Avila Beach Ocean Safaris

06/05/2026

Today's shark encounter wasn't the first time we've crossed paths with a Great White Shark while out on the water.

Back in 2024, we witnessed a large Great White actively feeding on a sea lion off the Central Coast—an unforgettable reminder that we're sharing the ocean with one of its top predators.

A lot of people have commented that the shark in today's video was just a "baby." While it may not have been a giant adult, Great Whites go through several stages of life. Even younger sharks can be impressive animals, and seeing one in its natural environment is always a special experience.

The waters off Pismo Beach and the Central Coast are part of a healthy marine ecosystem. Great Whites have been here long before us, and their presence is actually a sign of a thriving ocean.

Every trip is different, and you never know what wildlife you might encounter—from humpback whales and dolphins to sea otters, sea lions, and occasionally one of the ocean's most iconic predators.

That's what makes every day on the water an adventure.

06/04/2026

More Great White Shark encounter today!!

Dronesey thanks for helping spot these guys with your drone.

06/04/2026

Today’s June 4th Whale Watching Tour turned into a Great White Shark Tour thanks to my friend Dronesey.

We had super bad conditions with large wind swells so I had to abort my original plan to head out to where the Humpback Whales are. Headed down to Oceano and Pismo Beach and the conditions, although not optimum, were much better.

Didn’t spot whales BUT because we have onboard Super Drone Operator, Erik Jones () we decided to start looking around for Great White Sharks.

In about 3 minutes Erik located 3 great whites! We were able to track and get closer to about 2 of them.

Can’t wait to see Erik’s footage but here is some of mine. The drone footage will be MUCH better.

There is ALWAYS something to see! Sometimes it’s not all about humpback whales even though they are my favorite. Seeing Great Whites so close to my boat is always amazing. Without the drone we would not have been able to have this experience.

Thanks Erik as always.

06/04/2026

June 4, 2024 Morning Report from Port San Luis Harbor. Getting ready for a Whale Watching Tour.

Some things to remember for June!

Enjoy.

06/03/2026

For more than three decades, I’ve documented the incredible wildlife and ocean landscapes of California’s Central Coast.

As a professional photographer, I’ve spent countless hours photographing humpback whales, sea otters, dolphins, harbor seals, seabirds, and the ever-changing beauty of our coastline. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the marine environment and the wildlife that makes this region so special.

That passion eventually led me to become the owner and captain of Avila Beach Ocean Safaris, where I now have the opportunity to share these remarkable encounters with guests from around the world.

Every day on the water is different. Some days bring breaching whales, others curious sea otters, playful dolphins, or unforgettable moments that remind us why the ocean deserves our respect and protection.

I feel incredibly fortunate to combine my lifelong passion for photography with my work as a captain, helping people experience the incredible wildlife of California’s Central Coast firsthand.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my photography and joined me on the water over the years. I look forward to sharing many more adventures and wildlife encounters with you.

See you on the water!

— Vincent Shay
Owner & Captain, Avila Beach Ocean Safaris
Vincent Shay Photography

06/02/2026

🐋 What Are the Chances of Seeing Humpback Whales on a Trip?

It’s one of the questions I get asked most often:

“What are the chances we’ll actually see whales?”

The truth is that wildlife is wild, and no captain can guarantee a whale sighting every trip. Weather, ocean conditions, visibility, and whale movements all play a role.

That said, I put a tremendous amount of effort into finding whales.

Over the years, I’ve built a large database of GPS locations where humpback whales regularly feed and travel along the Central Coast. Every season adds to that knowledge. Before many trips, I’m also out scanning the ocean from shore, checking known hotspots, watching for blows, breaches, bird activity, and feeding behavior.

From July through October, our humpback whale sightings are typically around 95% or better.

During the rest of the year, sightings are still very good, averaging around 80%, depending on conditions and whale distribution.

Some days the whales are feeding just a few miles offshore. Other days they’re farther away, the fog rolls in, or strong winds make locating them more challenging. That’s simply part of spending time on the ocean.

What I can promise is this:

✅ Every trip is guided by an experienced local captain, me, Vincent Shay.

✅ I use years of accumulated sighting data and local knowledge.

✅ I spend a lot of time searching before and during every trip.

✅ Even on the rare days whales don’t appear, guests often enjoy sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions, seabirds, dolphins, and the beautiful Central Coast scenery.

The ocean is always different, and that’s part of what makes every trip an adventure.

We look forward to sharing it with you.

— Captain & Guide Vincent Shay
Avila Beach Ocean Safaris

06/02/2026

WHY WE SOMETIMES CANCEL TOURS 🐋🌊

At Avila Beach Ocean Safaris, safety and guest comfort always come first.

Because we operate a small, intimate wildlife-viewing vessel, we closely monitor wind, swell, fog, and ocean conditions before every trip. While we love getting people out on the water, there are days when Mother Nature has other plans.

I monitor NOAA reports and also have extensive experience with the conditions and how sometimes those conditions may not be suitable to an offshore whale watching and wildlife viewing tour.

If conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable, we’ll postpone or cancel a tour rather than provide an experience that falls short of our standards.

Our goal isn’t simply to leave the dock—it’s to give every guest an incredible ocean safari they’ll remember for years to come.

When conditions are right, we’ll be out there searching for whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and all the amazing wildlife that calls California’s Central Coast home.

In 2025 I was not able to fulfill a fair amount of bookings due to conditions. Sometimes where the whales are at it’s too far offshore for my vessel and not safe NOR ENJOYABLE for guests!

Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to sharing the ocean with you soon! I think from what we have seen so far in 2026 this season is going to be a great one.

Keep in mind, July-October is the best times typically.

— Captain Vincent Shay
Avila Beach Ocean Safaris

AvilaBeachOceanSafaris.com

PortSanLuisHarborDistrict

Avila Beach Ocean Safaris offers unforgettable whale watching and wildlife tours departing from Avila Beach and Port San Luis Harbor on California's Central Coast.

06/02/2026

🐋 Exciting things are happening at Avila Beach Ocean Safaris!

This season we’re focusing on what we love most—small-group whale watching and wildlife adventures on California’s beautiful Central Coast.

By limiting our trips and keeping groups small, we’re able to provide a more personalized experience, spend more time searching for wildlife, and help guests create unforgettable memories on the water.

Humpback whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and incredible ocean scenery are all waiting just offshore.

Maximum 4 guests per trip.
2–3 hour adventures.
Departing from Port San Luis.

We can’t wait to share the ocean with you this season!



Book your adventure today at AvilaBeachOceanSafaris.com

📸🐋🚤

06/02/2026

New ‘Captain’s Journal’!

Want to know the best times to see whales in Avila Beach, Pismo Beach and the Central Coast?

July thru October is typically the best! Read more here:

https://www.avilabeachoceansafaris.com/captains-journal

Enjoy! And BOOK now.

AvilaBeachOceanSafaris.com
805-235-5804

Read the Captain’s Journal from Avila Beach Ocean Safaris featuring whale sightings, wildlife encounters and ocean adventures.