Questions & Answers
Micheal Brink Micheal Brink

Questions & Answers

Can I bring my dog on the boat?

Dogs are ok, but only on Private Charters.

Is my infant child allowed on the boat and does he/she need a ticket?

We allow children of any age aboard. We welcome your entire family however we do require everyone to have a paid ticket, because we are strictly limited by the U.S. Coast Guard, as to how many people we have aboard.

How many passengers can go on the tour?

6 Passengers Maximum.

How long are your tours?

Our Morning Whale Watching and our Champagne Whale Watch Tours are both 2 Hours. The SLO Harbor Cruise is 1 Hour.

Will I get seasick on your boat?

Our vessel the “Obispeno” is a very stable and spacious catamaran boat, which will lessen movement on the water.

Where do we go to meet the boat?

We pick up passengers on Port San Luis Pier Floating Dock. Look for Boat Tours and Whale Watching signs. Upon arriving at the Pier, please park in the parking lot, on Avila Beach Drive or up at the public parking lot at Flying Flags Campgrounds. Do not drive on the pier.

Are we guaranteed to see Whales?

2024 whale season we had a 99% success rate at finding whales on our tour, there is no guarantee that we will see them on any particular tour.

Does your boat have a bathroom?

Yes, we have a bathroom.

Is the boat covered and enclosed?

Yes, 80% is covered to stay out of the cold wind and splashing waves. The bow and deck open for the sun.

Can we bring food and beverages aboard?

Yes, feel free to bring a small cooler and whatever beverages and snacks you would like.

What happens if the trip is cancelled due to weather?

In the event that your tour is cancelled by us (SLO TOURS) due to weather, or for any reason, you will be offered the option to either rebook your tour, or receive a refund. Your choice.

Will the boat wait for me, if I’m late?

I’m afraid not. We run on a tight schedule and need to adhere to the schedule, so we depart on time. During summer months parking is limited. Please come at least 30 minutes before departure to make sure you find parking and walk down the pier.

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Pismo Beach Tours
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Pismo Beach Tours

Discover Pismo Beach Whale Watching Tours

Experience the majestic beauty of whales off the stunning coast of Pismo Beach. Our whale watching tours provide unforgettable moments as you witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights:

  • Expert Guides: Join knowledgeable guides who share insights about marine life, including the unique behaviors of various whale species and their migratory patterns.

  • Comfortable Boats: Our vessels are equipped for comfort and safety, ensuring the best viewing experience for all passengers.

  • Small Group Sizes: Enjoy a personalized experience with limited passenger capacity on each tour, allowing for optimal viewing and interaction.

  • Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes, enhancing your adventure on the water.

Ask Local Hotels:

We encourage you to inquire at local hotels about our whale watching tours. Many of Pismo Beach’s finest accommodations offer information and recommendations on booking our experiences. You can enjoy the convenience of scheduling your tour with the assistance of hotel staff who are familiar with our offerings.

Plan Your Adventure:

Don’t miss the opportunity to create lasting memories on the water. Whether you are a visitor or a local, our Pismo Beach whale watching tours promise an unforgettable day filled with excitement and wonder. Contact us for more details and to reserve your spot today!

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Whales of Pismo Beach
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Whales of Pismo Beach

Experience the thrill of exploring the beautiful San Luis Obispo Bay. This unforgettable adventure focuses on the exciting opportunity to find the incredible humpback whales and other fascinating marine life that frequently inhabit the stunning Central Coast ocean. During your journey, we may encounter playful dolphins, adorable sea otters, formidable sharks, and intriguing harbor seals and sea lions, as well as a diverse variety of vibrant birdlife soaring above the waves.

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SLO TOURS
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SLO TOURS

SLO Tours is a company that offers various tours and experiences in the San Luis Obispo area, particularly water-based excursions.

However, here's some information about their services and what you can expect:

  • Tour Types: SLO Tours offers a range of boat tours including:

    • Whale Watching tours.

    • Harbor tours.

    • Sunset cruises. 

  • Ash Scattering: SLO Tours also provides ash scattering services at sea, offering a respectful and memorable experience for families. 

  • Their Boat: Tours are conducted on board the "Obispeno", a 32' Glacier Bay Power Catamaran. 

  • Tour Highlights: You can expect to see coastal landmarks like Fossil Point Sea Caves, Otter Town, Pelican Jetty, Sea Lion Rock, Smith Island, and the Point San Luis Lighthouse. 

  • Location: SLO Tours is based in Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo, CA. 

  • Contact Information: You can reach them by phone at (805) 705-8681. 

  • Website: Their official website is https://slo.tours/

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SLO Tours boat and watercraft rental for Motion Picture and Film Productions.
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SLO Tours boat and watercraft rental for Motion Picture and Film Productions.

  • SLO TOURS

    Operates watercraft like boats, water taxis, or larger ships, transporting cast, crew, and equipment to filming locations, and setting up/securing equipment onboard with our 32’ Vessel.

    The role of a Marine Crew member is essential and involves operating and maintaining various types of watercraft, including smaller boats, water taxis, or even larger ships that may be necessary for filming on or in close proximity to bodies of water. These skilled individuals assist in the transportation of cast members, crew, and essential equipment to various filming locations. In addition, they are responsible for setting up and securing any necessary equipment on board the vessel to ensure a smooth operation. Furthermore, they collaborate closely with the Location Manager to scout, assess, and secure suitable filming locations that are conveniently accessible by water in the beautiful Avila Beach and Pismo Beach areas.

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Google AI on SLO TOURS
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Google AI on SLO TOURS

SLO Tours, operating in Avila Beach/San Luis Obispo, offers boat tours and whale watching excursions. Here's a summary of their reviews based on online sources:

 

Overall:

  • Highly Recommended: Many customers highly recommend SLO Tours for a memorable and enjoyable experience. 

What Customers Liked:

  • Captain Mike: Captain Michael Brink is consistently praised for being friendly, personable, knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife, and for being a great DJ on the tour. 

  • Wildlife Encounters: Customers enjoyed seeing seals, sea otters, pelicans, and especially whales, sometimes getting up close to them. 

  • Comfortable Boat: The boat is described as comfortable, with an enclosed cabin and suspension seats for a smooth ride. 

  • Beautiful Scenery: Tours offer stunning views of the coastline, sea caves, and other picturesque locations. 

  • Informative and Educational: Captain Mike provides interesting facts about the area, its history, and the wildlife. 

  • Good for Families: The tours are suitable for all ages, and Captain Mike is described as great with children. 

Specific Highlights Mentioned:

  • Whale Watching Tours: Highly recommended, with customers enjoying the experience of seeing whales and other marine life. 

  • Harbor Tours: Offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience along the coastline. 

  • Ash Scattering Services: SLO Tours also offers ash scattering services for those seeking to honor loved ones at sea. 

Important Notes:

  • Accessibility: SLO Tours does not have assistive hearing loops or wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, or seating.

  • Reservations: Online reservations are available on their website, allowing you to check tour times and availability. 

In summary, SLO Tours seems to provide enjoyable and memorable boat tours and whale watching experiences, particularly praised for the personable captain and the opportunity to see local wildlife and beautiful scenery. 

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Whale watchers in Port San Luis got more than they bargained for after a great white shark bumped their boat.
Micheal Brink Micheal Brink

Whale watchers in Port San Luis got more than they bargained for after a great white shark bumped their boat.

A great white shark paid San Luis Obispo County whale watchers an unexpectedly jaw-some visit this weekend. On Saturday, boat tour charter SLO Tours shared a video of a great white bumping its head up against the boat off of Pismo Beach, giving the sightseers a visit they weren’t expecting.

Read more at: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article292884179.html#storylink=cpy

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Humpback Whale Attack
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Humpback Whale Attack

An amazing picture of a majestic Humpback Whale engaging in lunge feeding can be seen near San Luis Obispo tours boat, specifically in the beautiful waters of Avila Beach. This stunning moment captures the incredible behavior of these magnificent creatures as they hunt for their favorite prey.

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Ash Scattering out to Sea
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Ash Scattering out to Sea

SLO Tours is proud to offer Ash Scattering services in Pismo Beach area and we sincerely make it a priority to ensure a meaningful experience for you and your family during this important time. For further details or to discuss your specific needs, please feel free to call us at (805) 705-8681 for personalized assistance. The cost for the service is $350 for the boat, accommodating up to 6 passengers. Additionally, we can provide two boats, allowing for a total of 12 passengers for larger groups, ensuring everyone can share in the moment together.

A Family Business

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Whales of Pismo Beach
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Whales of Pismo Beach

Calling all ocean enthusiasts and sea creature aficionados—Pismo Beach Whale Watching is rolling out a whale of a deal you won’t want to miss! Dive into our new special, where you can book your favorite tours at a fantastic price and join us for morning adventures, leisurely harbor cruises, or our dreamy champagne sunset tours that come with views that are practically a postcard come to life. So, grab your friends, slap on that sunscreen, and let’s create some unforgettable memories as we spy those majestic leviathans in their natural playground.

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Pismo Beach Champagne Whale Watch Charter
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Pismo Beach Champagne Whale Watch Charter

Departure at 4:30 / Starts July 1st

Guests can delight in a truly wonderful evening filled with breathtaking views of a stunning sunset, all while majestic whales gracefully swim by, crafting an unforgettable experience that they will cherish and recall fondly for many years to come.

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Pismo Beach Whale Behaviors
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Pismo Beach Whale Behaviors

PECTORAL FIN SLAP

Humpbacks may slap the water’s surface with one or both fins (pectorals) simultaneously. This may serve as a means of communication to other whales. It is also an effective means to rid the pectorals of any parasites.

TAIL SLAP

The humpback raises its tail flukes out of the water and slaps them downward forcefully on the surface of the water. This behavior is often repetitive and may serve as a warning.

BREACH

The whale uses its tail to propel part of, or all of its body out of the water and comes down with a splash. Some believe that this is a form of communication between whales, whilst others believe it is used to rid the whale of parasites.

PEDUNCLE THROW

An energetic display whereby the whale throws its tail out of the water and in the process slaps its peduncle (the area between the dorsal fin and the tail fluke) on the water’s surface.

SPY HOP

The whale rises vertically towards the surface with its head out of the water. Some believe that this allows the whales to see what is happening above the waterline.

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