Celebration cruises showcases near shore views and marine life around Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Celebration cruises have been showcasing ways to see Santa Barbara and the near shore marine life with short trips. The boats are ready for the surge of visitors in late Spring and Summer.
The environment along the Santa Barbara coast is one of the most unique on the California coast. Seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins are frequently in the area.
For visitors and local residents it offers a variety of landmarks and sites as seen from the offshore locations that present a perspective much different than an onshore tour.
They also learn about the local sea life and areas from the coast to the Channel Islands.
Celebration cruises has a showcase vessel, the 70 foot Azure Seas.
The company also operates the "Lil' Toot" yellow water taxi between the harbor and Stearns Wharf and back.
On board the Azure Seas, visitors and locals can see and learn something about this coastline they've never seen this way before.
Azure Seas Captain Mike Shimer says, "the best view of Santa Barbara is from the ocean and it truely is. If you look at Santa Barbara they consider it the American Riviera."
There are three types of cruises, and they include a narration of the area and it's history. They include daytime public tours and tghe upgraded special happy hour and sunset cruises.
The vessel has two decks, and an inside seating area, snacks and drinks.
Shimer says, "it's nice to bring people out here and actually see we have clear California water here that's why we do the whale watching and dolphin excursions. People can see the healthy animals and the vibrant life we have in this channel."
At times, those on board spot something that gets them out of their seats. "You're driving along and all of a sudden you see everybody kind of stand up and look and point and you will see something - dolphins out here, sea turtles and whales. It's a really fun place."
 Each trip goes past a crowded sea lion buoy outside of Stearns Wharf and occasionally some unexpected moments. "But when you see a child it 's like. 'what was that big tail that came out of the water!' hTey see the dolphins jumping and the sea lions barking at each other," said Shimer. "It's a really neat experience to see them light up.  "
   With all the onshore sites to see, it's sometimes overlooked to have the value of an offshore trip to see things in a different perspective.
  The Azure Seas boards on the eastern side of Stearns wharf and cruises up to Shoreline Park and down to the Montecito coastline. "A nice environment where you can come out with kids have a good time with your family but you can also be here celebrating an anniversary, bachelorette party and we've had that when they have rented the upper deck and people are here. It's fun to have that mix together because that shows other people there are things you can do on a budget." said Shimer.
Private charters are also available.
For more information go to: Celebration cruises
