Xplore Offshore

Awesome trip! Captain Russell (and owner) is incredibly helpful and flexible in arranging a trip perfect for YOU. He is committed to your having a great time. We saw dolphins and sea lions. His boat is a very different experience than most — faster, more fun, more intimate. Lots of fun.

Russel took our family and a friend out at the end of July to see what wildlife was out in the gorgeous blue Pacific Ocean. I have wanted to do this for many years and knowing Russel professionally from his previous corp. life for over 15yrs, I was eager to see his new «office»!
Boy was I in for a pleasant experience, even better than I imagined… the boat is superb, totally professional, kitted out with all the safety features one expects on an offshore boat plus many other navigational aids. The boat is rock solid and handles fantastically in the ocean, carving through the swell with ease due to the «deep V» aluminum hull. The fresh water shower was a welcome benefit after our swim in the water whilst floating 5 miles off La Jolla. The boat has plenty of towels, and a cooler full of iced water. It even has a «head» for those times when one has the need.
To the wildlife we saw, well the big one obviously was seeing a blue whale less than 50 feet away, when it surfaced to breath, wow wow wow… When one is at water level or a foot or two above, the sheer size is fully apparent! At well over 100 tons and up to 100′ long, these are truly breathtaking to see up close.
Dolphin were abundant, coming to play in the bow wave and seeming to engage with the kids as they hung over the bow attempting to get even closer! The GoPro footage is quite fun seeing many of these amazing animals swimming so close under water. These types of interactions gave us all a real sense of their intelligence and willingness to «play», it’s actually quite humbling.
I’ve been out on the Privateer, a big boat in SD, that does whale watching and it was a fun time, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Xplore Offshore in that this is a personal and far more interactive experience.
Suffice to say that you will have a superb day out on his boat and he is one of the good guys, professional to a T and fun.
I can’t recommend Russel and his boat enough, there are a few in each profession that truly rise above the rest and Russel is one of those rare guys.

Truly an amazing 4 hours! It is very clear that Captain Russell is passionate about providing excellence in customer experience: he knows the water, his vessel and where the wildlife is. He was patient, conservative in setting expectations in what we would see, but hit it out of the park: 5 blue whales, 100s of Dolphins right next to the boat, a 5′ sunfish, tuna… amazing experience and his custom-​designed boat is remarkable — at 20 knots it is calm and controlled.

What a great morning we had with Captain Russell! We have spent the last week visiting most of So Cal’s theme parks but this will go down as the highlight of the visit for both us and our kids. We may not have seen any whales but the hundreds of dolphins we came within inches of will be remembered forever (plus the sea lions!). Russell was great at explaining everything and his excitement was contagious. He was wonderful with our kids, and ever-​so-​patient with their queations. It was so nice to be on a relaxed, stress-​free private excursion. We will definitely be back! I was also greatly pleased with how spot-​on the other Unilocal reviews were. So glad we skipped kayaking and went this route instead! Don’t miss out on an excursion like this if you are headed to San Diego.

Awesome! This is the guy to go to for an amazing boat ride! Captain Russell is so laid back, cool & always has a cooler of drinks included in the price. Super fun guy and his boat is amazing.
I believe it is a former navy seal raft that isn’t just a raft. This high speed raft, has such a deep V that cuts thru the biggest waves and turns on a dime at high speeds. It’s roomy and a great place to chill out in the ocean with out of town friends or just a day trip with you and your family. Highly recommended.
Very reasonably priced and the Captain isn’t worried about time. If you pay for an hour I assure you you’ll be out longer then that! Have fun;)

We had a great experience with Russell and his boat. The boat rides extremely smooth and creates a fun personal experience. It was just my wife, two 11 year old boys, and myself. In fact we passed the big 50 passenger watching boat as we sped by them and found a mega-​pod of dolphins. There were dolphins jumping around us and interacting with the boat. It was pretty cool! After we left the big boat eventually arrived at the dolphins. We definitely had the best seat on the ocean!
I would highly recommend Xplore Offshore to anyone looking for a unique and great ocean experience.

The hi-​light of our vacation! Our son exclaimed «this is better than Legoland!». The three hours we spent enjoying the waves, sightseeing, and encountering ocean creatures was worth every penny. We were lucky enough to see 2 types of dolphins, sea lions, a leopard seal, and sun fish — WOW! The custom built vessel is perfectly suited for both comfort and exhilarating speed, while Russell; your captain and guide, is a true delight. Russell tailored the experience to our interests and seemed truly happy to answer our endless questions. It was a once in a lifetime experience that made lasting memories and we recommend it to all!

I’ve used Unilocal for many years and have never posted a review. Sometimes an event can motivate you to change from a bystander to a participant. My day on the ocean off San Diego with Xplore has created a participant in me. This is my first actual review and I hope to post many more.
I’ve been to San Diego many times over the years. I’ve rented sailboats, powerboats, have been on large whale watching boats, America’s Cup spectator boats and personally hold a United States Coast Guard commercial license. Now, more about Xplore and Russell, the owner of this fine operation. This is the real Sea World! Forget the lines, the parking, the horrible concessions and most importantly, the misguided «conservation» efforts of the well intentioned folks at Sea World. Give Xplore a call and see, smell, taste, and touch the ocean first-​hand aboard Xplore’s phenomenal custom-​built boat. With thousand of hours on the water in every kind of craft, I’m not easily impressed by a boat’s design. Xplore’s boat is amazing! Extremely stable, fast, maneuverable, and strong. This boat is built for running the ocean in any condition and Russell is master behind the wheel. It is a dream and an experience you will never forget.
We booked a private charter, which I would recommend if your party is more than 4 people. We had 8 people aboard last week for a whale/​dolphin/​seal trip. Russell met us at a great marina near Mission Beach and we were on the water quickly. We had one 8 year old, several teenagers, and an adventurous grandmother in our party. Everyone was amazed at the stability and security of Xplore’s boat. The private potty was a hit as well. Russell provided the cold beverages and ice. We brought our own food but didn’t spend any time eating as the nature show was just too exciting. We saw 4 different whales, 2 different species of dolphins and many seals and sea lions. The trip was absolutely perfect. Russell brought us to some great private spots. Sharing this experience with family is what life is all about. Thanks Russell for inspiring me to actually begin sharing my experiences with others. Xplore deserves the highest recommendation possible.

My review is long, so here’s my quick summary:
Just being out on the water in this boat was incredible. If we saw no wildlife, and if the sun never came out, and the water was choppy, it would’ve been an amazing experience, very memorable and fun, and totally worth what it cost us. I can’t recommend it highly enough, and I will definitely be back for another trip. What are you waiting for?!? Call this man!
The initial experience before we even saw the boat was awesome. I called Russell, we talked shop a little bit, set up some ideas for the day based on what we wanted to do, and he gave me some great suggestions about the kind of things we could do based on my limited budget. Rather than treating me like small fry because we only could charter the boat for a couple hours, he came up with several ideas for things we could do in that time, and was insistent that we wait for good weather. I was nervous about everything before I called, but Russell was very patient with answering my questions and breaking down how it worked, and had some great ideas for ways to spend the day.
Now, to the fun part:
My girlfriend is obsessed with being out on the water. Guys, if you have a lady that likes this kind of thing, this trip is money! I’ve rarely seen her so excited. It was romantic and fun in ways that nothing else we’ve ever done was, and we’ll remember this longer than we will all the little weekend getaways we’ve taken that ended up costing significantly more money.
We got to go out on the boat on July 15^th. It was an awesome day, we met Russell at the agreed upon time at the pier, it’s easy to park where we launched from in Mission Bay, and — while it was a little cloudy — it was fixing to be a great day for a boat ride.
First, the boat:
This thing is insane! I felt like I was in a boat that was stolen from a James Bond movie. You can move around really freely on it, lean over the front, walk back and forth, sit on the very tip of the bow, anything. I haven’t spent a lot of time on boats, so I can’t say if this would’ve happened otherwise, but I got no feelings of sea sickness or anything like that. It’s a smooth ride, the boat feels safe and solid, and this thing FLIES! I can’t remember how fast we went when we got out into fast water, but we were flying, I think we must’ve been going at least 40mph. The thing shoots across the water, smashes over waves. In short: the most awesome thing EVER.
Now, for the experience:
15 minutes into the trip we got our first glimpse of marine life: a giant red jelly fish. I’ve never seen any animal in person that looked that crazy, and it was like 3 feet from us! It looked like something out of a sci-​fi movie, and it’s really cool to be in this boat in comparison to some tourist boat, because we were right up next to something that I don’t think most people outside of divers really ever get to see. There were also a ton of seals swimming around closer to shore.
Russell was on a mission to find Dolphin for us, so we kept heading out further from shore at blistering to find some pods. We were really lucky that day, and we saw a big pod of huge bottle-​nosed dolphin. They swim right up to the boat and jump around next to the bow, diving in and out of the water like they are showing off. It was fantastic! I can’t stress enough how cool it is to get out up close to these beautiful animals, see them playing around and having fun in the water in their own habitat, not shut up in a tank at sea world and working for fish. It was completely surreal and topped my expectations for the day.
That, however, was only the beginning. Russel was in contact with some other captains, doing leg work to help find other pockets of marine life, and we stumbled upon a huge pod of common Dolphin about an hour after seeing the bottle-​nose. It was getting close to the time limit we set for the day, but when Russel heard there was a huge pod of Dolphin on our way back in, he didn’t care at all — he thought we had to see it, and didn’t mind if that meant staying out on the boat a little longer. He was there to give us an experience, not counting down the minutes or anything like that.
We pulled up into the biggest group of common dolphin I have ever seen. There was like a 1 square mile stretch filled with dolphin, swimming, goofing around, coming right up to the boat and everything. It was breathtaking. Right around this time the sun also decided to come out, so I found myself sitting six miles off shore in an amazing boat with my girlfriend, the sun on my face and dolphin jumping out of the water to splash us! I couldn’t imagine a cooler experience, and I still can’t believe it happened. Russell stopped the boat and we dove into the ocean right there, in the middle of this huge pod, and got to swim around for a while. This isn’t a pool in Florida or Hawaii, we were swimming with Dolphin in the middle of the ocean!
It’s impossible to describe how great this was with words. Call him!

I went out with Capt. Russell on a recent trip for a birthday party with four friends. I was a little nervous but he immediately set me at ease with his professionalism — I felt in completely capable hands. And I was proven right. Russell is the best boat driver I’ve ever experienced. We went far out into the water, and it was obvious he felt totally at ease. And we found dolphins! It was amazing. He really went the extra mile to make it special for us.

If you are in the market for a fun, informative, one-​of-​a-​kind ocean experience, you must book with Xplore Offshore! Captain Russell is not only informative and safe, but he really knows how to show his guest a great time! If sea life is your mission, he will find it. If cruising the shores and looking at the lovely scenery is your goal, he will do it. Xplore Offshore will cater to your needs and help you to create the ocean experience you are looking for. My friends and I booked for a Birthday cruise, we saw a bunch dolphins, sea lions and had a blast. Russell was so energetic and nice we didn’t want to leave, he’s great on the eyes too ;)
Don’t wait, book now, they fill up fast!!!

Russel you are the best! We had such a great time, we saw whales, and dolphins within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. My three teenage boys are sometimes difficult to «entertain» and then had such a great time.
Russell is flexible and accommodating with your schedule, if he can be.
He provided water, cookies and soda and blankets.
He asked our input on what to do, and I can not recommend it enough. My husband always gets seasick on whale watching trips, and he did not get sick at all on Russell pontoon boat.

I knew I liked Captain Russell from the minute I walked up to his boat hungover and starving and he directed me to a nearby bait shop that had delicious breakfast sandwiches and ice cold bottles of Gatorade. Breakfast croissant consumed, I quickly forgot about my hangover as we cruised out of the jetties into the bright blue Pacific. Captain Russell was great with assessing what our group would want out of our day. He was also very helpful in the days and weeks leading up to our trip by staying in contact regarding weather/​wildlife conditions and letting us know which day of our trip to San Diego would be best to head out into the ocean. There were some rare rainstorms in the area the weekend of our trip but Captain Russell picked a time for our trip where it was completely sunny and perfect. His boat was awesome and by far the smoothest ride I’ve ever had on the water. Even when he turned it almost completely on its side, it was no problem staying dry in the boat. We got to swim with a huge pack of dolphins that Captain Russell found offshore. It was pretty crazy swimming around a bunch of dolphins in 1500 ft of water. After swimming with the dolphins, Captain Russell sensed (correctly) that we all needed a drink so he took us in to the cove in La Jolla. Filled with liquid courage, a few of us swam through the «Crack of Death.» It was terrifying but we survived to enjoy more beer and cocktails on the boat (and some of the best hummus I’ve ever had!). I recommend this trip for any person of any age group who wants a one of a kind experience in San Diego! We saw so much more of San Diego than we ever could have otherwise.
p. s. very funny watching friends sit on the «saddle» seats at the front of the boat.

Captain Russell provided a safe, fun and eco conscious day of whale and dolphin watching. His care for the ocean, and its inhabitants was apparent throughout the day. He regularly picks up debris to clean the ocean and was very sensitive to the wellbeing of the Whales and Dolphins by making sure they were undisturbed by our presence. He made sure we had a great time and focused his attention on locating the Whales to make sure we got our money’s worth. The highlights were: being surrounded by 6 curious blue and fin Whales circling our boat at a safe distance while my husband played the Digeridoo and later being in the surrounded by a school of 100 Dolphins playing and flipping out of the water!!!
I have never had a more amazing time on a boat!
We will surely do this again!!!

Russell is an excellent tour guide. He caters to you and he made sure we all had fun. He took us 28 miles out in the sea to see dolphins, sea lions, seals, and even humpback whales. So much more personal and fun then those big whale watching boats. The humpback whale pop up close to our boat and we had the best experience playing with the many dolphins up close. The yellow rib boat was like being on a roller coaster. He took us for rides on the waves and did many tricks to keep us entertained. It was fun. I’ll be back.

How many people in the world can say that they have swam with blue whales? Not many, but I’m one of them!
Just got done with a morning/​early afternoon excursion in search of blue whales. Simply seeing one breach the first time was amazing and everyone gasped. However, we were lucky enough to stop for a minute to throw our wetsuits on and whales were coming at us from all directions!
We hopped in and swam around with them for a little while. INCREDIBLE!
I will be telling friends about this experience for months, I’m sure. It was so unreal and such a great experience. Captain Russell was great, very knowledgable, and provided drinks, beers, cookies, chips, and lots of other goodies!
His excursions are a MUST!

There is nothinig better than a day out on the water in San Diego with Russell and Xplore offshore! I have been out with Russell many times now, and each time is a treat. Russell is a fantastic captain, you will always feel well taken care of on his boat. As far as seeing wildlife, the area off the coast is rich with sightings of dolphins, whales, ocean sunfish, seals etc. You will not get any closer than on Russell’s boat. Definitely worth the splurge for this fabulous and intimate experience on the ocean.

6 stars? No option for 6 stars?
My best friend arranged for a Saturday morning adventure when I visited her. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I was excited to be out in the water.
The 4 of us met up with Capt. Russell and he was warm and welcoming right off the bat. He gave us some info on the boat and answered all our questions. Super accomodating and hospitable. And of course, a great tour guide too!
The entire boat ride was entertaining, exhilarating, and super fun! We saw a few dolphins and a sea lion buddy early on. Then we didn’t see anything for a while. While we waited for some wildlife, Capt. Russell popped open the cooler and served us some mimosas and cookies! It was soooo refreshing to be out in middle of the ocean on a perfectly sunny and breezy morning.
We bobbed around in the water for some time, discouraged about finding more wildlife. We started heading back, full speed, wind in our hair… saw another group of dolphins. All of a sudden, Capt. Russell turns the boat around and we were all confused because we wanted to play with the group of dolphins! He sped away and right before our eyes, there were thousands of dolphins. JACKPOT!
I didn’t even know THAT many dolphins travel together. They swam and played with us, I reached over the edge of the boat as Capt. Russell carefully navigate the boat to swim along with the dolphins… and I got to touch the dolphins as they jumped in and out of the water. I must’ve looked ridiculous hanging on for dear life with one arm while petting those adorable dolphins. It was just soooo incredible!
Even though we were out on the water way longer than the 3hrs we booked, Capt. Russell didn’t charge us extra — in fact, I think he may have given us a discount. He made this trip happen on short notice, and it was just amazing. (Oh, and if you’re trying to get a hold of him… call the right number instead of complaining about how unresponsive he is!)
I could go on and on about this, but to summarize… it was a perfect experience! Capt. Russell is the man. I can’t wait to plan my next mini adventure with him.

I am STILLLLLLL high on adrenaline after a half a dozen of my favorite galpals and I spent a full day with Cpt Russell on his amazing 24′ Northwind Custom RIB yesterday!!!
This was my second time out this summer … and LET ME TELL YOU… IT IS FAR FROM MY LAST!!!
Cpt Russell quite simply AIMS TO PLEASE ALL… and works with you plenty enough in advance while you plan your excursion, making sure you know EXACTLY what to expect/​not to expect. He provides pretty much everything (towels, snorkel gear, food, beverages/​cocktails, music, sunscreen, and believe it or not, a bathroom!(AMEN!)… not to mention endless smiles, laughs and room for ADVENTURE!!!)
Yesterday we were lucky to have the most AMAZING SUNNY SAN DIEGO SUMMER DAY! We were graced by ALL TYPES of sealife, including an enormous (80 – 90′!!!) blue whale!!! Priceless entertainment, people!!!
Cpt Russell is very knowledgeable and informative about what’s out there! It’s kinda ‘in his blood.’ And it’s truly a rush crusin’ around full speed ahead through the deep blue sea with mucho anticipation of what lies ahead!
Words cannot describe the exhilarating adventure we all had yesterday! You honestly just have to book your trip and experience it first hand!!! You will NOT (NO WAY!) be disappointed!
Wooooo Hoooooooo!!! ;o)

I booked a half day trip for 7 of my family and friends and I through a deal on living social.
Pros
— Friendly and funny captain — Captain Russell is one of the most knowledgeable and laid back people I’ve ever met. He’s been doing this for five summers now and it shows in his trips. He has a keen eye and spots things out in the ocean easily. He’s patient, very flexible, and brings you great food!
Amazing ride out there — just to be out in nature and out away from the land is an experience in itself
Wildlife — We saw a sunfish and hundreds, I mean HUNDREDS of dolphins! Both common and bottlenose.
No one got seasick — the boat travels like a jetski, so it kind of feels like you’re on a roller coaster if the waves are choppy — REALLY entertaining though!
Freshly made food is provided — We all ate wraps, fruit, pita chips, cookies, chicken, peanut butter filled pretzels, and sesame almonds till we all couldn’t eat anymore
The boat! — My friends we’re shocked with how small the boat was, but I told them not to worry. After boarding it we we’re shown all the features of the boat. It has a bathroom, pretty good sound system, a warm water shower, an intense navigation system, and storage to keep all of your stuff dry.
Cons
Nothing on Captain Russell’s part but the weather was a little foggy and the algae bloom made us not want to go snorkeling :(
In Short
I would definitely recommend taking this trip with some adventurous friends. Listen to the captain and head out there when the weather is good. Bring your cameras, warm clothes, binoculars, and an appetite. Nature, food, spontaneity, it’s all there.