Family Owned in Oceanside Harbor Since 2015
We are Oceanside Adventures, a family owned whale and dolphin watching company in front of the historic Lighthouse in Oceanside Harbor.
The Hansen family started our trips in July 2015 with a 47-foot custom catamaran, and launched our second boat, NALA, in 2024. Captain Shane Hansen leads the operation.
Our whale and dolphin cruises are two hours long and run all year round. We also run private charters and burials at sea.
2015
Our first trip from Oceanside Harbor, in July
2
Catamarans, both built by Cooper Marine in Florida
2 hrs
Every whale and dolphin cruise, narrated by our captains
3
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice awards: 2023, 2024 and 2025
Captains Who Are Naturalists
Every cruise is narrated by an expert captain. All our captains are US Coast Guard licensed and American Cetacean Society Certified Naturalists.
- Our crew keeps up with the latest research news and is an active member of the American Cetacean Society.
- We support whale research through Happy Whale.
- We keep a safe viewing distance from whales and their calves, and report distressed or entangled animals to NOAA and SeaWorld rescue.
Shane the captain is incredibly friendly and informative and his crew is amazing.
Chilly T. on Google
Chasing Blue Whales off Oceanside
CBS 8 San Diego took a ride with us.
Watch on YouTube · Oceanside Adventures in the news
Our Boats and Our Harbor
Two catamarans, both with hull art by the marine life artist Wyland, and a kiosk by the Lighthouse where your trip begins.
Oceanside Adventures at a Glance
The short version, for anyone planning a trip or writing about us.
- Owners: the Hansen family. Captain Shane Hansen leads the operation.
- First trip: July 2015, from Oceanside Harbor.
- Where: 256 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside, CA 92054. Check in at our kiosk by the Lighthouse. Directions and parking.
- Phone: 760-277-3737. Email: info@oceansidewhalewatching.com.
- Boats: NALA, a 63-foot double-deck catamaran launched in 2024, and Oceanside Adventures, a 47-foot catamaran. Cooper Marine built both.
- Captains: US Coast Guard licensed and American Cetacean Society Certified Naturalists.
- Awards: Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
4.8 on Google
From 2,324 reviews
4.7 on Tripadvisor from 2,051 reviews. Travelers’ Choice in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Joshua D. on GoogleEasy to book, friendly & knowledgeable staff. Great tour with lots of sightings!!
Tricia A. on GoogleToday was our first time out of Oceanside Harbor to whale watch. What a great trip this afternoon. A beautiful, safe catamaran, nice staff and what a fantastic view! We saw lots of dolphins today. We will definitely be repeat visitors with them.
Verity W. on GoogleIt was amazing!! The staff and captain did an excellent job and finding the whales and staying close but not too close to them. They are very knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend!!
Connie A. on GoogleJust perfect!! Seen 5 humpback whales
Tyler G. on GoogleOutstanding crew and boat! First class experience all around.
Janet M. on GoogleIt was an awesome experience!! We got to see dolphins and humpback whales. I did get videos but no still photos! The crew were informative and helpful. I highly recommend.
Thomas B. on GoogleEasy access for the departure location, boarding was easy, the kids loved the choppy waters heading into the swells, saw some dolphins, and lots of ocean. The crew was great!
Deb M. on GoogleIt was educational, they told us about the humpback whale that we sailed along side for awhile. They were friendly and answered all questions.
Michelle W. on GoogleWe went for my sisters 40th birthday and had a blast! The crew was very nice, boat was clean and comfortable with lots of space to walk around. We saw at least 40 dolphins sooooo close to the boat! It was an amazing time and I highly recommend it!
Ruthanne C. on GoogleGreat trip, beautiful boat. We saw flying fish, dolphins and a sunfish. Lovely day on the water. Terrific crew, friendly and informative.
Tanya D. on GoogleWe had an amazing afternoon! Saw Orcas and whales!!!!! Great friendly crew…second time with Oceanside!
Pete B. on GoogleCaptain and crew were awesome and we saw a pod of bottle nose dolphins that contained about 40 individuals and some including several calves.
Colette T. on GoogleWe saw a huge female humpback whale that breached 3 times. The crew was amazing and the boat ride was a great hit with all, especially my 7 year old graddaughter!
Effie H. on GoogleGreat experience. Friendly and experienced crew. Saw 3 breaches, 4 tails and multiple pectoral fins with quite a few spouts! It was a perfect outing.
Morgan D. on GoogleWe had an absolute blast with Captain Andrew! Not only did we feel completely safe and secure the entire time, but we also learned so much about the area. His sense of humor kept us laughing from start to finish. Highly recommend!
A selection of recent five-star reviews. Read all reviews on Google Read reviews on Tripadvisor
Come Out with Us
Two-hour whale and dolphin cruises from the historic Lighthouse in Oceanside Harbor, all year round.