FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ocean Adventures, Inc. launches 2nd Whale and Dolphin Excursion vessel in Oceanside, California on March 26, 2024, Oceanside, CA –
Passengers will be able to board NALA, the newly launched state-of-the-art catamaran owned and operated by Oceanside Adventures with an original designed hull by internationally renowned marine life artist Wyland. The new vessel was custom built by Copper Marine in Florida for Oceanside Adventures and will be the 2nd boat for the Oceanside Adventures company owned by the Hansen Family to operate from Oceanside Harbor. Oceanside Adventures first launched operations from Oceanside Harbor in July of 2015 with its unique 47 foot custom catamaran also built by Copper Marine in Florida.
This new vessel NALA is a 63 foot double deck custom Catamaran that can hold up to 118 passengers. The family owned operation is led by Captain Shane Hansen who has been overseeing the new build since 2020 and running the existing operation since 2015. Nala will also proudly display a custom-designed graphic wrap by Wyland. A long-standing collaborator with the Hansen family, Wyland’s image of a blue whale mom and baby on the hull can only be described as a marine masterpiece. It is the second image provided by Wyland, who in 2019 also provided a Humpback Whale mother and calf image currently displayed on the Oceanside Adventures vessel.
The vessel will be running the company’s popular two-hour trips that will explore the Southern California coastline on what will be a daily, year-round operation. In addition, NALA will be running private charters, something they have seen a huge increase and demand for with the addition of the new hotels and properties in Oceanside that have come online in the last few years. President of Visit Oceanside Leslee Gaul said, “We are elated that Oceanside Adventures continues to invest in bringing top-notch visitor experiences to our city. This new vessel is a welcome addition to the harbor and signals continued optimism for Oceanside’s growing tourism industry.”
The warm waters in the region flourish with sea life including whales, dolphins, Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions all year long. Each year, thousands of whales migrate through the area providing a high frequency of sightings and numerous opportunities to experience the grand adventure of whale watching which has become so popular. The dockside location in Oceanside Harbor is minutes from the open sea, offering fast direct access to the viewing region. The new 63-foot, passenger vessel, Nala, has covered and open seating, a large galley area, and a raised deck for optimal viewing. It should also be pointed out the entire vessel has clear isinglass around the deck making viewing whales and dolphins that much better. NALA has a very stable platform with unobstructed, 360-degree views. The upper deck will also allow a smaller number of people and has comfortable seating that will not block views. As an added bonus, the NALA has GATORSTEP(R) flooring throughout both decks for extra comfort and support. The Hansen family, owners of Oceanside Adventures, led by Shane Hansen commented that “he is eager to introduce this new vessel to the Oceanside Community and the thousands of visitors that love our service already, we are sure it will be a big addition to the wonderful Oceanside community and it has been worth the wait.” Shane’s Father Mike Hansen and Aunt Donna Kalez also remarked how exciting it is to finally get this new vessel after launching in 2015, “It was always our intention to launch a larger vessel as we knew the demand was there. Thank you to the City of Oceanside who has been a wonderful partner to work with.”
All Oceanside Adventures Captains are American Cetacean Society Certified Naturalists, US Coast Guard licensed who provide expert and experienced commentary along the journey. Reservations can be made online at www.OceansideWhaleWatching.com. ###
