUNT

Gold Badge Condor Express Premier charter and whale watching boat

VALID

YEAR-ROUND

Gold Badge Condor Express Premier charter and whale watching boat

GAURANTEED

WHALE SIGHTINGS

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Anacapa Island arial view, santa barbara channel islands national park, the best national park in california! The condor express, where every moment becomes an unforgettable memory!

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stunning clear blue water in the santa barbara channel. aesthetic wallpaper desktop landscape of santa barbara california

WHALE SIGHTINGS THIS YEAR

Whale Sightings in Santa Barbara California Chart and Map
Whale Sightings in Santa Barbara California Chart

The Santa Barbara Channel is filled with diverse marine life. The map to the right depicts the number of whales that have been spotted from January 1, 2025, to September 23, 2025. Below are the statistics:

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  • 711 Whale encounters

  • 270 Individual Whales 

  • 9 Different Species

​

Book today to witness these whales in their natural habitat!

Image 1 displays the number of whales and their paths, while Image 2 does not include individual paths

pod of killer whales spotted on the condor express  in the santa barbara channel. aesthetic wallpaper desktop landscape of santa barbara california
Santa Barbara Whale Heritage Logo

Whale Watching at the Whale Heritage Site

Bottlenose Dolphin

WHAT OUR PASSENGERS ARE SAYING

Humpback Rostrum

WHAT YOU'LL ENCOUNTER

Meet the array of wildlife you could see while out on the open ocean!

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Best boat rental yacht in santa barbara 75 feet, 127 capacity fast boat, condor express california whale watching private charters cruises and more

PRIVATE
CHARTERS

Looking for your own personal adventure? Book your own private whale watch, celebration of life, or party cruise!

CHECKOUT OUR GALLEY

We're one of the only whales watching boats along California's coast that has a full galley with breakfast, lunch , and beverage options. If you forget to grab a bite to eat before your trip, no worries, we've got you covered! Check it out below.

OUR DEDICATED CREW

Hiroko Benko - Owner
HIROKO
OWNER
Dave - Captain
DAVE 
CAPTAIN
Kelly Kohls - Crew Member
KELLY
CREW 
Robert Perry - Photographer
BOB
PHOTOGRAPHER
Eddy - Captain on the Condor Express
EDDY
CAPTAIN
Sam - Deckhand on the Condor Express
SAM
DECKHAND
Aspen  - Galley/Deck
ASPEN
GALLEY/DECK
Isabel - Deckhand on the Condor Express
ISABEL
DECKHAND
Danny - Captain
DANNY
CAPTAIN
Camille - Deckhand on the Condor Express
CAMILLE
DECKHAND
Hiroko Benko - Condor Express Owner
HIROKO 
OWNER

ABOUT THE CONDOR EXPRESS

  • 75-foot-long, 26.5-foot-wide, quad-jet-powered catamaran capable of cruising at 28+ knots

  • Powered by four BRAND NEW, low-emission, 700 hp Scania Diesel engines. 

  • Twin wave piercing hulls feature a modified hydrofoil wing that produces an extremely smooth and stable ride. 

  • U.S. Coast Guard certified and insured to carry up to 127 passengers

  • Features a large and luxurious teak-paneled cabin. Expansive windows allow viewing from inside the cabin, seating for 68 persons, and 2 Large plasma screen TVs allow passengers to see the boat's location throughout the channel.

  • Full galley with breakfast and lunch menu. 

  • Complete bar with adult drinks such as cocktails, beer, and wine. 

  • Upper sundeck seating offers unobstructed animal viewing and sightseeing

  • Huge raised bow allows passengers a up-close look at the wildlife, specifically the dolphins! Be sure to look down when hanging out on the bow, common dolphins love to bow ride!

  • Three full-size restrooms aboard

  • High-tech Bose audio system projects the captain's voice throughout the entirety of the boat. 

  • A large aftdeck provides lots of room for dancing to a DJ or a live band. There is plenty of space for passengers, or educators and researchers to work!

Front Deck View of the Condor Express
Aerial View of the Condor Express
Condor Express Whale Watching
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Condor Express

 

301 W. Cabrillo Blvd

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

 

(805) 882-0088

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