About

SoCal Whale Watching

SoCal Whale Watching:

The Premier Small Vessel Whale Watching Adventure in Long Beach, CA

At SoCal Whale Watching, we are dedicated to offering a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the incredible marine wildlife off the Southern California coast. Our team is composed of passionate, seasoned mariners and naturalists who bring years of expertise and a deep love for the ocean to every trip. From spotting playful dolphins to witnessing majestic whales, our crew’s mission is to make each excursion both safe and unforgettable.

Whether you’re seeking to explore local marine wildlife, enjoy a sunset cruise, or customize a private charter, our crew and vessel are ready to make your adventure memorable. Let us take you on a journey you’ll cherish, filled with wonder, education, and the beauty of Long Beach’s vibrant marine ecosystem. For more details, visit our FAQs.

Our Boat Cetacea: Built for Adventure & Comfort

Our vessel, the Cetacea, is a state-of-the-art Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), designed to deliver exceptional performance and safety during your marine adventure. Its speed, agility, and ability to navigate with precision make it the perfect vessel for following playful dolphins or catching a breathtaking view of a breaching whale. Every feature is crafted to enhance your experience on the water.

With an advanced hull design, the Cetacea offers a smooth, dry ride even in choppy conditions, ensuring comfort and stability throughout your journey. Accommodating just six guests, the boat provides a personalized, intimate experience free from the distractions of large crowds, allowing you to fully connect with the vibrant marine life of Southern California.

Its small group size ensures every passenger has an unobstructed, front-row seat to the action. Whether you’re witnessing the majesty of a blue whale or marveling at dolphins up close, the Cetacea creates the ideal setting for unforgettable, close encounters with nature.

What is a RHIB Vessel and why do we use one?

Built for Durability and Safety

RHIB boats are constructed to meet the extreme durability standards of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, ensuring they can handle harsh conditions with ease. Our boats undergo annual U.S. Coast Guard inspections, featuring advanced safety equipment like automatically inflating life rafts. As the only small-boat whale-watching operator in Long Beach, CA with a U.S. Coast Guard “Certificate of Inspection,” we prioritize your safety and peace of mind on every adventure.

Superior Safety at Sea

Known as the safest boats for their size, RHIBs feature puncture-resistant, air-filled sides that act as a “life jacket,” making them virtually unsinkable and highly stable. With hulls made from military-grade metal and fiberglass, these vessels offer unmatched strength and reliability, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience for all passengers.

Fast, Comfortable, and Immersive

RHIBs deliver a smooth, fast ride thanks to their sharp hull design, which easily cuts through waves, and their agility allows for precise maneuvers to follow wildlife up close. The air-filled sides provide a unique, immersive experience, letting passengers safely lean over and touch the water, creating unforgettable moments with playful dolphins and breathtaking marine life.

Come Adventure with THE BEST Captain in Long Beach!

Meet Captain Steve

Captain Steve’s journey on the water began at an early age, living aboard boats from the age of 3. By 12, he was standing his first overnight offshore watch, marking the start of a lifelong connection to the sea. His fascination with the ocean and its vibrant marine life has shaped his career and fueled his passion for sharing its wonders with others.

With a childhood spent snorkeling in coastal waters and a career building, sailing, and skippering boats along the West Coast, Steve has amassed an impressive array of stories, skills, and marine knowledge. His hands-on experience and dedication make him a trusted guide for those seeking unforgettable adventures on the water.

For Steve, the true reward of his work lies in his guests’ reactions:
“When I see my guests experience the pure joy of playful dolphins, the awe of the largest whales in the ocean, or the wonder of a once-in-a-lifetime interaction, it really fills me with that sense of purpose I’d wish on anyone!”

Captain Steve’s enthusiasm, expertise, and deep respect for marine life ensure every outing is not just a trip but a meaningful and memorable experience for all who join him. Come aboard to share in his passion and discover the magic of Southern California’s oceans through the eyes of a seasoned mariner.

SHARE Your Adventure! 

The San Pedro channel was lively today. This Humpback Whale joined well over a thousand common dolphins and countless shearwaters, terns and pelicans to feast on abundant schools of bait. Here’s hoping the feasting continues!
Baby humpback got curious and came over for a closer look! This cow/calf pair were foraging along the edge of the deep underwater canyons near Long Beach this morning. Have we mentioned we reeallly love baby whales? 💙
Baby Booby on the Buoy! 😍 The beautiful Nazca Booby who’s been hanging out on the navigation markers near Long Beach lately was joined today by what appears to be a juvenile Nazca!
#nazcabooby #boobybird #birdwatching
This mom and baby pair of humpback whales almost gave us a double fluke this morning!
It was wonderful to spend some time this morning with this seemingly very healthy, happy and friendly humpback! 😍
Jessamy and captain Matt relocated this injured humpback from Tuesday in collaboration with @empty_drone from the beach today. We’ve been in touch with NOAA to document sightings and behavior. It still seems to be swimming well which is hopefully a good sign!

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