Channel Islands Dolphin Adventures - Oxnard, California

Jennifer McKeen

We had the BEST experience ever on our boat ride today! Captain Nick made us feel like the only ones on the boat! (OK so we were the only ones on the boat, but still, he was awesome!!) We didn't see a single dolphin (not for lack of Nick trying) but it didn't impact the excursion in the slightest! The sea lions were my favorite and we were able to get super close to them. My husband's highlight was the barge! We can't recommend this experience enough!

Tara Shreeve

This tour is amazing especially for the price. There isn’t specific instructions on where to meet. This company does not have a booth, but it runs out of Oxnard and if you go the back of building 3600 and hang out on the benches your guide will meet you. It’s a very laid back tour with tons of action. We went in early September and saw thousands of dolphins and sea lions. Our tour guide Oasin was great he didn’t say much unless we asked questions which he answered perfectly. He played great music and delivered with the Marine life. We did get wet with spray from the waves so prepare for that. It was so fun. 10/10 recommend

Bridget Janzen

I booked with Dolphin Adventures for my partner’s birthday and it was an absolute blast. Our captain was Nick. He was very friendly, informative, and funny. We found a massive pod of dolphins pretty quickly and spent all of our time with them. Totally worth the money to watch the dolphins play underneath the boat. Would definitely recommend.

Jessica D

Went for a 90 minute whale and dolphin tour 5/27/22 with a friend and had a BLAST! The small boat, we were on the Journey, kept us close to the water and therefore the animals. Captain Nick was fantastic! He answered our questions, told us stories, and was great with the two kids on board.
We didnt see any whales, at no fault of anyone's of course, but we saw a bunch of dolphins, and sea lions. We even saw the tops of Sunfish fins and what we believe were a couple thresher sharks jumping out of the water.
It was a beautiful morning and fantastic experience!

Keely Varvel Hartsell

We went on the 1.5 hour morning outing and saw two separate pods of dolphins which swum around us for a long time and got up right next to the boat. The boat was small enough to be fast, exciting and close to the animals but large enough to be comfortable and feel safe. We also saw sea lions and heard about the area from our boat captain. I’ve been on several whale and dolphin boat rides/cruises and this was definitely one of the best. I only took video of the dolphins around the boat and unfortunately, Google won’t let me post a video. But I added a couple of other pics.

Alex Cahill

Woke up early to see the whale and dolphin experience with the Channel Islands Dolphin Experience. We were guided by Captain Nick who casually waited on a bench for our arrival and warmly greeted us and let us know that we had this trip to ourselves due to no other bookings. This was awesome to find out and after experiencing the trip, very surprising that it was possible.
We started in the harbor by seeing a Harbor Seal bobbing its head in the water, chillin. Then caught a small heard of Bottle Nose Dolphins corralling and feeding right off the harbor near the shore. We then ventured off into the deep.
My oldest (5yr) freaked out, and our youngest (3.5yr)froze, due to the initial rough seas that resulted in big jumps and dives in our way out to sea. Once we were out the water leveled and we were on the lookout.

It didn’t take long.

Off in the distance and with the experience of Captain Nick, he noticed a group of feeding and working birds (terms which he educated us about). We headed in their direction and within minutes we were surrounded by a huge herd of common dolphins.(Capt. Nick was way more technical with their names, and super skilled with information. I just couldn’t retain all the information). We turned suit and followed along “swimming with them”. A bounty were seen above water jumping and diving with a larger bounty more below waiting to do the same.
I said earlier it was magical, but it was much much more than that.

Glorious comes to mind.

For at least 30 minutes we “swam with them”. Our family will never forget it.

After a 30 minute trip out, of which we had already seen what we thought was a lot to see. We spent about 45 minutes enjoying some of the absolute beauty our world and Pacific can provide.

Then on our 30 min. trip back to land Captain Nick was so gracious and awesome to let our girls “Captain” the boat for a bit each.

We couldn’t be happier for the experience we had and was provided by Captain Nick and Channel Islands Dolphin Adventures.

We took the 9 am tour on 6/26/23. When dealing with wild animals my thinking is to always choose the earliest possible time take a tour. From my experience they are usually most active during those times and this fantastic trip proved that again.

If I could add video of the hundreds of dolphins we encountered I would love it. Just don’t know how to do it. Captain Nick though was the best.

Peter Bierma

We had an absolute blast with Captain Nick. We saw seals, sea lions, birds, and best of all, several whales! In fact we got so close, within 20 ft, and realized two of them were mating! It was hilarious and really cool at the same time. We also saw their tails and fins, and they spouted for us as well. Such a memorable trip!

Nick Hedly

Captain Nick brought us to the feeding frenzy! Dolphins and sea lions galore. Great tour!!!