Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours - We invite you to take to skies above Santa Barbara with an adventurous helicopter tour or luxurious helicopter charter. Explore the “American Riviera” by air, experience the breathtaking scenery and landmarks surrounding Santa Barbara County, including: Stern’s Wharf, Santa Barbara Mission, Clark Mansion, Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, and Oprah Winfrey’s estate. We also offer ecotourism helicopter flights. These adventurous flights include: helicopter tours over the Channel Islands National Park, Whale Watching helicopter flights over the Santa Barbara Channel, and helicopter wine tours of the world renowned vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Condor Express Whale Watching Tours is the premier Whale Watching and Party/Dinner Cruise venue in California. Located in the beautiful city of  Santa Barbara we offer the most comfortable, advanced vessel on the west coast. Each of our crew members are trained and experienced naturalist with 30+ years of service. You will be impressed with just how well our captains know these waters and love the incredible animals we spend so much time with. When you ride on the CONDOR EXPRESS, you are riding with the experts!

Whale Watching Tips
Santa Barbara is in an excellent location for whale watching.  Our city is on a southern facing coast and sheltered behind the Channel Islands.  It offers us a fabulous opportunity to witness the migration of the gray whales, as well as spot other species of the large marine mammals.

Over 27 different types of whales and dolphins inhabit the Santa Barbara Channel at various times of the year, making these waters one of the best whale watching areas in the world.

There are two windows of opportunity to see whales around Santa Barbara.  During February, March and early April you can see California Grey Whales.  From May to September you can see Blue Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales.  Occasionally, you can see Right Whales or Orcas. All season long you have an excellent chance of seeing dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions. 

• Whale Watching Tour Tips
• Annual Whale Festival
• Stearns Wharf Virtual Tour
• Harbor Virtual Tour