Oceanside SEA Center - FAQ


Where do we park?

There is ample free parking in the east parking lot, adjacent to our location. Google has provided an address for this lot, 101-499 Riverside Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054, after you park walk through the blue tunnel. Our building is south of Joes Crab Shack. You can utilize the 2 hour parking next to our building to drop off your tackle or any passengers. Hadicapped may park in 2 hour lot at their own risk if they have placards/plates. 


What is the difference between an open-party trip and a charter?

For an open-party trip, tickets are sold individually. On a charter trip, the entire boat (including crew) is rented for the day for private groups. Ticket and charter prices are available on the website; prices vary according to season and type of trip. Customized trips are available. To book these trips call or email our office.


What if I don't have any fishing gear?

We have tackle available for rent in our office for $17.00 (this includes a full set up with starter packs of hooks and sinkers)



Will there be crew onboard to help me with the fishing?

Yes, no fishing experience is necessary. Our friendly deckhands are available to assist passengers with setting up your tackle, baiting your hooks and will help you catch and land your fish.


What do I do with my fish?

All five of our vessels are equipped with a system to ensure the quality of your fish while on the boat. Each passenger will pay $2 at check-in for a large burlap sack with a number. At the end of the trip, you may take your fish home whole in the burlap sack or you may have our deckhands clean your fish. Fish-cleaning is an additional cost of $1-3 per fish based on the size of the fish, you will take your fish fillets home in a plastic bag. If you are driving a significant distance home, you may want to leave a cooler in your car for your fish. Ice is available for purchase at the end of the day at the top of the dock. If you do not want to keep your fish, please let the deckhands know ahead of time and they can assist you with catch-and-release. 


What is the trip minimum?

A minimum of 5-10 passengers is needed for an open-party trip. If the minimum is not met, a trip may be cancelled and all parties rescheduled. We try very hard to contact all passengers the evening before if at all possible.


What are the typical weather conditions?

Weather can range from sunny and hot to cold and windy with rough seas. Weather conditions can change quickly. The captain reserves the right to cancel trips due to rough weather for safety reasons. Remember, weather conditions on land can be very different from weather conditions out on the water. 


Will I get seasick?

Seasickness can occur, even in calm weather conditions. If you do not know if you get seasick, we recommend that you consider taking seasickness medication. Please talk to your pharmacist or doctor. We are not able to return to the dock to drop off passengers who are seasick. 


What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please contact us as early as possible at 760-450-0403 or email info@oceansideseacenter.com to cancel your reservation or reschedule. 


Is gratuity included?

Gratuity is not included in the ticket price. The crew works very hard to make your trip easy and enjoyable. Gratuities are always very much appreciated. You may tip on board with cash at any time or at the end of your trip with your tab (Chubasco 2 & The Southern Cal are equipped with card readers) 


What should I wear?

We recommend pants or shorts and a light jacket. Weather conditions change throughout the day, layering is best. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, tennis shoes are fine. Some passengers wear deck boots or even rain boots. Your shoes may get wet. We recommend sunblock, hat and sunglasses. There is a chance your clothes may get fishy, please don't wear anything that you don't mind getting dirty! 


Is food provided?

All of our boats have full galleys unless otherwise noted to purchase food and drink. You are more then welcome to bring a paper sack lunch but please NO ice chest, alcohol or glass containers.


Where do I check in?

Check in begins 45 minutes prior to departure in our office at 315 Harbor Dr. S, Oceanside, CA 92054. If you have a reservation, please check in at our shop. Passengers who do not have a reservation can purchase a ticket with cash or credit card if space is available. 


How early should I arrive?

We typically begin boarding the vessel 15 minutes prior to departure time. If you arrive before then we ask that you wait at the top of the dock for us to begin boarding. 


Will I need a fishing license?

Any passenger 16 years or older needs a valid California fishing license. This is required for any of our trips in California State waters. We are a license dealer, so you can purchase your license from us prior to departure. One day fishing license is $19.18


Is there an age minimum/requirement to join us on a fishing trip?

Although we do not have an official age minimum, we believe that parents know their children best. It is a full day out on the water, mostly spent in the elements. Something to keep in mind, we do not return to port for seasick passengers. We want our passengers, especially the kids, to have a good time and want to come back! With this said, we have rarely experienced a positive experience in children less than 7 or 8. 


Passport requirements, Do I need one?

All of our 9 am departure trips stay in CA, we will not be leaving the United States. No Passports required JUNE 10, 2015 Recent changes in Mexico travel now required valid passports from ALL passengers traveling to Mexico. We are required to have passports for all of our Coronado Islands/Mexican coastline trips. Sorry, No Exceptions. They will not be required for our offshore fishing trips into Mexican waters as we will be outside the 12 mile requirement. The "comment" section of our online booking will denote if a passport is needed for the trip. 


Where can I purchase a fishing license?

We are a California Fish and Wildlife License Dealer. You can purchase your license from us prior to departure. The cost of a one day license is currently $19.18 (2023)


What do we eat?

The galley menu is as follows, Reminder! NO outside Alcohol or Coolers

We are always happy to provide accommodations for those with allergies and dietary restrictions. However, please remember it is YOUR responsibility to notify the galley cooks of allergies and dietary restrictions

Breakfast Plate - $7 (Eggs, Toast, Bacon or Sausage, & Hashbrown) 

Breakfast Burrito - $7 (Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, & Hashbrown)

Breakfast Sandwich - $7  (Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, & Hashbrown)

Cheeseburger - $7  

Double Cheeseburger - $10 

Chicken Sandwich - $9

Turkey Burger - $9

BLT - $8

Ham Sandwich - $7 

Grilled Cheese - $5

Grilled Cheese w/ Ham - $6 

Quesadilla - $7 

Add Bacon - $2

Cup O Noodles- $2

Chips - $2

Candy - $2

Bottled Water - $2

Soda - $2 

Hot Cocoa - $2

Hot Coffee - $3

Modelo - $5

Tecate - $4

Budweiser - $4

Bud Light - $4

Coors Light - $4

Sculpin IPA - $6