Avila Beach Harbor Safari with Friends

Avila Beach Harbor Safari with Friends — Wildlife, Views & Small Group Boat Tours

Team Otter Spotters!

January 18, 2026 we could not have asked for better weather. Just Magical out there on the Harbor Safari in Port San Luis Harbor, Avila Beach, California

Today we enjoyed an unforgettable Avila Beach Harbor Safari with a small group of four, exploring the scenic waters of Port San Luis Harbor and the beautiful Central Coast of California. If you’re searching for the best harbor tours in Avila Beach or considering whale watching and marine wildlife tours, this experience is a perfect way to connect with the ocean up close. Departing from Port San Luis Harbor, we cruised through calm waters with stunning coastal views, kelp forests, and abundant marine life.

Checking out the sea caves at Fossil Point, Avila Beach, California.

Avila Beach Ocean Safaris 1.25 hour tour costs $39 per person! Book now.

Small group boat tours allow for a relaxed pace, personal interaction, and great opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. During today’s harbor tour, sea lions were active around the harbor and seabirds filled the sky, making this marine wildlife cruise a favorite for nature lovers. These Central Coast harbor safaris are ideal for families, couples, and visitors looking for an authentic Avila Beach boat tour experience.

The Chapman House in Shell Beach, California

Team Otter Spotters were able to check out the famous Shell Beach and Pismo Beach landmark The Chapman House from Pismo Beach near the Dinosaur Caves.

While harbor safaris focus on near shore beauty, the area is also well known for whale watching in Avila Beach, with seasonal sightings of gray whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and more. Whether you choose a scenic harbor tour or a whale watching boat trip, Port San Luis offers some of the best coastal wildlife experiences in San Luis Obispo County. If you’re planning a California coastal getaway, add an Avila Beach harbor tour to your itinerary.

Fun is FREE and INCLUDED on our Avila Beach Harbor Safari!

Our tours are ONE of a KIND adventures that takes you to Avila Beach to Shell Beach! Explore the sea caves and check out the sea otters and birdlife! Book NOW at

AvilaBeachOceanSafaris.com

Small group harbor safaris provide unforgettable views, incredible marine wildlife encounters, and a peaceful way to experience the Central Coast. Avila Beach Ocean Safaris

Avila Beach Harbor Safaris!

Avila Beach Ocean Safaris is super excited to be able to offer our famous and fun Avila Beach Harbor Safari! If you LOVE sea otters you will LOVE this adventure tour. This safari is approximately 1.25 hours long and offers you views of the amazing southern sea otter, harbor seals, sea lions and let’s not forget the pelican, oyster catchers, egrets and herons!

Sea Lions on the Port San Luis Jetty looking back towards the Point San Luis Lighthouse.

Guided and Captained by Vincent Shay who is not only lives in Avila Beach but has been guiding tours in the area for over 25 years. His knowledge of the animals and local environment is second to none and we guarantee you his positive energy truly makes the tour fun and exciting. Vincent is also a well known award winning photographer on the Central Coast and has been photographing sea otters and all the life in the ocean in Avila Beach most of his life.

The southern sea otter in Avila Beach.

This tour is perfect for all ages and boat can accommodate up to 6 people. From November 2025-April 2025 we are offering this safari 7 days per week with 2 tour times (10am and 12pm) for $50 per person.