Types of Whale Watching in Monterey
Most popular
Fast Offshore Boat
High-speed, long-range search
Goes further offshore to find blue whales and humpbacks · 3–4 hours · Expert naturalist on board · Covers more ocean than slow vessels · Best for serious wildlife observers
From $62
Catamaran
Stable, family-friendly
Wide stable hull · Better for those sensitive to motion · Good viewing from upper deck · Slower but comfortable · Tours typically 3 hours
From $75
Small Group Research Vessel
Intimate expert-guided tour
Maximum 6 passengers · Marine biologist guide · More time per sighting · Semi-private experience · Best photography conditions
From $150
Which to choose? The fast offshore boat is the best all-round choice — it covers more ocean and has the highest probability of finding blue whales. For families with children or anyone prone to seasickness, the catamaran is much more comfortable. Serious wildlife photographers should consider the small-group research vessel for maximum time with animals.
Whale Species & Best Months in Monterey
| Species | January–March | April–June | July–September | October–December | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | — | Arriving | Peak | Common | ~80% |
| Blue Whale | — | Rare | Peak | Present | ~50% |
| Gray Whale | Peak | Departing | — | Arriving | ~70% |
| Orca | Present | Present | Present | Present | ~30% |
| Risso's Dolphin | Common | Common | Common | Common | Very High |
The Monterey Submarine Canyon — one of the deepest underwater canyons on the west coast — channels cold, krill-rich water to the surface year-round. This is why Monterey Bay sees <strong>more whale species more consistently than virtually anywhere else on the US Pacific coast</strong>. Blue whales, the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth, congregate here each summer specifically to feed on the dense krill upwellings.
What to Expect on the Day
1
Departure
Tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Naturalist briefs the group on cetacean biology, Monterey Bay ecology, and what to look for.
Try the clam chowder in a bread bowl before or after — Fisherman's Wharf is famous for it2
Heading out
The boat heads across the bay toward the submarine canyon edge, where upwelling is strongest. Travel time to first whale area: 20–45 minutes depending on conditions.
Watch for sea otters and harbor seals near the wharf — commonly seen before leaving the bay3
Blue whale search
Blue whale feeding is surprisingly subtle — they surface every 10–20 minutes, blow high, then flukes on a deep dive. Naturalist reads ocean surface for krill reddening and watches for the distinctive 26-foot blow.
A blue whale's blow is straight and very tall — visible 1–2 km away on a calm day4
Humpback encounter
Humpbacks are more active and dramatic — frequent breaches, pec-slapping and bubble-net feeding are regularly observed in the bay.
Bubble-net feeding (where humpbacks herd fish into a tight column using a spiral of bubbles) is one of the most extraordinary cetacean behaviours you can witness5
Multiple sightings
A typical summer trip sees 3–8 individual whales across 2–4 species. When blue and humpback whales are feeding in the same krill patch, simultaneous sightings of different species are common.
Ask the naturalist to estimate whale size — blue whales look large even alongside the boat6
Return
After 3–4 hours on the water, the boat returns to Fisherman's Wharf. Most operators post trip reports and photos online after each tour.
Check the operator's website for recent trip reports before booking to see what's active right nowNo whale sighted? Most Monterey Bay operators offer a complimentary rebooking if no cetaceans are sighted — although Monterey Bay's productivity makes this very rare. Many also have a 95%+ success rate guarantee. Check the individual tour policy before booking.
What to Bring — and What to Leave at Home
✓ Bring
- Warm layers — Monterey Bay is cold even in summer (average 14–17°C year-round)
- Windproof outer jacket
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Camera with optical zoom (blue whales are massive but move fast)
- Seasickness tablets
- Light snack and water (tours are 3–4 hours)
- Binoculars if you have them
✗ Leave at home
- Light summer clothing — you will be cold on the water
- Single-use plastic (many MBNMS operators prohibit it)
- Drones (prohibited in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary)
- Large bags that won't fit in boat storage
Seasickness tip: Monterey Bay can have significant Pacific swell, especially in fall and winter. Take anti-seasickness medication 45–60 minutes before boarding. Sit in the middle of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon. The research-style vessels (flatter hull) are generally more stable than traditional fishing-style boats.
Where Tours Depart From
| Port / Area | Details | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey | 3–4 tours | All main operators depart from here |
| Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf | 1 tour | Semi-private small-group tours |
Monterey is 2 hours south of San Francisco via Highway 1 or 101. Closest airport: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) with direct flights from LA, San Francisco and LA. Fisherman's Wharf is walkable from most downtown hotels. Parking is available at the wharf ($1–3/hour).
How to Choose an Ethical Tour
What ethical operators do
- Cut engine when alongside whales
- Maintain minimum distance (usually 100m+)
- Limit observation time per animal
- Hold Blue Flag or WWSA certification
- Carry a naturalist or marine biologist
- Enforce no-feeding rules
Red flags to avoid
- Race toward animals or chase pods
- Allow multiple boats to surround a whale
- Permit swimming with wild cetaceans
- No certification or conservation messaging
- No educational component on board
- Unusually low price with no information