Top California Wildlife Encounters

Set sail from Oceanside during a whale watching excursion led by a certified naturalist guide. Board a comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) catamaran with covered areas for seating and cruise along San Diego’s coastline to spot whales and other marine life, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Plus, choose from multiple departures to easily fit this whale watching tour into your schedule.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signal that humpback, minke, grey, finback or giant blue whales are near. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Take in the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County. With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback.

Guarantee your entry to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco to make visiting simple. A general admission ticket provides direct access to all of the aquarium’s main exhibit areas. Learn what is typically found in San Francisco Bay and the nearby Pacific, including sharks, river otters, and octopuses. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, as well as walk-through glass tunnels where schools of anchovies and fluorescent jellyfish swim overhead and around you.

Adventure with a marine biology educator along the coast and learn more about wildlife living in the intertidal zone of San Diego. Great for all ages and skill levels. There are some stairs and lots of uneven terrain we will walk on, so this is not a wheelchair-friendly activity. I have over ten years of teaching youth and adults in outdoor education settings including over eight years of working in marine biology-related fields. In addition, my background in conservation biology and keeping groups small (10 people maximum) makes a more intimate and personal experience.

Where else in Los Angeles can we go trekking into the forest on camel back, then visit with many friendly animals, then relax by a campfire while you make your own s’more? 3 hour tour to include a camel back ride into the forest, where a picnic awaits you, with a heart shaped pizza, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne or apple cider. Relax in the forest for 30 minutes, then camel ride back to our ranch. 1 hour hands on of our animal ranch, where we have over 200 animals from farm animals, reptiles, birds, bugs, and greet all our 3 camels. Finish off your adventure with a private campfire with s’mores. You can take all the photos and videos you want with our animals. No extras charged. No hidden fees. Everything is all included. Come hungry!

Ride to the top of Mount Hollywood for 360° view of Los Angeles, including the unbeatable views of famous Hollywood Sign, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, The Observatory, The Valleys all from the back of a horse riding through the iconic Griffith Park in the heart of Los Angeles.

Take a private boat trip out into the sunset with this private, romantic cruise. Your skipper will take you out into Mission Bay in a private boat, complete with its own observation tower for 360-degree views of your surroundings. Cheese and crackers will be provided and you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine on board.