The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Monterey bay whale watch latest marine mammal sightings. List of most recent marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay region since april 1, 2020 compiled by monterey bay whale watch this list, updated every few days, includes reported sightings from monterey bay whale watch trips. April is our best month to spot orcas in the bay as they hunt for gray whale calves on their northward migration. Late spring, summer and fall trips monterey bay whale watch. Statistics collected by the california department of fish and wildlife indicate that between 2003 and. Long beach, newport beach, dana point, oceanside, and san diego all offer whale watching. Gray whales are one of the most commonlyseen whales along the california coast. Fast raft ocean safaris whale watching tours on monterey. The town is also renowned for the monterey bay aquarium, a fascinating place to visit, with.
Since the shallow continental shelf does not extend very far from shore off monterey due to the nearshore submarine canyon, gray whales can be found within a few miles of the coast in this region compared to 15 or more miles from shore off san francisco. Blue whales are attracted to sanctuary waters during this time, when krill swarms are often seen in great concentrations in monterey bay. Use an online guide to find out about tour companies, seasons, and where to watch from land in the mostvisited locations. Witnessing this whale species on tour can be quite a treat. It is said that the monterey bay area is one of the best area for whale watching. Whaletrips california the best tips for whale watching in. Monterey bay whale watch offers yearround whale watching trips led by professional marine biologists. Given the proximity of where the whales typically feed near monterey bay, this is plenty of time to find them. When i was a kid in area, the only whale watching boats doubled as deep sea fishing boats in the early morning then got hosed off and reused as sightseeing boats in the afternoon. I was on a half day whale watching tour with the monterey bay whale watch which is one of a few operations that do whale watching from old fishermans wharf in monterey. Although the main attraction for whale watching on the california coast is the great. While in many areas whale watchers have to go far from shore to see a whale, along the monterey coast whales can sometimes be seen offshore with the naked eye.
Yearround whale watches, in addition to pelagic seabird trips in the. Sea otters, california sea lions, and harbor seals are seen on all trips. Their name is taken from the gray patches and white mottling on their dark skin. Drone footage captures blue whales in monterey bay, california. Try going different times of the year to experience the variety of wildlife that flourishes in the. Chris whale watching whale watching monterey, ca 93940. The gray whale migrates along our coastline each year between baja california and the arctic. Whales watch in monterey california forum tripadvisor. Top places for whale watching in california visit california.
Its not unusual to see a rare fin or minke whale there, too. Whales invade californias monterey bay video abc news. The best time for whale watching in monterey for humpback whales, blue whales and dolphins is late spring, summer and autumn because thats migration time. To determine whale season for whale watching, it is best to first research the specific species of whale youd like to see and when whale migration season is in southern california. The monterey bay national marine sanctuary is the largest us marine sanctuary with a shoreline length of 276 miles 444 km from just north of san franciscos golden gate bridge to cambria. We see whales andor dolphins on well over 95% of our trips, plus pulsating jellies, foraging sea otters, playful california sea lions, harbor seals, local and migratory birds and a lot more. From april through november the humpback whale is the most common whale found out of monterey bay. To get the best opportunity to see an orca whale or pod of orca whales on a whale watching tour, heres some important information on killer whale season that will help. On our whale watching tours youll get a once in a lifetime educational experience. An adult pacific gray whale can be 45 feet long and weigh up to 33 tons. Fast raft ocean safaris are the most exhilarating way to explore the beautiful monterey bay national marine sanctuary. The monterey bay whale watching displays have been amazing this year. Southern california whale watching tours depart from most harbors along the coast. Check the california whale migration season calendar and schedule your cruise.
Fortunately, whale watching season in southern california can include almost any time of the year if you know where to go. Both vessels are made for your comfort and have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing. The hotel abrego whale watching package includes overnight accommodations for two, two adult whale watch tickets, and a complimentary marine mammal guide. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. Monterey bay whale watch via storyful original vid. Monterey bay whale watch marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay region. The best time to see gray whales off the monterey coast is from september to april, for example, while blue whales are in good supply from march to october. Ksbw monterey, salinas and santa cruz, ca news and. Monterey bay whale watch hotel packages get tickets for monterey bay whale watch trips when you stay at the embassy suites by hilton monterey bay. Monterey bay whale watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced marine biologists. Monterey bay whale watch whale watching trips on monterey bay, one of the best things to do in monterey, viewing whales and dolphins off the coast of monterey, moss landing, carmel, big sur, and the central california coast.
All sightings on the pages listed below are protected and may not be used without permission from nancy black. Book a whale watching cruise out of moss landing with sanctuary cruises. Year round whale watching and a whale watch guarantee available. If you want to do some monterey whale watching, the best time of year to take a tour depends heavily on the kinds of species that you wish to see. Humpback whale watching in monterey bay, california ever. Blue whales can move along the entire california coastline during summer and fall searching for their prey great swarms of krill. Pacific whitesided dolphins, rissos dolphins, northern right whale dolphins, and common dolphins occur in monterey bay year round. A whale of a watching season the monterey bay is teeming with whales, especially blue whales, proving a boon for local whale watching businesses.
Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know before. Epic whale watching in monterey bay the travelbunny. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises orcas. The humpback whale is an endangered species, occurring in all the worlds oceans. You go whale watching almost anywhere along the california coast. Over the past several decades of protection, it has recovered back to historic levels. Our crew is passionate about marine life and has been working in the whale watch industry for years. Monterey bay is the best place along the california coast to observe gray whales. Killer whales, minke whales, and fin whales are occasionally sighted during this season as well. These whales have one of the longest animal migrations known, traveling over 12,000 miles from their summer feeding grounds in the bering sea to their winter breeding grounds in baja california and back again. The monterey bay may be the finest spot on earth to view whales and other wildlife. California coast is incredibly amazing not only because of its wild coastline and ocean vistas, but also because of its rich marine life. The hotel abrego whale watching package includes overnight accommodations for two, two adult whale watch tickets, and a.
The gray whale is generally dark gray in color with mottling patterns of white patches that are used by scientists to identify individual animals. Monterey was once famous for its sardinepacking industry, including cannery row, which is now home a popular string of seafood restaurants, bars and gift shops housed in converted factories. The gray whale obstacle course pbs special originally aired on july 19, and august 16, 2006. This migration places the gray whale in our area usually between december through march. Humpback whales occur in monterey bay area from late april to early december. Take a look at our california whale watching seasons and pricing information for your trip. In monterey, january is gray whale watching season. Hearst television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. An attack last week on a gray whale calf by a group of 17 killer whales signified the beginning. Best of whale watching, monterey california as of 7. Best time for whale watching in california condor express. Its especially true about monterey bay in central california. Winter and spring trips monterey bay whale watch trips.
Monterey bay is on the path of the humpback whale migration path with a season running typically from april through october, and even into december if the water stays warm. Its over a 90% chance youll see a whale on any given month because our two main seasons, the feeding season and the migrating season overlap. Join us in big sur to watch humpback whales swim near shore. Also commonly sighted while whale watching off the monterey coast are humpback whales and orcas, and. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Whether visiting for a day trip or in the area on vacation, whale watching is one of the best activities to choose when looking for things to do in monterey, ca. Our daily whale watch trips are narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist who provides educational and interesting information about whales, dolphins, and a wide variety of marine wildlife. These dolphins are frequently sighted in groups ranging from 100 to over 2,000 animals. Whale watching in monterey bay, california our wanders. After parking, walk down the wharf with all the restaurants and shops. A species of baleen whale, the humpback migrates thousands of miles each year, travelling from its summer feeding grounds off the california and oregon. I will let others help you figure out times for the trip.
Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises whale. Jan 26, 2017 right now its the peak of the gray whale migration, and theres no better place to see these majestic creatures from shore or by boat than in monterey california. If you are going to monterey from sf for whale watching and then back to sf, dont go all the way to monterey. We have been featured in national geographic, bbc and discovery channel. If youve ever wanted to go whale watching in california, now is the time to do it. After the end of whaling in monterey bay in the mid1900s, the gray whale population was all but extinct. Humpback whale season in monterey bay sea goddess whale.
Princess monterey specialty cruises whale watching in. Whale watching half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing. Humpback whales and blue whales can be found yearround in the monterey bay. There are plenty of whale watching trails in mendocino headlands state park and around point arena lighthouse. Visit from middecember through midapril to see gray whales, dolphins and killer whales migrating, or visit from midapril through middecember to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and killer whales. Our trips depart from monterey harbor, which is an ideal place for local activities before or after your trip such as monterey fishermans wharf, monterey bay aquarium, cannery row and the scenic coast line of pacific grove. The next three weeks should be fine whale watching days when the weather is good and the winds are light. Explore below to learn about the lives of marine mammals. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching. Whatever occasion you happen to be celebrating, being on a boat makes it that much more special. To make the monterey and santa cruz area even more appealing, the whale watching season is the longest in the state of california, lasting more or less all year.
Killer whale season in the monterey bay monterey herald. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. It has a unique and diverse marine ecosystem and it is home to 34 species of mammals. The local population of several hundred humpbacks are known to spend the winter months off of the mexican coast and then migrate to the central california coast for the feeding season. Grey whale season typically runs from late december until midapril, when these 15metre leviathans are making their annual migration from the bering sea. Monterey bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Cassie asked her to share her experiences and her whale watching monterey photos in this post. Marine mammal sightings in monterey bay, provided by monterey bay whale watch. Whale watching on the monterey bay is a yearround adventure. Check the whale migration season california calendar and schedule your cruise. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know. May, 20 whale watching on the monterey bay, california. While in many areas whale watchers have to go far from shore to see a whale, along the monterey coast whales can sometimes be. The central california population of humpback whales migrates from their winter calving and mating areas off mexico to their summer and fall feeding areas off coastal california.
When is the best time to see killer whales in california. Monterey bay whale watch is the leading nature tour provider in what is widely recognized. View humpback, blue, gray, and killer whales plus a variety of dolphins. Whale watching is a popular tourist activity along the pacific coast. Kayak with humpback whales in monterey bay, moss landing. Monterey bay is california s hub for all things aquatic.
Princess monterey whale watching has the two largest and finest whale watching vessels on monterey bay. The graphic above shows the times of year that whales are usually seen along the california coast. This type of orca roams the california coastal waters far and wide in search of other marine mammals seals, dolphins and whales to prey upon. Nancy black is the owner of mbww and has been studying monterey bays marine life for more than 30 years. Gray whale the entire gray whale population migrates past the monterey coastline every winter and spring. The best coastal perches for whale watching in northern. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. The monterey bay attracts thousands of tourists each year with many of them wildlife lovers. Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. Our fleet consists of the finest and most stable boats in the bay. Learn more about what youll see with a visit to the outstanding monterey bay aquarium. Monterey whale watching the best time of year to take a tour. This is a unique opportunity to look for killer whales with the leading california killer whale experts. Our lowtothewater boat, ranger, is comfortable, quiet, and highly maneuverable, offering an incredible perspective of marine wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery.
Humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals and california sea lions are almost a given on any trip. Humpback whale season in monterey bay humpback whale season is upon usare you ready. Years and years the feeding frenzy is a once in a lifetime show. It was a beautiful day for whale watching at moss landing, california along the monterey bay. Excitement builds as we enter humpback whale season. Almost any time is a good time to watch for whales in monterey bay. During the high season summer in monterey, trips do sell out, so booking at least three to four days ahead of time is recommended. They offer two to five trips a day depending on the season. Monterey, california is an excellent destination for a whale watching tour. Records of whale species, number of whales and interesting behavior exhibited by the whales. Whale watching in california come and experience california s yearround whale fest.
We have the most experienced skippers in northern california. While whales frequent the area waters throughout the year, there are specific seasons for individual species. Monterey is a beautiful oceanfront town nestled on the cliffs of the rugged central coast of california, usa. Winter and early spring whale watch january through march.
Last season the peak whale spotting week in palos verdes was jan 2430. Vacation whale watching activities in california expedia. Princess monterey whale watching experience monterey. Monterey with the arrival of spring comes the arrival of the killer whales to monterey bay. Whale watching monterey and santa cruz what to know. Text supplied by monterey bay whale watch, a supplier of whale watching boat tours in monterey bay. We hope you will join monterey bay whale watch on an. Home discovery whale watch monterey whale watching. See humpback whales, orcas, grey whales and more on a whale. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz. In monterey bay jeanmichel and his team are joined by killer whale expert and biologist nancy black. The orcas, or killer whales, that frequent monterey bay are known as transients. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in monterey. There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium.
In the fall, the eastern pacific, or california, gray whale starts a 23 month, 8,00011,000 km or 6,835 miles trip south along the west coast of canada, the united states and mexico. As salmon season opens, fishermen warned to watch for otters. April is our best month to spot orcas in the bay as they hunt for gray whale calves on. California is one of the only places in the world where visitors can see whales yearround, and theres no better place for whale watching than monterey.
Jul 31, 2016 best of whale watching, monterey california as of 7. Part of a series of jeanmichel cousteaus ocean adventures, this special traces the gray whale migration from alaska to baja california and back. No matter when you go, youre likely to see one or more whale species, which may be migrating through the area or feeding in the bay. A number of whalewatching tour companies operate out of monterey, including the. Trip reports discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa. From the far north to the mexican border, california s pristine waters play center stage to muchloved visitors such as humpbacks and orcas, as well as gray whales, who follow the entire coast on their yearly migration. Whale alert can be downloaded free of charge from apples app store. But today its thanks to a than usual late season abundance of and be.
A week of insane whale sightings in monterey bay got even crazier wednesday, when a pod of nine killer whales attacked a gray whale calf right in front of a whale watching tour boat. Yearround the orcas, or killer whales, that frequent monterey bay are known as transients. Mendocino coast is a premier whale watching spot in california, offering many opportunities to observe these giant mammals every morning during migration season. Mar 06, 2020 humpback whales are sometimes seen on the winterspring trips, though not in the large numbers observed during the summerfall season. You can go out for a whale watching excursion yeararound and expect to see migrating whales, plus tons of resident marine life like turtles, sea lions, and sea otters.
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