JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL
ALL-DAY WHALE WATCH TRIPJoin us on Saturday, September 26th as we explore the bountiful Santa Barbara channel in search of marine life of all sorts. Multiple species of both baleen and toothed whales frequent the channel this time of year. Blue, humpback, fin, and minke whales show us the great diversity found in the rorqual family. Oceanic dolphins like bottlenose, Risso's, and common dolphin are frequent visitors on our tours. Even their larger orca cousins can be seen this time of year! (Although still exceedingly rare) - this rounds out our target species for this special trip. We have no particular destination in mind. We will go wherever the marine life takes us!
This trip departs at 8 am sharp. Please show up 30 minutes early to allow time to check in, board the boat, and grab some breakfast at our on board Condor Cafe. Keep in mind we plan on returning around 4 pm, but these longer trips may be extended if something extra special is found.
After the success and happiness expressed by our passengers on our last 8 hour trip, we couldn't help but put another one in the books! Reserve your spot today.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2020, departs at 8am, returns approximately 4pm.
Departure: Sea Landing dock at the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Cost: $199 all passengers.
Reservations: Call 805-882-0088 or 1-888-779-4253 or online using the Book Now button.
Book Now
Condor Express
Year Round Whale Watching
Welcome to whale watching California style in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.
Condor Express Whale Watching is the premier Whale Watching and Charter Cruise venue along the coast of Southern California. We are one of the few whale watching companies to offer year round whale watching and a whale watch guarantee. Condor Express Whale Watching offers a variety of spectacular excursions in the Santa Barbara Channel including whale watching, pelagic birding, wedding cruises, dinner cruises, private parties and corporate events.
Condor Express
Year Round Whale Watching
Welcome to whale watching California style in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.
Condor Express Whale Watching is the premier Whale Watching and Charter Cruise venue along the coast of Southern California. We are one of the few whale watching companies to offer year round whale watching and a whale watch guarantee. Condor Express Whale Watching offers a variety of spectacular excursions in the Santa Barbara Channel including whale watching, pelagic birding, wedding cruises, dinner cruises, private parties and corporate events.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
We've Been Certified By Santa Barbara County Public Health To Reopen OUR BUSINESS.PLEASE BE ADVISED YOUR HEALTH IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
We are taking the following steps to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all our passengers and crew.
• Check in at Sea Landing will begin 30 minutes before cruise begins.
• Boarding will begin 15 minutes before departure.
• Congregating at the dock is not allowed. Please enjoy our beautiful beach while waiting to board.
• Masks are required to be worn by all guests during cruise.
• Our boat will be sanitized prior to, during, and between cruises.
• If you are not feeling well or do not feel comfortable riding our boat, please avoid this activity.
• We will do our best to practice and encourage social distancing between individuals and groups (does not apply to families).
• The cruise schedule is subject to change based on minimum fare, weather, and social distancing requirements.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION DURING THIS TIME
notice: BOAT MAINTENANCE CONTINUES
whale watching TRIPS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOONOn November 30, 2020 our incredible boat, the Condor Express, began a period of extended maintenance. To make our spectacular whale watching boat even more eco-friendly, we are upgrading the engines. Our new motors will be more fuel efficient and will significantly reduce emissions into the atmosphere. As much as we want to be with you and share the wonder and beauty of ocean wildlife, it's important to make this upgrade. We appreciate your understanding as we make our magnificent whale watching boat even better.
FIREWORKS
Cruise
GET ON BOARD FOR OUR FIREWORKS CRUISE THIS JULY 4TH!Enjoy Santa Barbara’s 4th of July fireworks show from the decks of the Condor Express.
Book Now
More Info
Hawaiian
Cruise
COME ABOARD FOR OUR HAWAIIAN CRUISE THIS SUMMER!Enjoy authentic Hawaiian entertainment from the ukulele master Troy Fernandez.
Book Now
More Info
Winter Islands
WHALE WATCH
Gray Whale
and Dolphin Watching
4.5 HOUR ISLAND CRUISE
GRAY WHALE MIGRATION - SOUTHBOUND
January 5 to February 13Book Now
More Info
Spring COASTAL
WHALE WATCH
Gray Whale, possible Humpback, and Dolphin Watching
2.5 HOUR COASTAL CRUISE
GRAY WHALE MIGRATION - NORTHBOUND
February 14 to May 8Book Now
More Info
Gift Cards
Give the unforgettable gift of an adventure on the sea to family and friends.
There is nothing like seeing, and feeling, nature on the ocean. The smell of fresh sea air combined with the beauty of nature all around you are a perfect backdrop for an ocean adventure. Birds fly past while you view the channel islands and the Santa Barbara coast from a whole different perspective. Large pods of dolphins and groups of sea lions frolic and swim within a few hundred feet of the boat. Whales swim up to the boat on their journey through the Santa Barbara Channel. Magic happens when they come up to the boat and greet another part of nature from their perspective. Give an experience of a lifetime to someone you care about and appreciate.
Gift cards are available to purchase for all our whale watching trips.
Purchase Gift Card
Gift Cards
Give the unforgettable gift of an adventure on the sea to family and friends.
There is nothing like seeing, and feeling, nature on the ocean. The smell of fresh sea air combined with the beauty of nature all around you are a perfect backdrop for an ocean adventure. Birds fly past while you view the channel islands and the Santa Barbara coast from a whole different perspective. Large pods of dolphins and groups of sea lions frolic and swim within a few hundred feet of the boat. Whales swim up to the boat on their journey through the Santa Barbara Channel. Magic happens when they come up to the boat and greet another part of nature from their perspective. Give an experience of a lifetime to someone you care about and appreciate.
Gift cards are available to purchase for all our whale watching trips.
Purchase Gift Card
No Need To Pack Lunch
Offering Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages, & Full BarCondor, our on board galley (kitchen) offers hot or cold breakfasts, a variety of lunch selections and a full bar. Our galley staff aims to please, so don’t bother packing a lunch, we have it covered!
More Info
Your Own Personal Adventure
The Condor Express is Available For Private CharterCreate a Personal Whale Watching Excursion, Channel Island Kayaking Trip, Private Dinner Party or Corporate Event. The Condor Express is available for private charter.
Download our handy guide to creating a special and very memorable experience for your group or business.
Download Private Charter Guide
More Info
No Need To Pack Lunch
Offering Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages, & Full BarCondor, our on board galley (kitchen) offers hot or cold breakfasts, a variety of lunch selections and a full bar. Our galley staff aims to please, so don’t bother packing a lunch, we have it covered!
More Info
Your Own Personal Adventure
The Condor Express is Available For Private CharterCreate a Personal Whale Watching Excursion, Channel Island Kayaking Trip, Private Dinner Party or Corporate Event. The Condor Express is available for private charter.
Download our handy guide to creating a special and very memorable experience for your group or business.
Download Private Charter Guide
More Info
Welcome to
Condor Express
Whale Watching
Voted best whale watching in Santa Barbara every year since 1979!
All aboard the Condor Express! Our experienced captains know just where to go to view extraordinary sea life in their natural habitat. Whales, dolphins, seals, a variety of birds, and other marine animals are always around for viewing. Our exceptional crew are ready and able to provide for you an amazing whale watching experience.
There is no better way to see marine wildlife in Southern California than to see it on the ocean in our spectacular boat! The eco-friendly Condor Express gives you a unique opportunity to see Southern California marine wildlife from a completely different angle. Since 1973 the Condor and more recently the Condor Express has been a part of the Santa Barbara waterfront cruising the Santa Barbara Channel.
We offer:- Whale Watching
- Sunset Cruises
- Dinner Cruise Charters
- Specialty Cruises
- Wedding Parties
- Private Corporate Charters
We offer a rare opportunity to have an experience you will never forget.
Welcome to
Condor Express
Whale Watching
Voted best whale watching in Santa Barbara every year since 1979!
All aboard the Condor Express! Our experienced captains know just where to go to view extraordinary sea life in their natural habitat. Whales, dolphins, seals, a variety of birds, and other marine animals are always around for viewing. Our exceptional crew are ready and able to provide for you an amazing whale watching experience.
There is no better way to see marine wildlife in Southern California than to see it on the ocean in our spectacular boat! The eco-friendly Condor Express gives you a unique opportunity to see Southern California marine wildlife from a completely different angle. Since 1973 the Condor and more recently the Condor Express has been a part of the Santa Barbara waterfront cruising the Santa Barbara Channel.
We offer:- Whale Watching
- Sunset Cruises
- Dinner Cruise Charters
- Specialty Cruises
- Wedding Parties
- Private Corporate Charters
We offer a rare opportunity to have an experience you will never forget.
The Boat
Specially designed for safety around wildlifeThe Condor Express is an eco-friendly, 75’, quad-jet catamaran that has an extremely stable and comfortable ride. This state-of-the-art vessel uses water jet propulsion and is specially designed to allow ocean mammals to get close to the boat without endangering them with a spinning propeller. Because of it’s design and speed, we get to the wildlife quickly, sit quietly, and allow whales and other sea life to get as close to the boat as they like.
Our low emissions, 740 horsepower engines (4 in all) gives us the power to cruise at 28 knots. Our specially crafted hull allows a nice stable ride and cuts through the waves with ease.
More Info
Take A Ride
Get to the Channel Islands up to 3 times faster than you can on other charter boats and see the wonderful marine wildlife in their natural habitat on the Condor Express. Let our experienced crew help you have the experience of a lifetime.
The Condor Express is a nicely appointed vessel that offers plenty of elbow room for all our guests. The beautiful teak cabin has room for 68 seated guests for dinner. The ample sun deck and raised bow provide great viewing stations for getting up close and personal with marine life. We are US Coast Guard certified to carry up to 127 passengers.
We offer a unique combination of safety, speed and an exceptional experienced crew. Contact us to learn more about excursions!
Get In Touch
The Boat
Specially designed for safety around wildlifeThe Condor Express is an eco-friendly, 75’, quad-jet catamaran that has an extremely stable and comfortable ride. This state-of-the-art vessel uses water jet propulsion and is specially designed to allow ocean mammals to get close to the boat without endangering them with a spinning propeller. Because of it’s design and speed, we get to the wildlife quickly, sit quietly, and allow whales and other sea life to get as close to the boat as they like.
Our low emissions, 740 horsepower engines (4 in all) gives us the power to cruise at 28 knots. Our specially crafted hull allows a nice stable ride and cuts through the waves with ease.
More Info
Take A Ride
Get to the Channel Islands up to 3 times faster than you can on other charter boats and see the wonderful marine wildlife in their natural habitat on the Condor Express. Let our experienced crew help you have the experience of a lifetime.
The Condor Express is a nicely appointed vessel that offers plenty of elbow room for all our guests. The beautiful teak cabin has room for 68 seated guests for dinner. The ample sun deck and raised bow provide great viewing stations for getting up close and personal with marine life. We are US Coast Guard certified to carry up to 127 passengers.
We offer a unique combination of safety, speed and an exceptional experienced crew. Contact us to learn more about excursions!
Get In Touch
People Love The Condor Express
Check Out These Reviews
Laura Durham
03:24 26 Jun 22
Loved seeing the whales dolphin’s an sea lions but needed some music on the 5 hour ride
Irene Exposito Rubio
20:58 23 Jun 22
Buenísima la experiencia de avistamiento de ballenas.
Elizabeth Schmitt
04:21 21 Jun 22
This isn't my 1st time on Condor Express, this is the best whale watching, seals, Dolphins, experience!!! We went as a family group and had such a fantastic time! The captain was amazing and informative, the entire crew was so nice.They serve delicious lunch and beverages. I highly recommend.
Kristin Harris
16:19 03 Jun 22
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. 🙂
On another note, the drinks and food are also delicious! I enjoyed an irish coffee and a delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwich. 🙂
Kristin H.
09:23 03 Jun 22
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...
Armine Boodagian Irving
02:38 22 May 22
Great day today! We had an amazing time on this trip! Great boat, captain and crew! We will definitely be back!!
Chad Waldapfel
18:09 21 May 22
Awesomeness 👌
Rachel D.
14:37 21 May 22
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...
MPaz Fitzgerald
23:19 07 May 22
Awesome experience!!!!
People Love The Condor Express
Check Out These Reviews
Laura Durham
03:24 26 Jun 22
Loved seeing the whales dolphin’s an sea lions but needed some music on the 5 hour ride
Irene Exposito Rubio
20:58 23 Jun 22
Buenísima la experiencia de avistamiento de ballenas.
Elizabeth Schmitt
04:21 21 Jun 22
This isn't my 1st time on Condor Express, this is the best whale watching, seals, Dolphins, experience!!! We went as a family group and had such a fantastic time! The captain was amazing and informative, the entire crew was so nice.They serve delicious lunch and beverages. I highly recommend.
Kristin Harris
16:19 03 Jun 22
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. 🙂
On another note, the drinks and food are also delicious! I enjoyed an irish coffee and a delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwich. 🙂
Kristin H.
09:23 03 Jun 22
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...
Armine Boodagian Irving
02:38 22 May 22
Great day today! We had an amazing time on this trip! Great boat, captain and crew! We will definitely be back!!
Chad Waldapfel
18:09 21 May 22
Awesomeness 👌
Rachel D.
14:37 21 May 22
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...
MPaz Fitzgerald
23:19 07 May 22
Awesome experience!!!!
The Santa Barbara Channel
Our nutrient-rich cruising grounds.The Santa Barbara Channel is home to over 27 different species of whales and dolphins that visit throughout the year. It is the prime northern feeding grounds for blue whales and humpback whales from May through November. The California gray whale herd passes by on both their southern and northern migration. Come out to enjoy and see these wonderful whales any time of the year. Our guests come from all over the world to enjoy whale watching California style year round and the wonder and beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel — come join the excitement!
More Info
The Santa Barbara Channel
Our nutrient-rich cruising grounds.The Santa Barbara Channel is home to over 27 different species of whales and dolphins that visit throughout the year. It is the prime northern feeding grounds for blue whales and humpback whales from May through November. The California gray whale herd passes by on both their southern and northern migration. Come out to enjoy and see these wonderful whales any time of the year. Our guests come from all over the world to enjoy whale watching California style year round and the wonder and beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel — come join the excitement!
More Info
Our Experienced Condor Express Crew
Knowledgeable and Well-trained
Dave
Captain
Colton
Captain
Devin
Deckhand
Kelly
Crew
Adam
Crew
Austin
Crew
Bob
CrewIn addition to the expert crew on the Condor Express, Channel Islands Naturalist Corps volunteers and representatives from the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park are usually on board and available to answer your questions.
More Info
Our Experienced Condor Express Crew
Knowledgeable and Well-trainedDave
CaptainColton
CaptainDevin
DeckhandKelly
CrewAdam
CrewAustin
CrewBob
CrewIn addition to the expert crew on the Condor Express, Channel Islands Naturalist Corps volunteers and representatives from the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park are usually on board and available to answer your questions.
More Info
SANTA BARBARA Landing Check-In
Captain's Blog
Most Recent Whale Watch ReportsRecent Posts
A humpback whale "in its element." Fresh breeze, moderate swells, bright sun!Thousands of dolphins and 2 friendly humpbacks seen among the large swells and fresh breezeJune 26, 2022- A wonderful tail fluke color and scar pattern which will help us ID this individual we saw today.3 humpbacks at Santa Rosa, and a mega pod of dolphins mid-ChannelJune 25, 2022
- A giant mother blue whale with her calf in the Santa Barbara Channel today. Woooeee!Giant mother blue whale and her calf; humpbacks, dolphins too.June 24, 2022
Read More
Captain's Blog
Most Recent Whale Watch ReportsRecent Posts
- A humpback whale "in its element." Fresh breeze, moderate swells, bright sun!Thousands of dolphins and 2 friendly humpbacks seen among the large swells and fresh breezeJune 26, 2022
- A wonderful tail fluke color and scar pattern which will help us ID this individual we saw today.3 humpbacks at Santa Rosa, and a mega pod of dolphins mid-ChannelJune 25, 2022
- A giant mother blue whale with her calf in the Santa Barbara Channel today. Woooeee!Giant mother blue whale and her calf; humpbacks, dolphins too.June 24, 2022
Read More