I've lived here my entire life and have never been whale watching but have always wanted to,…read morehowever it's just not an experience I'd typically consider splashing out on for myself (**spoiler alert - my visit was less than two weeks ago and immediately after disembarking I told my husband I wanted to get on another tour stat!) For Christmas, my husband's aunt gifted tickets to our entire extended family to enjoy a whale watching tour together so we finally landed on a date and it was an awesome experience from start to finish. We arrived about 15 minutes early for our 9:30am boarding time, checked in at the kiosk and were given paper tickets to be handed over to the crew as we came aboard. Once onboard, we were introduced over the speaker to the captain and crew and given a quick rundown of the itinerary and safety procedures. We navigated through the harbor where we spotted our local sea lion neighbors basking in the sun which especially delighted the kids and the out-of-town/state passengers, sailed out of the harbor and into the open sea. It was a pleasantly calm morning with hardly any wind and very smooth sailing. The only slight downside was that it was a particularly gray morning, so there was little distinction between the color of the ocean versus the sky but it was very clear and we could see for a long distance. We got probably close to halfway through our two-hour tour without any sightings but once we were about 5 miles off the coast, we started hearing transmissions between the crew over their walkies so we knew to start keeping our eyes peeled. The next half hour or so was spent watching three beautiful fin whales take turns coming up for air, swimming under the boat, rolling playfully and showing their light-colored bellies. It was so fun to be able to move about the boat freely to try to get the best view, some photos and videos, while being filled in by the crew on interesting marine facts. Finally the whales took their deep dives, at which point we were informed they wouldn't be coming back up for air for a while and it was about time to head back. The cruise back was equally smooth as the adventure out, and we got in right on time and prepared to disembark but not before getting coupons for a future expedition and adorable fin whale stickers to commemorate our tour. I can't WAIT to go on another whale watching tour with Oceanside Adventures - it was the best time!! I would 100000% recommend.

What a great day for whale watching!…read more The crew is amazing! Ivy, Tekon, Saxon, Chris. Hope I got all the spelling right! I've been on this boat and it's not always a guarantee as nature is nature but today was perfect. Calm seas, thousands...yes thousands of dolphin and a dozen whales. Mostly humpback but we saw two finback as well. So rad. Can't wait until next time!

Had a incredibly fun day sailing with Steve on Sunset Sails up and down San Diego coast. We saw…read moreDolphins, jelly fish, and Pelicans Steve our Captain has been sailing his whole life and takes meticulous care of his sail boat. There was 6 of us and we had plenty of room a few of us had fun helping and leaning how to sail. We were blessed with a perfect day of weather

Thank you Captain Steve for a wonderful morning on the water. We could not have asked for a better…read moretime and nicer facilities on the boat. We look forward to booking this excursion again on our next trip to Oceanside.

This is a very long overdue review for Captain Chuck White. Pacific Venture Charter Services, while…read moreapparently an amazing fishing charter service, is also an amazing burial at sea service. On September 22, 2024, myself and my father, wife, daughter, and son-in-law had the privilege of being assisted by Captain White to bury my mother at sea. He was incredibly compassionate, wonderful, and understanding. We would recommend anyone who is looking to do the same to use Pacific Venture Charter Services and Captain White. Thank you.

It wasn't looking likely we'd get out on the water. For the first time in decades of family…read moregatherings, we'd flaked on scheduling a fishing trip, it was late December, and nobody had room for the five of us. Until Chuck called me back, last minute. "I just got a cancellation -- you still up for fishing?" To be clear, the adventure didn't measure up to some of the more impressive charters I've enjoyed, but it wasn't the time of year where bigger fish, like tuna, were abundant. Chuck said we'd be hunting for Sheepshead and Rockfish (not to be confused with east coast Rockfish), as we headed out we saw plenty of fat and happy seals, dolphin dropped by to say hello, and my kid stood up top with Chuck, peppering him with questions about his tales from the seas, of which he had many, including a gray whale epic that blew me away. In the end, our lines generally popped with activity, and I never mellowed over that genuine intrigue about deep sea fishing, the "I wonder what's on the end of my line" anticipation as I reeled up a catch. For those of you who wonder how to cook Sheepshead -- it's a rubbery, almost Cod-like fillet -- check the interwebs for crab cake recipes. It took plenty of bread crumbs and more than a little sriracha, but in the end we had winner winner fishin' dinner.

We booked a charter with Captain John Henke aboard the Viking. We needed to do a Burial at sea…read more This was the first time I had to try and do this for the family so I reached out and John was amazing from start to finish. He was very accommodating, Detailed what we would do and made lots of great suggestions for floating flowers with the biodegradable urn and what to expect. He was very kind, and thoughtful and made the experience as positive as such an event can be. I would highly recommend him for a sailing charter or party, or burial at sea. The boat was spotless, he provided light snacks and sodas and water. He was truly just a great Captain and I would use him again in a heartbeat. Next time I hope it is for pleasure and not a burial. Thank you John for your kindness!

We scattered ashes of two relatives with four friends. We were completely satisfied with the two…read morehour experience. Les helped us plan timing and location for the scattering and carefully introduced us to the safety features of his vessel before departure. Very professional, very friendly, very respectful.

This charter was spectacular. We have been celebrating our late dad's birthday for the past 20…read moreyears with fishing charters in San Diego, and this one was by far the best. The crew was incredibly attentive. I never had to ask for assistance because someone was always there before I even had the chance. It was unexpected and very much appreciated. The woman serving food and beverages also made a point to check in throughout the trip, which really stood out. We caught a lot of fish, and the experience was seamless from start to finish. The briefing at the beginning was quick, clear, and efficient, so we had our poles in the water right away. Highly recommend this charter and crew. An unforgettable experience.

We chartered the SoCal and couldn't be happier. Our group has done this a few times now and whether…read morewe get on the bite or not, the crew gives us an epic experience from Brian in the wheelhouse to Ava cookin' grinds in the galley. The deckhands (pinhead included) were awesome. Especially helping the kids and less experienced anglers. Love this boat and this crew! Also much appreciation to the squad behind the counter at Oceanside Sea Center as well. We are grateful for the availability, flexibility, and ease of setting up and running this trip. Can't wait until next year. And we did get on the fish this time. Every angler got bent

Captain Eric and his First Mate, Nate, showed us a wonderful time sailing out of Oceanside Harbor…read more We highly recommend the Captain and his classic sailing ship! My family & I chartered the boat primarily to disperse my mother's ashes. Although this was a somewhat sad experience for us, Captain Eric could not have been more helpful and empathetic. He even provided a bucket for that purpose. Nate's hors d'oeuvres and the champagne were top notch quality and most appreciated. (Not one of the seven in our party experienced motion sickness.) We also appreciated the Captain's willingness to take pictures of our group. He had shared lots of interesting "sea stories. His love for his boat, and the care he devotes to it, really shines through. All in all, our morning was a relaxing & pleasant experience thanks to Captain Eric & Nate!

Had a fantastic time celebrating my birthday on the Song of David! Captain Eric was great! The boat…read moreis beautiful, well-maintained, and spotless. I highly recommend contacting them for your next sailing adventure!

We cruised with Good life for a beautiful sunset. We were able to bring our own food and drinks and…read morejust had the best time with Captain Brian. Will definitely be recommending them to our friends and am looking forward to our next cruise with them!

This was such a fun experience. We did a sunset charter in mid June, and it was so peaceful and…read morefun. I'd definitely recommend and will be back.

Wow! What a beautiful sailing afternoon with Captain John and his wife Carol on their beautiful 42'…read moresailboat named Sea Star. We had sunshine and the perfect amount of wind. Everything was so easy from communicating with Captain John to arrange our outing to the actual outing. There was never an awkward moment. It was like sailing with longtime friends. You can bring your own drinks and snacks and they have the rest to make the afternoon so enjoyable. We are from Kansas City and we would go again when in the area. If you have a choice book with Sunset Coast Sailing. You cannot go wrong with them.

In the San Diego area to celebrate our parents' 50th wedding anniversary, we found John and Carol…read more(and the Sea Star) during a web search. Replies to set up out time together were prompt and clear, and Carol and John's warm hospitality during our sunset sail created a unique memory for a special occasion. Highly recommend!