Experience peak humpback whale watching season with Lost Isle Adventures.
—Summer is here, and June through August is the peak humpback whale watching season. These giants of the ocean are migrating north to cooler waters from their southern wintering grounds. Lost Isle Adventures departs from Morro Bay daily at 9:30 a.m. for two to three hours of watching whales, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and other sea-going wildlife.
Owner and captain, Dane Jacobs, is a local who grew up on the Central Coast. During his time at Cal Poly, His earliest dreams were of owning his own business. “After studying the world’s oceans through the Semester at Sea program, I was inspired to create a business that would showcase the beauty of my hometown and promote ocean conservation,” he said.
“Lost Isle Adventures was born out of a lifelong passion for the ocean, boating, and marine life. With a lifetime spent embracing the waves and safeguarding beachgoers as a former lifeguard, my bond with the ocean runs deep. From my earliest days, I harbored a dream of owning a business on the water — a dream now realized.”
Expect unique encounters
The whale watching tours are seasonal aboard the Angler, a 50-foot U.S. Coast Guard–inspected vessel built for safe, rugged, oceangoing adventures. The vessel offers a stable, comfortable ride designed to handle coastal waters with ease, giving guests peace of mind while enjoying incredible marine wildlife experiences. With a heated interior, bathroom for added comfort, and a cocktail bar, it’s the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
What kind of encounters can guests expect? Morro Bay is a working harbor surrounded by a state marine reserve. Open ocean-bound guests usually see otters, seals, and seabirds. Once in the open water, the curious humpback whales often approach the boat and, at times, circle for over an hour. In past trips, large pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins rode the bow wake! According to Jacobs, “In the summer and fall, visitors typically see humpback whales. Winter and spring grey whales — they’re incredibly active, often breaching and tail-slapping. We’ve also seen blue whales, the largest animals on earth, and even the occasional fin whale. On some trips, we see a few whales; on exceptional days, we’ve had pods of up to 30 or more around us at once! Every day on the water is a little different, which is what makes it so exciting.”
If going onto the open ocean for up to three hours is too long of a time commitment, there’s always the 45-minute Tiki Cruise around the Morro Bay Harbor. Sit back and relax while taking in Morro Rock, the Three Stacks, and, of course, the marine mammals, while enjoying a 1950s-style cocktail. The Tiki Boat is a retro-inspired cruiser that’s mostly enclosed and covered, offering protection from the wind. It’s perfect for any time of year!
Short on time but still want to see whales? The 90-Minute Go Fast Adventure tour is perfect for smaller groups or the time-pressed. Jacobs says, it’s, “a thrilling, fast-paced tour on the Falcon designed for the adventurous or anyone who just wants to go fast!” The Falcon is a 24-foot speedboat originally designed for the U.S. Navy. Built for stability and performance, it’s perfect for those looking for a fast-paced, adventurous ride while viewing marine wildlife both in the harbor and offshore.
Private charters for special adventures
Lost Isle Adventures also offers private charters for groups who want custom experiences, such as wildlife photography or a sunset cruise. Summer is busy, and tours book quickly. Jacobs recommends booking one to two weeks ahead, but he’ll always try to accommodate last-minute bookings. He’s passionate about the Central Coast and loves to share his knowledge about local wildlife. His goal on every tour is to treat everyone like family and “to impart my profound affection for the Central Coast to every guest who crosses my path, ensuring they leave with cherished memories of this breathtaking locale.”
Lost Isle Adventures is located at 845 Embarcadero, Suite D, in Morro Bay. Tours can be booked online at www.morrobaytikiboat.com or call to make a reservation (805) 771-9337.
—Karen Lycan
