Whale Watching in Monterey
The entire coastline of the Monterey Peninsula falls under the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our pristine waters are a pleasure to enjoy from land, but there are even more adventures in store at sea!
Whale watching tours provide unforgettable memories and a unique way to enjoy our little slice of paradise. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of a Monterey whale watching tour.
Best Time of Year for Whale Watching
When’s the best time to see whales in Monterey? Anytime! The biodiverse and nutrient-rich waters off Monterey host several different types of whales during both their migrating and feeding seasons. These two seasons overlap, which gives visitors to Monterey a more than 90 percent chance to see these majestic mammals!
Humpback Whales
Peak season: March - November (especially July and August)
Humpback whales choose Monterey for an abundant feast from spring through fall. Visitors on a whale watching tour may see surface feeding, even in groups of up to 50 whales! These active whales may put on a show for tourists, like breaching and tail-throwing.
Killer Whales
Peak season: mid-April to mid-May, late August - October
These striking animals feed on seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, squid, and other whales who converge in the waters of our marine sanctuary. Watch for killer whales, or orcas, in large groups called pods.
Blue Whales
Peak season: May - October
Cross this off your bucket list: getting up close with the largest animal on Earth. Blue whales travel to Monterey to feed on krill, or tiny shrimp-like animals. These whales can be up to 90 feet long and can spray vapor from their blowholes up to 30 feet in the air.
Gray Whales
Peak season: December to mid-May
Visit Monterey in winter for the reward of seeing abundant gray whales. These whales travel from the Bering Sea and Alaska to spend the cooler months in California, feeding on krill and other creatures in the deep sea. Celebrate the gray whales when you see them, they are mid-way through a 12,000 mile migration – the longest of any animal.
What Happens During a Whale Watching Tour?
A typical whale watching tour lasts about three or four hours. Depending on the tour company you choose, the boat may leave from Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey or from the Elkhorn Slough in nearby Moss Landing.
Boats may travel around 12 miles into the ocean before any whales can be spotted. But that distance is worth it – nearly all tour companies guarantee a whale sighting!
All tour companies must adhere to marine mammal protection laws and maintain at least a 100 yard distance from whales (the size of a football field). However, whales and dolphins often choose to investigate the boat and can get quite close!
How to Prepare for a Whale Watching Tour
It’s cooler than you may think in Monterey – and that is especially true once you get out on the open ocean! Be sure to dress warmly and in layers. Choose closed-toe shoes and bring a windbreaker to keep the ocean spray away.
Be sure to bring items to protect you from the elements, whether that is a sun hat or a rain jacket. Most whale watching tours will continue if rain is in the forecast (but not heavy storms or rough seas).
If you get seasick (or you think you may become seasick) it is important to take precautions before boarding for your tour. Most whale watching tours do not offer seasickness aids onboard. Research over-the-counter remedies for seasickness before you disembark.
How to Book a Whale Watching Tour
Monterey offers several different whale watching tours that all provide a unique experience. Be sure to book your tour in advance; tours operate year-round!
What questions do you have about whale watching along the Monterey coast? Comment below with your questions or if you have any advice for first-timers!