Avila Beach Ocean Safaris -Whale Watching & Marine Wildlife Tours
Avila Beach Ocean Safaris offers unforgettable whale watching and marine wildlife tours in Avila Beach, departing from Port San Luis Harbor on California’s Central Coast. Our guided ocean safaris provide close-up views of humpback whales, sea otters, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life in their natural habitat. With small-group tours, experienced local guide and Captain Vincent Shay, and responsible wildlife viewing practices, we deliver one of the best whale watching experiences in Avila Beach.
Experience the Best Whale Watching in Avila Beach
Experience the best whale watching in Avila Beach with guided marine wildlife tours departing from Port San Luis Harbor. Avila Beach Ocean Safaris explores the rich waters of California’s Central Coast, where humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds are commonly seen. Our small-group whale watching tours offer a more personal experience, led by knowledgeable local guide Vincent Shay and designed for unforgettable, responsible encounters with ocean wildlife in their natural habitat.
Our Ocean Safari Experiences
Avila Beach Ocean Safaris offers a range of unforgettable ocean safari experiences in Avila Beach, designed for wildlife lovers of all ages. Join our signature Whale Watching & Wildlife Safaris to see humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions in their natural habitat, or book a Private Ocean Safari for a personalized whale watching experience perfect for families, photographers, and special occasions. We also offer Harbor & Coastal Wildlife Tours providing scenic, family-friendly wildlife viewing in Port San Luis Harbor and along the beautiful Avila Beach coastline. Or Join Award Winning local Central Coast photographer Amy Joseph (CentralCoastPictures.com) on a guided Coastal & Wildlife Photo Tour.
What Wildlife You May See on Our Tours?
Our Avila Beach Ocean Safaris offer incredible opportunities to observe a wide variety of marine wildlife in the nutrient-rich waters of California’s Central Coast. Depending on the season, guests may encounter humpback whales, gray whales, and occasional blue or minke whales, along with playful dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and diverse coastal seabirds. Each whale watching tour and harbor safari in Avila Beach is unique, guided by the experienced local captain, Vincent Shay, who tracks wildlife activity to provide the best possible viewing while practicing respectful, responsible wildlife observation.
Why Choose Avila Beach Ocean Safaris?
Choose Avila Beach Ocean Safaris for an unforgettable whale watching and marine wildlife experience in Avila Beach. Our small-group ocean safaris provide personalized, up-close encounters with humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters. All safaris are led by experienced local guides and experienced Captain Vincent Shay, at ABOS we combine responsible wildlife viewing with stunning coastal scenery from Port San Luis Harbor, making each Avila Beach whale watching tour safe, educational, and memorable for families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Departing from Port San Luis Harbor
All Avila Beach Ocean Safaris tours depart from Port San Luis Harbor from Harford Pier. This is a central location on California’s Central Coast that provides easy access for whale watching and wildlife adventures. From this scenic harbor, guests board our comfortable zodiac for small-group whale watching tours and marine wildlife safaris, exploring waters where humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters are often seen. Whether you’re a local or visiting Avila Beach, departing from Port San Luis Harbor ensures a convenient, memorable, and safe Avila Beach whale watching experience.
Book Your Avila Beach Whale Watching Tour Today
Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the best whale watching tours and harbor safaris in Avila Beach. Reserve your spot on an ocean wildlife safari departing from Port San Luis Harbor and enjoy close encounters with humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and sea otters. Whether you’re looking for a small-group whale watching tour, a private ocean safari, or a family-friendly wildlife adventure, Avila Beach Ocean Safaris offers unforgettable marine experiences for all ages. Book your tour today and create lasting memories on the Central Coast!
Choose Your Avila Beach Ocean Safari
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Whale Watching Safari (SEASONAL)
This wildlife safari focuses solely on finding the amazing humpback whales that migrate here from the south.
Perfect times to go on these tours are from June-November every year. We only do this safari in the morning from 8:30am-11am. We will open more time slots as the season goes along so look for that!
Perfect for the adventure seeker and the photography enthusiast who loves humpback whales like we do!
COST PER PERSON: $99.00 (New 2026 Pricing) Min 2/Max 4 Passengers,Ages 12+
DURATION: 2.0-2.5 hours
DEPARTURE TIME: 8:30am (Seasonal)
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Avila Beach Harbor Safaris
This amazing safari is all about wildlife viewing and FUN. Fast paced and exciting tour that is guided by your Captain Vincent Shay who has over 25 years experience leading tours in Avila Beach & the Port San Luis area. No one knows this location better than him!
From sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals to the amazing sea caves of Fossil Point and Pirates Cove. Great for first time boaters and the Little Explorers in your family.
COST PER PERSON: $39.00 (REDUCED PRICE from $50! Great Deal (Ages 5+)
DURATION: 1.25hr (maybe a bit more!)
DEPARTURE TIMES: Check For Times/Varies By Season
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Private Guided Wildlife Safaris
Private Wildlife Safaris AVAILABLE.
PERFECT for the photographer or group who wants to be on the water for up to 4 hours.
Sometimes a 2 hour ‘whale watching’ trip is not enough time to capture the full experience of what one can see and photograph on the water. From whales, to sea otters, to dolphin! You just never know what you will see.
Book entire vessel for yourself or grab a few friends and make an adventure for your group. Each safari is special and planned specifically for your group.
COST ENTIRE BOAT: $600.00 Min 1/Max 4 Passengers (ages 12+)
DURATION: Up to 4 Hours
DEPARTURE TIME: 8:30am
CALL TO BOOK THIS SPECIAL ADVENTURE
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Amy Joseph's Coastal & Wildlife Photo Tour
Join award winning local Central Coast photographer Amy Joseph of CentralCoastPictures.com and grab your camera gear or just tag along as she guides you along the amazing Avila Beach and Pismo Beach coastline.
This guided photo tour is truly a ‘one of a kind’ enriching and unique 2-2.5 hour experience exploring and photographing marine wildlife and shorebirds and scenic landmarks such as the Point San Luis Lighthouse, The Pismo Beach Pier, and the Chapman House.
Explore the sea caves and grottos of Shell Beach and get to dive into what Amy sees and how she creates her stunning local central coast artworks.
COST PER PERSON: $150.00 (Ages 12+)
DURATION: 2-2.5 hour
DEPARTURE TIMES: 8:30am
THIS IS A SPECIAL TOUR ONLY offered only 4 -5 Times Per Month on SUNDAYS ONLY. See Booking Calendar for Dates & Availability. Call for any other dates or questions.
LIVE NOW 1/12/26
Discover more about the company, the vessel we use and Captain Vincent Shay.
Avila Beach Ocean Safaris was founded by local Avila Beach professional photographer and entrepreneur Vincent Shay. He has over 25 years experience guiding successful tours in Avila Beach and along the beautiful Central Coast. Read more about him and Avila Beach Ocean Safaris below.
Join us on a wildlife safari you won’t soon forget!
Get in Touch.
Reach out to us about our amazing ocean wildlife safaris and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to let us know how much you love all ocean life. Especially the sea otters, dolphin and whales!