Straight ahead, under that flock of birds, something is going on! yelled Captain Russell Moore as he picked up speed in his 24-foot Northwind rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Out at sea, three miles off of Torrey Pines Beach, the 225-horse power Mercury Optimax engine has the high aspect versatile craft used by Navy SEALs flying smoothly over the wave chop in a beeline toward hundreds of seagulls and pelicans circling in a tight group. Then, our tour group saw why, and it was an astonishing site!
Hundreds of dolphins were chasing baitfish and the ocean surface was being whipped into a frothy lather as they continually broke the surface and lept through the air in a spirited pursuit. Adult and juvenile dolphins joined our track as they zipped around and under the bow of the boat staying just ahead of our path like playful dogs running alongside a moving car.
It seems obvious that they enjoyed racing us. They swam so close to the boat we could almost reach out and touch them. As I leaned over, the spray of breath from a blowhole hit me in the face and I hooted out loud with excitement.
The sight was amazing, to be taking in this stunning spectacle of these marvelous creatures literally all around us in a constant, fast moving chase. The parade continued on for about 15 thrill-packed minutes until we finally steered away, with all passengers onboard feeling elated over the experience.
But we weren’t done yet. There were still gray whales to be spotted, waves to be ridden and fascinating views of coastal and offshore sights to be witnessed, all in a three-hour tour.
For Capt. Moore, this is part of the reason he started his unique business, Xplore Offshore, two years ago. An experienced sailor and tour guide for more than 30 years, he also worked in sports marketing for Scott Tinley and Oakley, along with some smaller companies, where he held vice-presidential positions. Ultimately, something tugged at the La Jolla resident to move on and pursue his own business and he is truly enjoying the experience.
“I wanted to offer boating adventures offshore that would be more than just the standard whale watching trip. The RIB boat was originally designed for industrial and commercial purposes and is very popular in Europe. I had it custom designed to my specifications with a center console including a private restroom added and air shock-designed seating for up to 12 passengers,” he said.
The boat sits low to the water, but stays extremely dry with little spray entering the seating area.
“Plus, it is five times faster than the big whale watching boats,” Moore added.
With a G.P.S. chart plotter, a galley, CD stereo, life jackets, a heated fresh water shower and an underwater camera, the Xplore Offshore vessel is readily equipped for most any day trip.
During our recent morning venture, which departed out of Mission Bay’s Dana Landing, we zipped north past Pacific Beach and La Jolla, watching majestic plumes of offshore spray from the backs of large breaking waves, as the surf was well overhead this day. This was a breathtaking sight usually reserved for surfers. With some of the offshore reefs at North Bird Rock showing looming walls of water, Moore gave the crew of lady passengers and myself a real adrenaline rush when he easily raced the RIB into and across a big, cresting wave lineup with white water exploding behind us. We were high-speed surfing and the gals were cheering loudly and loving it.
“It’s a liberating activity being out to sea,” Moore said. “The cleansing affect of being out in the sun, wind and water, you come back feeling good. San Diegans take for granted where they live and you experience many unique perspectives from the ocean. Being a tourist in your own town can be a good thing.”
During the two past two years, Moore has enjoyed his clients and the times they’ve shared.
“The backgrounds of people are fascinating and fun,” he said. “It’s different than I expected. I thought I’d have to educate them more, but we get an adventurous and savvy group of people who seek out these kind of trips.”
The memories last a lifetime as well.
“Last summer we saw two blue whales by the Coronado Islands. It was like pulling up by an ocean liner! Another trip we saw these large Risso’s dolphins displaying extraordinary behavior with these giant squids, knocking them back and forth as if they were playing volleyball! Also, once out off North Bird Rock about two miles, we came upon a 10-foot Pacific white-sided dolphin that was tangled in a lobster trap line. It would clearly have died without our assistance, so we got up next to it. He freaked at first, but after securing him, it went calm and we cut the line off. At first it swam away, but then came back up close as if to say thanks. That was a memorable trip for everyone.”
Xplore Offshore offers a variety of adventure menus that cater from short bay-hopping trips to half-day offshore experiences, Catalina overnight stays, Mexico trips and more. From party trips to family fun, there are choices suitable for landlubbers or water-lovers.
“I get a ton of satisfaction operating a boat I designed,” Moore said. “With a family on the boat in the summer, they participate and share the experience together, and I get satisfaction in knowing I put them together. I’m extremely happy doing what I do.”
For more information, call (858) 456-1636 or visit www.xploreoffshore.com.