California Wildlife Photography Tour – Whales, Bobcats & Elephant Seals

Itinerary – California’s Rich Coastal Wildlife

This is a general itinerary for the photography trip to California and may be adjusted according to weather conditions, wildlife activity, and local conditions observed before or during the tour.

Day 1: San Francisco Arrival & Point Reyes Coastal Photography

We meet at San Francisco International Airport before transferring (approximately two hours) to our hotel. If time allows, we’ll make a brief stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge before continuing to the coast.

After settling in and recovering from the journey from the UK, there may be an optional sunset photography session on the beaches of Point Reyes, where dramatic waves and golden light provide the perfect introduction to California’s spectacular coastline.

Day 2: Elephant Seal Photography & Bobcat Photography at Point Reyes

We head out early to photograph one of California’s greatest wildlife spectacles: northern elephant seals at the peak of the breeding season. Huge males compete fiercely for territories and harems while females nurse their newborn pups, creating endless opportunities for behavioural photography.

Later, we search nearby grasslands and coastal scrub for elusive bobcats, one of the best places in California to photograph this charismatic predator. Along the way we may also encounter tule elk, California quail and red-tailed hawks. 

Day 3: Bobcats & California Redwoods Wildlife Photography

We’ll spend another morning searching for bobcats in beautiful early light before travelling south towards Santa Cruz.

En route, we’ll stop among magnificent coast redwoods—the tallest trees on Earth, capable of growing to over 110 metres (360 feet). Their immense scale and atmospheric forests provide a wonderful change of pace and outstanding opportunities for landscape photography.

Day 4: Whale Watching, Sea Otters & Monarch Butterflies

Today is dedicated to California’s incredible marine wildlife. A morning whale-watching excursion offers chances to photograph migrating whales, dolphins and seabirds before we head out in search of southern sea otters, often seen floating, grooming and foraging in sheltered waters.

If time permits, we’ll finish the day among one of Santa Cruz’s remarkable overwintering colonies of monarch butterflies, where thousands cluster together in the trees during the cooler months.

Day 5: Hummingbird Photography & Pinnacles National Park Wildlife

We begin at the Santa Cruz Botanical Garden, one of the finest places in California to photograph wild hummingbirds among colourful native flowers. You’ll learn techniques for capturing these remarkably fast and energetic birds in flight and at rest.

In the afternoon, we continue to Pinnacles National Park, famous for its dramatic volcanic spires, caves and rugged scenery formed over 23 million years ago.

Day 6: California Condors, Bobcats & Bird Photography in Pinnacles National Park

A full day exploring Pinnacles National Park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Depending on conditions, we’ll divide our time between searching for bobcats and photographing the park’s diverse birdlife, including acorn woodpeckers, California scrub-jays and California quail.

For those wishing to tackle a more demanding hike, there may be the opportunity to visit one of the best viewpoints for the magnificent California condor, whose wingspan exceeds three metres. Coyotes, greater roadrunners and wild turkeys may also make an appearance.

Day 7: Gray Whale Photography & Scenic Highway 1 Coastline

We travel to Monterey for another whale-watching excursion during the height of the gray whale migration. Sea lions are frequently encountered around the bay, while dolphins and other marine mammals are always possible.

In the afternoon, we continue south along the legendary Highway 1, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Frequent photo stops allow us to capture dramatic ocean vistas and, with luck, wildlife such as condors or marine mammals offshore before arriving in the Cambria area.

Day 8: Elephant Seal Behaviour & Action Wildlife Photography

Today is devoted entirely to photographing elephant seals. January is peak pupping season, offering exceptional opportunities to capture interactions between dominant males, females and newborn pups.

Your guide will explain the fascinating behaviours unfolding before us while sharing techniques for photographing action, social interactions and intimate wildlife moments. Around midday we’ll break for lunch and may also enjoy an image review session to discuss composition, storytelling and editing.

Day 9: Sea Otter Photography & Morro Bay Marine Wildlife

After a final morning with the elephant seals, we travel to Morro Bay. Here we’ll photograph southern sea otters, with January offering an excellent chance of seeing mothers caring for young pups. Sea lions and harbour seals are often present around the iconic Morro Rock.

In the afternoon, we take to the water on a wildlife cruise through the bay, with further opportunities for marine mammals and seabirds, and the possibility of encountering migrating gray whales before continuing to our accommodation in Carpinteria.

Day 10: Channel Islands Wildlife & Island Fox Photography

We spend the day exploring Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park, home to the endemic island fox—the smallest fox species in North America. This remarkably confiding animal offers fantastic photographic opportunities.

The island also supports scrub-jays, rabbits and rich intertidal life, where tide pools may reveal sea stars, crabs and even octopus. Dolphins are frequently encountered during the crossing.

Day 11: Dolphin Watching, Seabirds & Hummingbird Photography

Today’s dedicated pelagic excursion focuses on California’s rich marine life. Possible sightings include Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins, while gray whales, humpback whales and even orcas are occasionally encountered. Brown pelicans, cormorants and other seabirds often provide spectacular action as they feed over the open ocean.

Later, we visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens, where beautiful native plants, sweeping views across the Pacific and another chance to photograph hummingbirds provide a fitting finale to the tour.

Day 12: Departure from Los Angeles & End of the California Wildlife Photography Tour

After breakfast, we transfer to Los Angeles for our return flights. With luck, you’ll head home with memory cards full of unforgettable encounters—from battling elephant seals and playful sea otters to bobcats, whales, hummingbirds and California condors—along with new photographic techniques and lasting memories of one of North America’s richest wildlife destinations.

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