Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks

Operating from the bustling Embarcadero in Morro Bay, Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks has established itself as a significant tour operator for anyone looking to engage with the local marine environment. With a business history stretching over two decades, this family-owned company provides a variety of on-the-water experiences, ranging from open-ocean excursions to placid bay cruises and equipment rentals. The company's high customer ratings suggest a consistent level of quality, but as with any service dependent on nature and machinery, the experience can vary. This article offers a balanced look at what potential customers can expect.

The Strengths: Service and Sights

One of the most consistently praised aspects of Sub Sea Tours is its staff. Across numerous reviews, customers describe the crew as outstanding, knowledgeable, fun, and exceptionally thoughtful. This isn't just generic praise; specific actions highlight a deep commitment to customer care. For instance, one notable account detailed a Spanish-speaking crew member who took the initiative to translate the entire tour for a guest's mother, ensuring she was fully included in the experience without anyone having to ask. This level of inclusivity is a significant differentiator. The crew's attentiveness extends to physical comfort as well, from assisting guests with mobility issues to providing ginger for those susceptible to motion sickness—a small but impactful gesture.

The company's premier attraction is its whale watching tours. These excursions, which can last three to four hours, have a strong track record of successful sightings. Customers frequently report seeing multiple humpback whales, sometimes in feeding frenzies alongside sea lions, creating a truly memorable ocean adventure. The captains are lauded for their skill in locating the animals, and the crew enriches the trip with educational commentary about the whales, dolphins, sea otters, and birds. This commitment to both thrilling and informative content solidifies its reputation in the field of eco-tourism.

A Spectrum of Activities

Beyond the open ocean, Sub Sea Tours offers a diverse portfolio of activities catering to different interests and comfort levels.

• The Semi-Submersible Tour: A key offering is the 45-minute bay tour on the 'Seaview,' a semi-submersible vessel. This is one of the most popular family-friendly activities. It's crucial to understand that this is not a true submarine; rather, it's a boat with a lower viewing chamber equipped with large windows. While above deck, passengers can spot sea otters, harbor seals, and local birdlife in the calm bay waters. Below deck, the windows offer a glimpse into the underwater world, including kelp forests and the fish that inhabit them.
• Independent Rentals: For those who prefer self-directed journeys, the company provides extensive kayak rentals, along with canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). This allows visitors to navigate the protected waters of the Morro Bay National Estuary at their own pace, offering an intimate way to experience the scenery and wildlife. All necessary equipment, such as paddles and life vests, is included.
• Specialized Charters: The company also caters to private groups with charters for sunset cruises, cocktail cruises, and even provides services for memorials at sea, showcasing their versatility as a comprehensive travel agency for marine activities.

Points of Consideration and Potential Downsides

While the feedback is largely positive, potential customers should be aware of a few key points to align their expectations with reality. The most significant of these relates to the semi-submersible tour. Some visitors, perhaps expecting a more dramatic underwater experience, have described the tour as a bit "cheesy." This feeling is likely linked to the practice of using fish food to lure fish to the windows for viewing. While this is highly effective and entertaining for children, it may not appeal to purists seeking a completely unaltered view of nature. It is best viewed as a charming and accessible bay cruise with a novel feature, rather than a deep-sea documentary experience.

The Unpredictable Elements

As with any venture centered on wildlife, there are no guarantees. The success of whale watching tours is subject to the presence of whales, weather conditions, and ocean temperament. While the company has a high success rate, the possibility of a trip with limited sightings exists. Furthermore, motion sickness is a genuine concern on the open ocean. Although the staff is prepared to assist, individuals who are prone to seasickness should take their own precautions before embarking on a three-to-four-hour trip. The onboard restroom facilities are also noted as being small, which could be an inconvenience on longer tours.

Final Assessment

Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks stands out as a reliable and highly customer-focused tour operator in Morro Bay. Its strengths lie in an exceptionally attentive and knowledgeable crew, a diverse range of well-executed boat tours, and a strong commitment to creating positive guest experiences. The company successfully caters to a broad audience, from thrill-seekers wanting an adventure travel experience watching whales breach, to families looking for a calm and educational bay cruise, and independent paddlers wanting to chart their own course.

The potential downsides are minor and largely related to managing expectations. The semi-submersible is a delightful novelty for families but isn't a high-tech submarine, and the inherent unpredictability of wildlife and weather is a factor in any marine life viewing excursion. Overall, for those seeking to connect with the aquatic environment of Morro Bay, Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks offers a well-rounded, reputable, and enjoyable set of options.