An Educational Shark Expedition.
Central Coast Shark Safari
$250/person, 3-4 hours, Min 1/Max 3, Ages 12 & up
The Central Coast’s First Dedicated Shark Viewing Tour
Ever Dreamed of Seeing a Great White Shark in the Wild?
Join Avila Beach Ocean Safaris for the first tour and expedition of this kind based in the Avila Beach and Pismo Beach area. Experience Californias most fascinating marine predators with Captain Vincent Shay and Erik Jones, shark expert, guide and professional drone operator as we search the local coastline using drone technology, live aerial viewing, and local knowledge.
This isn’t just a boat tour, it’s an expedition.
Search. Discover. Learn. Our Mission.
Every trip is an active wildlife expedition. Guests become part of the Crew while watching a live drone feed as we search for great white sharks, leopard sharks, salmon sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, and much more.
Our mission extends far beyond simply finding sharks.
We believe that the more people understand these incredible animals, the more they appreciate the important role sharks play in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem.
This amazing boat tour and first of its kind on the Central Coast was founded on the principle of respect and to inspire curiosity, to replace fear with understanding, and create a lifelong appreciation for the remarkable sharks and marine wildlife that inhabit California’s Central Coast.
Education First
We believe understanding wildlife creates respect for wildlife. Every expedition teaches shark biology, migration, feeding behavior, conservation and much more.
We don’t create fear. We create understanding.
Our Goal is not to simply show our guests sharks, but we strive to help them understand their behavior, their importance to healthy oceans and the incredible ecosystem surrounding Pismo Beach, Oceano, and Avila Beach.
Ethical Wildlife Viewing
Our Shark Safaris are conducted with the highest respect for all wildlife, including amazing sharks. We never chase, harass, or feed sharks or other marine wildlife. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but every trip offers and opportunity to experience our local shark populations. Drone technology has allowed us to have a great success rate when it comes to locating great white sharks and other sharks on the Central Coast.
Meet The Expedition Team
Your adventure is led by Avila Beach Ocean Safaris owner and Captain Vincent Shay. He is a professional wildlife photographer and videographer and lifelong Central Coast Naturalist with more than three decades of experience guiding wildlife adventures.
Joining each tour is Erik Jones, a professional drone operator, shark specialist and co guide. Erik operates our aerial search drone through the trip, scanning the coastline and communicating directly to help guide guests to the most optimal viewing locations and help position boat for an ‘up close and personal’ experience.
Erik is FAA Registered & Insured, plus UAS Part 107 Certified.
You can view more of his adventures with Great White Sharks and see his amazing drone work and wildlife filming at his YouTube Channel here.
The Tour Experience. What makes this special?
See What The Drone Sees.
Passengers watch the exact same live drone feed being used to locate the sharks. How? When we get to our location, we set up a monitor and connect the drone being used to located the sharks to an 18” monitor where each passenger can see. When the drone spots a shark, you’ll see it instantly. Watch great white sharks, leopard sharks and much more from a remarkable aerial perspective.
Feel The Power of an Apex Predator.
Nothing prepares you watching a great white shark glide effortlessly beneath the surface of the ocean.
Silent. Powerful. Perfectly Designed.
Whether observing a massive great white shark or juvenile great white shark. The feeling of awe is unmatched and every encounter inspires a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals.
Your Shark Safari Keepsake.
Every guest and/or group receive a complimentary edited 30 second highlight video from their boat tour. Using footage captured during the expedition you will see any shark sightings we may encounter. Feel free to share and send to family and friends.
Exclusive Small Groups.
Every expedition is limited to just 3 guests, allowing everyone to ask questions, watch the live drone feed via monitor, photographer and video wildlife, enjoy unobstructed views and receive personal attention from both guides.
A New Kind of Wildlife Experience.
Our Goal is simple. We want to leave every guest with a greater appreciation for sharks than when they stepped aboard the zodiac. When you understand these remarkable animals and are in their world for a brief amount of time you start to realize they are not monsters- they’re one of the ocean’s greatest success stories.
Let’s go learn from the ocean.