Ocean Safaris - Santa Cruz, California

Mark Barnett

This was such a great day! James is a knowledgeable experienced boat captain who’s expertise led to a very successful day! In the morning we saw 4 Hump Back Whales a few miles off shore but eventually decided to turn back because of some unexpected waves. We then headed to Shark Alley were we ended up seeing over 20 great white sharks! It was an incredible experience! They Swam right up to the boat. Would recommend this experience to anyone who interested in exploring the water beyond the shore!

Lisa Sanderson

Excellent trip with James in his RIB. James was friendly and knowledgeable. His boat was clean and well- maintained. We saw sea-otters on our way out. The sharks were shy at first, but James’ persevered and we then saw 4 or 5 sharks. James also managed to spot signs of a Humpback Whale at distance and raced us out to the location. We were rewarded by amazing, close up whale sighting. James was very skillful at anticipating the whales and sharks and bringing us close enough to view without upsetting the animals. Thank you for the excellent trip !

Jennifer Lipman

We really enjoyed our whale watching tour with James! I have gone on a lot of whale watching tours with my 16-year old son and this by far was our favorite. James' smaller boat allowed us to be so much closer and nimble while maintaining a safe distance from the whales. James was knowledgable and entertaining with stories about our bay's marine life. A truly unique experience!

Sharron Koomen

James provided a front row seat to the wonders of the ocean!
We saw more than 39 humpback whales, playful sea lions and a whole lotta birds from New Zealand that came for the buffet♡ I believe he said they are named shear water. Their landing skills are better than their take off skills. Fun to watch.
James provided education along with a wonderful whale watch excursion.
I can't wait to do it again!!

Mark Hopper

What an amazing day with Ocean Safaris and Captain James. James has great experience (20 years if I recall right) on the NorCal Pacific coast. His knowledge of the marine life as well as stories from his experience make this an entertaining learning experience for young and old. The boat is new and seats are extremely comfortable. Our boat had just 6 seats - so a very intimate discussion. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Janessa Ricketts

James was very personable and knowledgeable. It was just a small group but we had fun! James offers other marine excursions and we will be returning.

Renee Matsutani

Ocean Safari is the best whale watching company I have ever experienced. I have been on many whale watching trips but on larger vessels in Monterey Bay and Alaska. Once you have experienced a trip with James you’ll never go back on a large vessel. The Safari is a sturdy and very sea worthy inflatable boat. It has comfortable sitting for six people on cushioned seats.
James is extremely experienced and very knowledgeable. He explains in detail everything you are seeing. We saw so much wildlife…from many species of birds, seals & sea lions, sea otters, 2-3 different types of dolphins and of course the main attraction WHALES. Lots of whales! Most of the other trips I saw only one or two but only see the spray from afar or sometimes a tail. I know the captains can’t control the number of whales we see but this day we saw an incredible amount of humpback whales. At times it didn’t matter which way you looked there were whales everywhere!
On the Safari you are not fighting with a crowd to see the whales and get that “National Geographic “ picture. It’s a civilized way to experience whale watching. You are lower to the surface of the ocean water that you see whales up close (at a safe distance so as not to disturb the whales) You’re so close that sometimes when they come up to breathe you can smell their horrible bad breath!
James thank you for showing our group from Jackie Abel’s company Wet & Wild Adventures a hell of a good time! It was a EPIC day!!!! We are already talking about our next trip with Ocean Safari!!!

Stephanie Anderson

Did someone say Orca ?
WHAT A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME THAT WAS. An opportunity came up with some friends to go snorkeling and swim with Mobulas and Orcas in the open ocean of the Sea of Cortez.
After doing some diligent homework, the trip was set up with Ocean Safaris based on safety and exquisite communication.

Never seeing an Orca ever in my life, I wasn't sure what to expect. Spotting them was a 50/50 chance during our 7 night and 8 day expedition. Knowing that going in, there was a possibility we might not see them and accepted that. I was really hoping that we were able to see them. Looking for them in such a vast open ocean can be looking for a needle in a haystack. I remained optimistic.

After 2 wonderful days of swimming with Mobulas for hours, watching Humpbacks, Sea Turtles, Fin Whales, pods of dolphins, dolphins every day, dolphins every where, even a pod of several hundreds of dolphins, Bio Luminescense, not to mention the gazillion stars in the sky at night and so much more. On day #3 we were fortunate enough to be greeted by the Orcas.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Was this really happening?
Yes, yes it was!

Although I feel very comfortable in the water, I was nervous on my first jump. I'm not going to lie, my first jump sent a feeling of vulnerability throughout my body. That feeling was valid because feeling nervous comes from the unknown. Until you do it for the first time, then you will want to do it again and again. Then there is no turning back. I guarantee it.
I was like, "OMG! I am in the middle of the freaking ocean with an Orca and her baby."
Seeing a baby swimming with their mother in clear open water was out of this world.

James is extremely respectful of the Orcas space. We spent hours observing them. About 6 hours in fact. Watching the babies tail slap, breech and spy hop. We watched them feed each other sea turtles while the babies still continued to splash the water with their little tails. We watched them well into the sunset with the most ultimate ideal conditions.
It couldn't of been more perfect.

The next day, on day #4, we woke up at daylight and headed out on the zodiac.
Again, at 9am, they showed up and observed them for 11 hours this time.
For 2 consecutive days straight, we had Orcas.
This was the same pod of 6 from the previous day. 4 adult females with 2 babies.
Not only did we watched them for 11 hours, we yet again, watched them well into the sunset. What set aside day #3 and day #4 was, day #4 we watched them hunt a dolphin.
Watched them hunt, watched how they all worked together, watched the whole event from the start to the end. All of this took place about 50 yards in front of the vessel.
It was beyond exhilarating.

The boat is very clean and sanitized. Trust me, I was paying very close attention to that. Most importantly, I felt safe.

This trip has above and beyond exceeded my expectations. I actually cried on the bus on the way home. When I book my next trip, it will definitely be with James Moskito with Ocean Safaris.