California Wildlife Photography Tour – Whales, Bobcats & Elephant Seals

Itinerary – California’s Rich Coastal Wildlife 

Day 1: Meeting Point – San Francisco Airport

We meet at San Francisco Airport and transfer (approx. 2 hours) to our hotel, with the option of a short detour via the Golden Gate Bridge. After check-in, we take it easy to adjust to the time difference from the UK.

Day 2: Elephant Seals & Hummingbirds

An early start works in our favour as we explore the coast in beautiful morning light. We visit an elephant seal colony at the height of the breeding season, when dominant males battle for control of their harems—an extraordinary spectacle to photograph.

In the afternoon, we turn our attention to hummingbirds: tiny, vibrant and fast-moving subjects that offer a rewarding photographic challenge. Later, we travel inland to a remote and lesser-known area, stopping for supplies en route. We stay here for three nights in prime bobcat habitat.

Day 3: Bobcat Safari & Condor Hike

We set out at sunrise on a driving safari through rolling ranch land and oak woodland in search of bobcats, which thrive here thanks to abundant prey. While sightings can never be guaranteed, our chances are excellent. We’ll also look out for coyotes, roadrunners and wild turkeys.

In the afternoon, there is the option of a more challenging 10 km hike to a spectacular viewpoint—one of the best places to see California condors. With wingspans exceeding 3 metres, these birds are truly impressive. Your guide will assist with photographing them in flight. We head out again in the evening for another chance to see bobcats.

Day 4: More Bobcat & Condor Photography Opportunities

Another early-morning safari maximises our chances of capturing strong bobcat images. The day remains flexible: depending on previous sightings, we may continue focusing on bobcats or spend more time searching for condors.

Day 5: Final Bobcat Safari & Return to the Coast

We enjoy a final morning searching for bobcats before driving 4–5 hours back to the coast. We arrive at our hotel around dinner time, where we stay for two nights.

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island – Island Fox

Today we visit Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, home to the Channel Island fox—the smallest fox species in North America. We’ll also explore tide pools rich with sea stars, crabs and possibly octopus. Dolphin sightings are common during the boat journey. Lunch is on the island before returning late afternoon.

Day 7: Whales & Monarch Butterflies

We begin with a whale-watching excursion, offering excellent opportunities to photograph whales and dolphins.

After lunch, we travel north to a monarch butterfly overwintering site, where thousands cluster in trees—a remarkable sight. We then check into our hotel near a prime elephant seal location for a two-night stay. In the evening, we revisit the colony to photograph the seals in softer light.

Day 8: Elephant Seals & Sea Otters

A more relaxed day. We may return to the elephant seal colony, where pelicans and vultures are also present.

We then focus on photographing sea otters, with excellent chances to capture them feeding, resting on their backs or interacting with their young. An optional coastal walk offers further opportunities to see sea otters, sea lions and dolphins. We return in the evening for more sea otter photography in the best light.

Day 9: Highway 1 Road Trip

We set off early along the iconic Highway 1, one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes. Along the way, we may spot condors, bobcats or marine wildlife offshore. There’s no rush today—we arrive later at Monterey Bay, where sea lions are often found near the harbour.

Day 10: Coastal Wildlife & Tide Pools

We return to Highway 1 to make the most of its photographic potential. Sunrise may be spent photographing sea lions, followed by visits to tide pools filled with crabs, squid and mussels. We keep watch for condors, bobcats, sea otters and whales throughout the day.

Day 11: Full-Day Whale Watching Boat Trip

Our final full day features an extended (approx. 8-hour) whale-watching trip. This stretch of coastline is one of the best places to observe grey whales, often close to shore due to an offshore canyon. We may also encounter orcas, large pods of dolphins or breaching whales. After an intensive day, we enjoy a relaxed evening.

Day 12: Departure

A final morning coastal walk gives us one last opportunity to take in the scenery before transferring to the airport for our flight home. With luck, you’ll be leaving with hard drives full of the very best that California’s wildlife has to offer.

Cost

This trip can be booked from £4,395 per person.

Single Room Supplement: £875.

Room Options

1 Person – Shared Twin Room
If you choose this option, you will share a room with another traveller of the same sex in separate beds. If no suitable room share is available, the single-room supplement will apply.

2 People – Double Room
Ideal for couples or two friends travelling together on the photo tour. Please specify in the comments box whether you would prefer a double bed or twin beds.

1 Person – Single Room
You will have the room to yourself. A single-room supplement applies for sole occupancy. In some cases, you may be allocated a double or triple room for single use, but the same supplement applies in all cases.

Payment

Booking your place is simple and straightforward. Reserve online and we will send your invoice within 7 days. You may pay by bank transfer, debit card or credit card – whichever is most convenient for you.

A 20% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due 8 weeks before departure.

What’s Included

• Breakfast
• All accommodation in shared twin rooms (separate beds)
• Rental car costs
• Excursions and local rangers
• Park entrance fees
• Guidance by Charles Janson
• Pre-trip meeting
• Photo reviews
• All boat trips

What’s Not Included

• International flights to San Francisco (we can assist with booking if required)
• Costs of travel authorisation, which must be arranged independently
• Alcoholic drinks
• Lunches (which may be picnic-style or at local restaurants) and dinners
• Personal expenses
• Travel and cancellation insurance

Please allow a budget of approximately $50 per day for meals and drinks.

Practical Information – California Wildlife Photography Trip

Participants Meeting

Prior to departure, we will host an online participants’ meeting. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and your tour leader, as well as to ask any questions ahead of the journey.

Accommodation

Throughout the tour, we will stay in a carefully selected range of comfortable hotels. In certain inland locations, characterful group accommodation may be used, chosen for its setting and convenience.

Difficulty

Overall, this tour is not physically demanding. However, during the early part of the itinerary, there is an optional, more challenging hike in Pinnacles National Park, where we hope to observe the remarkable California condor in its natural habitat.

Renowned for its dramatic geological formations—towering peaks, rugged gorges and cave systems—the park offers an exceptional setting for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The hike is a circular route of approximately 9 km, with an elevation gain of 498 metres, rewarding those who take part with spectacular views. There will be sufficient time to complete the route twice if you wish, although participation is entirely optional. You may also choose to complete the walk once or enjoy alternative activities.

Outward and Return Journey

The tour begins at San Francisco International Airport. International flights are not included.

We recommend booking early to secure the most favourable fares and flight times. We are happy to assist with flight arrangements once the minimum number of participants has been reached or registration has closed. While prices cannot be guaranteed, our system often provides access to competitive fares not always available online.

Local Transportation

Travel throughout the tour will be in comfortable SUVs. Participants are encouraged to share driving responsibilities where willing. If only one participant undertakes regular driving, a discount on the tour price will be offered.

Required Equipment and Materials

For optimal photographic results, we recommend a camera with a lens of at least 300 mm (full frame), though longer focal lengths are preferable. A versatile 150–600 mm zoom lens is ideal, allowing you to switch easily between smaller birds and larger wildlife.

You may also wish to bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and, optionally, a macro lens for close-up photography.

Baggage

When arranging your flights, please carefully review the allowances for both checked baggage and hand luggage on your outbound and return journeys, as weight and size restrictions apply. Full details can be found on your airline’s website.

If necessary, smaller items such as lenses, camera bodies and spare batteries may be carried in the pockets of a large coat or photography vest, as these are not typically weighed. Please note that adherence to baggage regulations remains your own responsibility.

Climate and Clothing

In coastal areas such as San Francisco and along the Santa Cruz coastline, the climate is generally mild, with temperatures ranging between approximately 10°C and 18°C. However, it can feel cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

We recommend dressing in layers to ensure comfort throughout the day. A waterproof jacket or poncho is advisable for boat excursions, where wind and sea spray can make conditions feel significantly cooler.

Sturdy walking shoes are essential, as some excursions involve walking on uneven terrain.

Vaccinations

For the latest information on recommended or required vaccinations, please refer to the UK government website.

Passport and Visa

Travel to the United States requires a valid passport and appropriate travel authorisation. Most travellers will apply via the ESTA Visa Waiver Program.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

Which Animals Might You Encounter on This California Photo Tour?

Mammals

• Elephant seals
• California sea lions
• Sea otters
• Grey whales
• Humpback whales
• Various dolphin species
• Orcas
• Bobcat
• Squirrels
• Coyote
• Raccoon
• Ground squirrels
• And many other remarkable species

Many Bird Species, Including

• California condor
• Bald eagle
• Brown pelican
• Great egret
• American flamingo
• Swallows
• Cliff swallow
• Great blue heron
• Songbirds such as the American blackbird, Northern cardinal and chiffchaff
• Hummingbirds, including Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds
• Seabirds such as the Northern giant petrel and crested guineafowl
• Plovers, including the semipalmated plover and the greater yellowlegs
• Gulls, such as the great black-backed gull, black-headed gull and California gull
• Waterfowl, such as teal and American teal
• Waders, including the willet and the American golden plover
• Sandpipers, such as the pectoral sandpiper and curlew sandpiper
• Red-tailed hawk