Half Moon Bay Whale Watch

The Oceanic Society welcomes you aboard the Salty Lady for an exciting encounter with one of the largest animals on earth ... the gray whale. The annual gray whale migration, one of the world's most magnificent and accessible wildlife spectacles, is underway. Each year, approximately 15,000 gray whales, of an estimated population of 17,500, swim south from Arctic feeding grounds en route to their Baja California breeding and calving grounds and back. From December through May, they can be observed a few miles off California's shore, and whale watchers aboard Oceanic Society's naturalist-led whale watch boats have a unique vantage from which to view this incredible "parade". During each cruise, our expert naturalists give talks on gray whales and the conservation efforts that brought them back from near extinction. These exciting and educational cruises are held on board motorized diesel U.S. Coast Guard certified vessels. CONDITIONS & TERMS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: No refunds can be issued unless a trip is cancelled by Oceanic Society. Rescheduling less than (2) weeks prior to departure is not permitted. If the Oceanic Society cancels a trip, call us at 415 474-3385 during regular business hours to request a refund or reschedule within the current season. All refunds must be requested within 30 days of your original departure. Due to the special nature of whale watching trips and the potential for cancellations due to weather, the following policy applies: no administrative charge for rescheduling; refunds will be assessed a processing fee of $2 per ticket. In no event shall our liability exceed the obligation to refund the amount you paid to us. There are no automatic refunds.    In the event of an expedition being cancelled after departing the dock, Oceanic Society has the following policy: if the vessel returns to the dock within the first 30 minutes, no fuel charge will be assessed. If the vessel returns to the marina between 30 minutes and one hour, a $25 per person fuel charge will be assessed on all refunds or rescheduling. If the vessel is out over one hour and fifteen minutes, the trip will be considered complete and no refunds or rescheduling will occur. There is a $10 service charge for all returned checks.    Unpredictable sea conditions and trip duration necessitate age restrictions: anyone under age 15 years must be accompanied by an adult; children under 7 years are not permitted on the boat. All vessels have life vests and are Coast Guard certified and insured. There is limited indoor and outdoor seating.