Monterey Whale Watch
Monterey is a charming coastal town two hours south of San Francisco. It boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Located on the edge of the Monterey Bay, the town offers breathtaking views of the ocean, the nearby hills, and the iconic Cannery Row. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Fisherman's Wharf, the Old Monterey historic district, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
This is a great looking statue of a fisherman on the docks at Fisherman’s Warf
Being close to home, we visit Monterey frequently. One of our favorite activities to do in Monterey is to go on Whale watches. Monterey is a popular destination for whale watching due to its location on the Monterey Bay. The area of the Pacific around Monterey is one of the best places in the world for spotting gray whales, humpbacks, and Orcas. It isn’t uncommon to spot a documentary film crew along side the many tour boats. Visitors can experience the thrill of seeing whales and dolphins up close in their natural habitat. Whale watching tours are offered by several companies that operate from the Fisherman's Wharf area.
This boat was filming a Netflix documentary on national parks.
The most commonly sighted whale species in Monterey Bay are humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, and killer whales. Dolphins, sea lions, and otters are also often spotted during the tours. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide informative commentary on the marine life and their behavior.
Momma otter carrying a baby on her stomach.
Whale watching tours typically last 2-3 hours and operate year-round, with peak season being from April to December. The best time of day for whale watching is early morning or late afternoon, when the ocean is usually calmer and the whales are more active. Visitors are advised to dress warmly and bring a camera, sunscreen, and binoculars.
On this particular visit, there was some whale activity, but the real show came from a massive group of dolphins that were really having fun with our boat. There were at least 100 dolphins in the group, with half a dozen diving out of the water in any direction you looked. The frenzy went on for a good twenty minutes and would probably have continued for a good deal longer, but it was time for the tour to continue their search for whales.
Dolphin frenzy! We were swarmed by more than 100 dolphins this day.
In addition to the whale watching tours, visitors can also learn about marine life at the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium, which features a variety of exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs. Overall, whale watching in Monterey is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the wonders of the ocean and its inhabitants.
