World Class Hugs

By Rachel Puryear

We hopped aboard The Kitty with San Francisco Whale Tours for an afternoon outing and came away with one of those rare, small-moment adventures that make exploring the outdoors feel so full of wonder.

The crew – warm, informative, and clearly experienced – put everyone at ease; the boat is a comfortable catamaran with good sightline, and the group size felt just right for photos and getting great views without feeling cramped.

What We Saw

• Multiple humpback whales surfacing briefly, with distinctive tail flips and quick dives.
• Blowhole sprays that hung momentarily in the afternoon light.
• A couple close passes that allowed for a close-up view of a whale!
• Seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and a scattering of sea birds around feeding areas.

Why We Liked San Francisco Whale Tours (and The Kitty)

• Woman-owned, family-run operation with knowledgeable naturalists who advocate for protecting whales and marine life, and a friendly, safety-focused crew.
• Laid-back, welcoming vibe that felt authentic – they clearly care about the animals and guests.
• Small-boat feel but large enough to be comfortable and feel secure, and with thoughtful routing under the Golden Gate Bridge and out towards the feeding areas.
• Helpful commentary that made the experience educational while also easy to understand.
• Family friendly vibe.
• The crew had two dogs on board, and these dogs are trained to detect nearby whales – amazing!

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly and with layers, including a windproof layer – it can be chilly and very windy out on the bay.
• Bring hats, sunglasses, and use sunscreen – sunlight reflects back off of the water.
• Bring water – although the crew did provide water bottles on board, but you may want to bring plenty for your own party.
• For photos: Whales often spray just before surfacing, and then they tend to flip their tails as they swim back down, so have your camera ready to go. This can also make for great videos. Landscape mode can be great for shots of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you have slow motion capability, this is also great for catching footage of the whales.
• Bring cash to tip the crew.

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