Malibu Pier Whale Watching Cruise

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

What kind of whales and other marine life have been recently sighted?

01/16/2011 - 5 - 6 Killer Whales!! and on our afternoon excursion, Mom and calf Gray whale, with another adult. 02/12/2011 - 6 Gray Whales! 1000 playing . 16 Risso Dolphins Weekend of 3/05 - 6 Gray Whales, 1000 Dolphins with a few Risso's. Weekend of 3/12 - 1 Gray Whale, 1000 Common & Bottlenose Dolphins. 3/171000 Dolphins , & White sided Dolphins spotted also. 3/251000 Dolphins & 3 Gray's A dozen white sided Dolphins swimming with the Common dolphins. 3/27 16 Grey Whales, super pod of dolphins, pelicans and sea lions. 3.31.11 5 Gray's. 04.01.11 1 Gray, 1000 Dolphins 4.02.11 6 Gray Whales, 1000 dolphins and our Sea Lions 4.10.11 6 Gray Whales - 2 breaching. 100 dolphins and our Sea Lions 4/14 4 Gray Whales, and dolphin super pod 4.22.11 3 Mom and calves for our morning cruise, afternoon 4 Gray's playing in the surf at Zuma Beach. Dolphin super pod and our sea lions barking at our guests 4.28.11 4 grey whales

---------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES--------------------

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, since cruises typically sell out quickly, we recommend that you book your tour as far in advance as possible to guarantee your spots. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Is there a waiting list if the cruise is sold out?

Unfortunately, there is not a waitlist. Since tickets are non-refundable, cancellations are rare. You are welcome to show up at the pier before departure times to see if we have any spaces available.

Are tickets refundable?

Unfortunately tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled due to your space being guaranteed aboard our boat. In the event that we need to cancel due to severe weather conditions, we can reschedule you to a different day.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Like other marine recreational activity, we are weather-dependent and, on occasion, we may cancel trips due to unfavorable or unsafe weather conditions. In the event of cancellation you may reschedule to a different day or receive credit for a future trip.

Are children welcome on whale watching trips?

Yes; our trips are child-friendly and family oriented. Our captain and crew are trained to help show children how to enjoy a fun adventure at sea. However, it is not recommended that toddlers be brought on whale watching trips. If you would like to bring a child, keep in mind that all passengers must have a ticket in order to attend the trip.

Are there any discounts for families?

Yes! Guests booking two adult and two junior tickets can take advantage of our family promotion package by entering promo code FAMILY2011 when purchasing tickets.

Can pregnant women come on this trip?

Yes, however we recommend you consult with a doctor about doing such an activity while pregnant. Our boat excursions travel in the open ocean and, thus, our boats may sway with currents and waves. Rolling decks and wet conditions can create hazards for those who are unsteady on their feet. We advise those persons who are not steady on their feet to not take our whale watching excursions.

What time do I need to arrive for the cruises?

Please arrive at the Pier at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to allow time to check in and load the boat.

-------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT WHALE WATCHING----------------------

What is the best time of the day to see whales?

Whales migrate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no "best" time to see whales, but the weather on the water tends to be calmer in the morning.

What kinds of animals do you see on the trip?

The whales in Malibu during our season are California grey whales and pilot whales. In addition to these beautiful creatures, we frequently see dolphins, California sea lions, cormorants, California brown pelicans and other marine animals.

Where do your boats go to see whales?

We have the advantage of being the only whale watching boat that goes out of Malibu and therefore have access to many miles of ocean just for ourselves. Malibu is too far away for most boats, so this makes our landing unique. We generally cruise in the open ocean between Malibu Pier and Point Dume and never further than about 3-4 miles from shore. Departing from the Malibu Pier means our trips are out in the ocean and on the whale migration path within minutes (no harbor to slowly sneak out of). This enables us to give our passengers more time with whales and marine life and less travel time getting there.

How close do we get to the whales?

We are required by law to stay at least 100 yards away from the whales.

What is the schedule for whale watching excursions from the Malibu Pier?

Our current schedule offers two trips daily from December 26 through January 3 and Saturday and Sunday only after January 3. Our trips depart at 10:30 am and return at approximately 1:00 pm and depart again at 1:30pm and return at approximately 4:00pm. Please arrive at the end of the pier to check-in at least 20 minutes prior to departure time. Private charters are available seven days a week.

How long are the trips?

Every trip is approximately 2.5 hours.

--------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT--------------------------

What type of boats do you use and how many passengers do you carry per trip?

The Malibu Surfrider is a 50 foot fiberglass boat with a wide open design so good views can be had from any location on the vessel. There is ample seating around the perimeter of the boat so everyone on board can decide to sit whenever they want to. Our vessel is fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard and has all required safety gear. It is operated by United States Coast Guard-licensed captains, each with decades of experience on the coastline of Southern California. Depending on the number of guests, we have two to four crew members on each boat trip including the captain. We only offer “limited load” trips and do not load more than 48 passengers so that everyone gets a seat and personalized “Malibu movie star” service.

Are the boats safe?

Our vessel is fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard and has all required safety gear. It is operated by United States Coast Guard-licensed captains, each with decades of experience on the coastline of Southern California. Depending on the number of guests, we have two to four crew members on each boat trip including the captain.

What if I have never gone on a boat trip before?

Our captain and crew are trained to make your experience enjoyable and to assist novices of any age to enjoy a fun time at sea.

Do you sell alcohol on board?

Yes, individual servings of beer and wine are sold on board to passengers of at least 21 years of age with a valid ID. Guests are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Do you provide food and beverages?

Drinks, small snacks, and candy are available on-board for purchase. We do not have equipment on-board for prepared food. For private charters, we can arrange private chefs who will bring aboard gourmet meals to be served from the ship’s galley.

Can disabled or wheelchair bound persons participate in whale watching boat excursions from the Malibu Pier™?

Unfortunately, while the Malibu Pier™ is wheelchair accessible, the Malibu Pier™ boat landing is not. However, wheelchair accessible whale watching boat excursions are available daily at Marina Del Ray Sportfishing. Our boat excursions travel in the open ocean and, thus, our boats may sway with currents and waves. Rolling decks and wet conditions can create hazards for those who are unsteady on their feet. We advise those persons who are not steady on their feet to not take our whale watching excursions. If you would like to request more information, please use the "Contact MalibuPier" link.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes; there is a sun canopy on the boat. However to help limit your exposure to the sun please dress accordingly with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and layered clothing.

Are there restrooms aboard the boat?

Yes, we have restrooms aboard the boat.

Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?

There is limited room to stow your belongings on board. Please only bring what is absolutely necessary for the trip.

Are there life jackets on board? Do I have to wear one?

We do have life jackets on board, but our passengers are not required to wear them during the cruise.

Can I smoke on the boat?

Smoking is prohibited on board the boat.

Will I get seasick?

Although the Malibu Surfrider is safe and stable, this cruise does go out on ocean waters. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you might want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand.

---------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR LOCATION--------------------

What are the directions to the Malibu Pier?

Directions will be provided to you after you purchase tickets. However, it is important to know that the Malibu Pier is located 10 miles from Santa Monica, 20 miles from Thousand Oaks, and 35 miles from Burbank.

Where do I park?

The Malibu Pier™ has an on-site parking lot as well as an overflow lot across the street from the Pier. There is also street parking on the Pacific Coast Highway in the vicinity of the Pier. The Surfrider Beach Los Angeles County parking lot, located north of the Pier on the Pacific Coast Highway, is a short walk from the boat landing.

-----------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING-------------------------------

Can I bring my own food and beverages aboard the boat?

Yes, guests may bring their own food and beverages on board in a small carry-on bag. However, no alcoholic beverages or personal coolers are allowed. We do have a galley where you may purchase drinks and snacks.

How should I dress for a whale watching boat trip?

Please wear windproof layers and we recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please do not wear “flip flops” which do not provide secure footing in a wet environment.

-------------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES------------

Are private charters available and what is the cost?

Yes, we have private charters available 7 days a week. Please click on the "Contact MalibuPier" link to request a charter and inquire about pricing. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are gift certificates available and how do I go about purchasing one?

Yes, gift certificates are available. For purchase and more information, click on the "Contact MalibuPier" link and let us know what you're interested in!

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Alcohol is not permitted.

No alcohol or personal coolers are allowed aboard the vessel!

Malibu Pier Sportfishing