Today is the day that you can charter the "Kitty Kat" for your special group.
We offer private trips for groups of students. These six-hour educational trips begin in San Francisco, head out under the Golden Gate and will visit Harbor Seals in Diablo Cove, California Sea Lions at Point Bonita and then will head out to the Farallon Islands.
We can include various activities in our shipboard classroom, custom designed to each group, such as a plankton study (including plankton tow), food web investigation, upwelling discussions and activities, current, tides, cetacean studies (whales) and pelagic seabirds.
On arrival at the Farallon Islands, we will find Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions, as well as Harbor Seals. Breeding birds of the islands which we may spot include:
If your school group would also like to enjoy this unique experience you too can do so by clicking on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link to inquire.
We offer private trips for groups of students. These six-hour educational trips begin in San Francisco, head out under the Golden Gate and will visit Harbor Seals in Diablo Cove, California Sea Lions at Point Bonita and then will head out to the Farallon Islands.
We can include various activities in our shipboard classroom, custom designed to each group, such as a plankton study (including plankton tow), food web investigation, upwelling discussions and activities, current, tides, cetacean studies (whales) and pelagic seabirds.
On arrival at the Farallon Islands, we will find Elephant Seals, California Sea Lions, as well as Harbor Seals. Breeding birds of the islands which we may spot include:
- Pigeon Guillemot
- Cassin’s Auklet
- Rhinoceros Auklet
- Tufted Puffin
- Double-Crested Cormorant
- Pelagic Cormorant
- Brandt’s Cormorant
- Western Gull
- Least Storm-Petrel
- Ashy Storm-Petrel
- Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
- Black Oystercatcher
- Common Murre
If your school group would also like to enjoy this unique experience you too can do so by clicking on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link to inquire.
What Is Not Included?
The details of your private charter can include catering services, provided by third party caterers or other details to meet your needs.
Meeting Location
Pier 39 (San Francisco, CA)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- ---------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES---------------------------
- Are children allowed?
- Children under 3 years of age are not allowed to attend the cruise for safety reasons. Children ages 3 and up are more than welcome to come along!
- Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?
- Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities. For safety reasons, we do not recommend that pregnant women attend. If you have any questions, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link to discuss further.
- How far are you from the major airports?
- We are approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland airports depending on traffic.
- -------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT WHALE WATCHING----------------------
- Do you guarantee whale sightings on every trip?
- We cannot guarantee that you will always see whales, but we have had great success in the past. We can guarantee that our crew will do its best to ensure that you have a great time on board with us.
- What kind of whales will I see?
- We have seen Grey, Blue, and Humpback whales throughout the year depending on the season.
- When is the best trip of the day?
- Both morning and afternoon trips are equally exciting. Your choice should be determined by your own personal preference. Either trip produces equal marine and wildlife sightings. The captain and crew favor the afternoon trips because it is exceptionally beautiful to view marine life as the sun sets. Afternoon trips produce an excellent opportunity for unique photos!
- How close up can we view whales?
- We will stop 300 ft. from the whales and let them come to us, following federal whale watching guidelines. We do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.
- What other marine life should I expect to see?
- The other marine and wildlife include: Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Cassin's Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Black Oystercatcher, Rhinoceros Auklet, Ashy Storm-petrel, Leach's Storm Petrel, Northern Elephant Seal, Harbor Seal, Steller's Sea Lion, California Sea Lion, Northern Fur Seal, Dall's Porpoise, Risso's Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin, Orca, and White Sharks.
- Where do the trips end?
- The trips end at the same dock which they departed from.
- --------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT--------------------------
- Will I get seasick?
- If you normally get motion sickness, then there are a few great remedies out there to try. Please be prepared and take preventative measures after consulting with a doctor. Fortunately, however, we have one of the best boats out there with the most modern technology incorporated into its design that helps make every trip a smooth ride.
- Are there restrooms on the boat?
- Yes, both boats are equipped with clean restrooms for your convenience.
- Are the boats safe?
- Safety is our number one priority! Our boats meet the current United States Coast guard regulations, and our experienced captain and crew make every effort to ensure a fun and safe adventure.
- Are your boats handicapped accessible?
- Unfortunately, there are 4 steps you must take to board the boat, but if you are mobile enough our crew would be glad to assist you onto the boat with the best of their ability. The bathrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible but can be used by a passenger with limited mobility. If you'd like to make a request for any special accommodations, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link.
- Can I smoke on the boat?
- No, smoking is not permitted on board.
- -----------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING-------------------------------
- Can I bring my own food and beverages on board?
- Yes! Please feel free to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages on board.
- How should I dress?
- Dress warm and in layers. Waterproof jackets are great and comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
- Do you offer SFWhaleTours merchandise?
- Yes, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link for more information and merchandise will be provided on board for purchase.
- -------------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES------------
- Can I purchase a gift certificate?
- Yes, gift certificates make a great gift for any occasion! If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click “Contact SFWhaleTours” and include the following information: how many tickets you want the gift certificate to be good for, the mailing address you want them sent to, and your phone number so that San Francisco Whale Tours can contact you to process the gift certificate. Thanks!
- Do you have translators for non-English speaking people?
- Trips are narrated in English, but the scenery is enough to take in even if English isn't your first language. Click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link if you would like to have a translated trip and we will try to accommodate you.
- Can I book a private trip?
- Yes, we do offer private charters. To inquire further, please click on the "Contact SFWhaleTours" link for more information.
- Do you have educational programs?
- San Francisco Whale Tours works closely with educational groups, including schools, to provide exploration of native wildlife in their habitats. School programs can be catered to learning in the classroom and we can provide a "ship board" classroom at special education rates. Please click on "Contact SFWhaleTours" for more information.
San Francisco Whale Tours
Today, we turn the "Kitty Kat" into a "ship board" class room with a school group aboard.
We offer private trips for groups of students. These six -hour educational trips begin in San Francisco, head out under the Golden Gate and will visit Harbor Seals in Diablo Cove, California Sea Lions at Point Bonita and then will head out to the Farallon Islands.
We can include various activities in our shipboard classroom, custom designed to each group, such as a plankton study (including plankton tow), food web investigation, upwelling discussions and activities, current, tides, cetacean studies (whales) and pelagic seabirds.
We also offer a shorter, and less expensive, educational charter with our trip throughout the San Francisco Bay to discover the residents of the bay including nesting colonies of shorebirds and pelagic birds on Alcatraz Island as well as Angel Island. We will see Harbor Porpoises, Harbor Seals, and California Sea Lions. Our tour will go out under the Golden Gate Bridge to see Harbor Seals in their native habitat in Diablo Cove.
You too can charter our boat! Our services are available for school groups enrich classroom curriculum with a visit to native habitats and hands-on marine studies.
We offer private trips for groups of students. These six -hour educational trips begin in San Francisco, head out under the Golden Gate and will visit Harbor Seals in Diablo Cove, California Sea Lions at Point Bonita and then will head out to the Farallon Islands.
We can include various activities in our shipboard classroom, custom designed to each group, such as a plankton study (including plankton tow), food web investigation, upwelling discussions and activities, current, tides, cetacean studies (whales) and pelagic seabirds.
We also offer a shorter, and less expensive, educational charter with our trip throughout the San Francisco Bay to discover the residents of the bay including nesting colonies of shorebirds and pelagic birds on Alcatraz Island as well as Angel Island. We will see Harbor Porpoises, Harbor Seals, and California Sea Lions. Our tour will go out under the Golden Gate Bridge to see Harbor Seals in their native habitat in Diablo Cove.
You too can charter our boat! Our services are available for school groups enrich classroom curriculum with a visit to native habitats and hands-on marine studies.
