Whale Watching Tours 3 Hours • Adults $60 • Children (12 and under) $40 Get a once in a lifetime educational and sightseeing experience in the beautiful Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is a bay of the Pacific Ocean located on the coast of the U.S. state of California. The bay is south of the major cities of San Francisco and San Jose. The county-seat city of Santa Cruz is located at the north end of the bay. The city of Monterey is on the Monterey Peninsul…
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What is the best whale watch in Monterey?
Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Monterey Bay Whale Watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced Marine Biologists! We have been operating for almost 30 years. Nancy Black is the owner of MBWW and has been studying Monterey Bay's marine life for more than 30 years.
What is a Monterey Bay whale tour?
They are led by experienced skippers who travel the Monterey Bay, California coast daily and know exactly where to find the whales at any given time. Beyond whales, you will also see a great number of marine life on this tour.
What is the best whale watching tour in California?
Whale Watching Tour. #1 Whale Watching Company in California! Discover the unforgettable adventure of whale watching on the two largest and finest vessels in the fleet: "The Princess Monterey" and "The Atlantis Monterey.". You’ll enjoy a heated cabin, snack bar with both hot and cold beverages and snacks and spacious seating around the boat.
Why do humpback whales come to Monterey Bay?
From April to November, humpback whales come here from the Mexican coast. Hundreds of them choose Monterey Bay waters because of the variety of food available. These whales are also the ones to entertain an audience and are considered the most playful among cetaceans.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Monterey Bay?
Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Killer WhalesAdultsChildren9 & 10 a.m.$76$2010 a.m. Premium (upper deck)$90$203 to 3.5 hour trips:1:30 & 2:30 p.m.$70$2010 more rows•Aug 28, 2022
Is whale watching worth it Monterey?
Monterey is one of the best places in the area to go whale watching. The cool waters off the Monterey Bay create the perfect feeding ground for many species of whales. These waters also attract hundreds of whales every year as they migrate north for feeding season.
What is the best month for whale watching in Monterey?
BEST time to see humpback whales in Monterey Bay: March through November, with peak sightings generally during July and August (though every season is different).
How much is a whale watch tour?
Whale watch prices range from 2400 pesos – 9000 pesos ($120-$350 USD) for the boat, depending on the captain and the boat....Whale watch season is December 15-March 20.Tripulación/CrewAños Certificado / Years CertifiedTripulación/CrewAños Certificado / Years Certified72 more rows
How long is a whale watching tour in Monterey?
We offer a morning tour (recommended) at 9am which is 3.5-4 hours in duration. We also offer an afternoon tour at 1:30pm which is 2.5-3 hours in duration. Whale sightings are consistent all day, but the morning sea conditions are usually more favorable.
What time of day is best for whale watching in Monterey?
Whales are just as likely to be visible in the afternoon as they are in the morning, so, fortunately, there's not really the best time of day for whale watching in Monterey Bay. However, conditions are generally calmer in the morning so that may make it a more enjoyable experience for you.
Is whale watching worth it California?
California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000-mile journey between Alaska and Mexico—and then back again.
What do you wear whale watching in Monterey?
What should I wear? We want you to fully enjoy your whale watching experience with us, so we offer the following suggestions on how to prepare for the trip: dress in warm layers, wear long pants, and a warm windproof jacket. Wear a wide brimmed hat/baseball cap and/or warm cap. Wear flat-soled closed toed shoes.
What should I wear for whale watching?
Here are eight key things to wear or bring…Layers.Waterproof outer jacket.Long pants.Hats and gloves.Closed-toe shoes.Sunglasses.Sunscreen.Water.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in California?
Newport Landing runs whale watching excursions seven days a week all year long. Late December through April coincides with the California Gray Whale annual migration along the Orange County coastline....Prices.AgeWeekdayWeekend/HolidaySeniors (60+)$28.00$32.00Toddlers (Ages 0 - 2)FreeFree2 more rows
What is best time of day to see whales?
Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.
How long is whale watching?
between 2.5 to 3 hoursUsually a whale watching tour takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours in order to navigate the ocean in search of different whale species. Depending on the type of whale, it may be necessary to navigate further out from shore to get the best opportunity to spot them based on their migration and feeding habits.
Is whale watching worth it California?
California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000-mile journey between Alaska and Mexico—and then back again.
Can you see whales from the shore in Monterey?
You can watch whales from the land along the Monterey coast, but the best places for that aren't on the shores of the bay. Instead, they are south of Carmel along the coast. Try Point Lobos State Reserve where they pass close to Pinnacle Point, which you can reach by taking the Cypress Grove Trail.
What is the best time to whale watch in California?
In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.
What do you wear whale watching in Monterey?
What should I wear? We want you to fully enjoy your whale watching experience with us, so we offer the following suggestions on how to prepare for the trip: dress in warm layers, wear long pants, and a warm windproof jacket. Wear a wide brimmed hat/baseball cap and/or warm cap. Wear flat-soled closed toed shoes.
What are the best Whale Watching in Monterey & Carmel?
The best Whale Watching in Monterey & Carmel according to Viator travelers are: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey3-Hour Monterey Bay Winte...
What Whale Watching in Monterey & Carmel are taking additional safety precautions?
These Monterey & Carmel experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey3-Hour Monterey Ba...
What Whale Watching in Monterey & Carmel are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Monterey & Carmel may have limited interaction with crowds: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey3-Hour Monterey Bay Wint...
What are the best whales to see in Monterey Bay?
Gray whales are the main attraction in January, February and March, while orcas, humpbacks and blue whales (among others) may be observable in other months. Whale watchers offer enthusiastic assessments of guides, who are also marine biologists and consistently called both informative and entertaining. Ticket prices depend on the day of the week and the length of the excursion, which can range from three to eight hours. Tickets for three- to 3 1/2-hour trips start at $60 for adults and $48 for children ages 4 to 12; four-hour trips start at $65 for adults and $53 for children. Eight-hour outings start at $140 per person, regardless of age. Fees increase for weekend tours. Cruises depart daily, but exact departure times vary by trip. The company also runs pelagic seabird voyages in the summer and fall.
What is Chris' whale watching?
Chris' Whale Watching. Throughout the year, these trips traverse Monterey Bay to offer glimpses of its numerous marine species, including not only whales, but also seals, sea lions, turtles and more. Trip takers frequently marvel at the ship captain's ability to locate groups of whales.
How much does it cost to cruise Monterey Bay?
Princess Monterey typically offers multiple daily departure times on its two boats. Tickets cost approximately $60 for adults and $40 for children 3 to 11, with an additional $20 fee per person for limited upper deck seating. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board. Trips last about three hours and depart from Old Fisherman's Wharf. One-hour sunset cruises and custom outings are also available.
How much does a whale watching cruise cost?
Sanctuary Cruises offers several whale watching trips of varying duration and price. Two- to three-hour rides departing several times daily cost about $75 for adults and $65 for children 5 to 12. Three- to four-hour trips departing at 11 a.m. cost approximately $95 for adults and $85 for children.
What time does Discovery Whale Watch depart?
Throughout the year, Discovery Whale Watch typically offers both morning and afternoon outings, with departure times at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. sunset cruises are offered during summer.
How long is a whale watch?
Ticket prices depend on the day of the week and the length of the excursion, which can range from three to eight hours.
How much does an 8 hour cruise cost?
Eight-hour outings start at $140 per person , regardless of age. Fees increase for weekend tours. Cruises depart daily, but exact departure times vary by trip. The company also runs pelagic seabird voyages in the summer and fall.
How many seats are there in a Sea Car?
Drive through the streets of Monterey and Pacific Grove in a Sea Car, a 2-seat vehicle with GPS-enabled tour narrative. Skip renting a car and make your own way around Fisherman's Wharf, Lover's Point, and Cannery Row.
How long is a walking tour of Carmel?
This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore Historic Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. This 60-minute tour is designed to keep you on the move while walking at a reasonably slow pace, and still see all of the main sites. You can pause the tour at any time to get a bite to eat or a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. This tour will cover about 15 square blocks of the downtown Carmel to give you a “lay of the land”. You'll explore some of Carmel’s quaint courtyards and passageways and walk by a number of wine rooms, art galleries, restaurants and hotels. You'll also learn about Carmel’s founding fathers, distinctive architecture and storied past and provides numerous photo opportunities. The tour begins and ends at the Carmel Plaza. En route, you'll pass two public restrooms and four ATM’s. So start your tour with the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us direct you on this adventure of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Where to go whale watching in California?
Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey. Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey.
Where to see whales in California?
Look for whales during a boat tour from Monterey, the premier destination in northern California for winter whale watching. Learn about the majestic animals from a marine biologist or naturalist guide who shares detailed commentary about the whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and natural history of the region.
What is a traveler choice on TripAdvisor?
What is Travelers’ Choice? Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
What animals are in the Orca?
Orca weren't the only highlights; we had the opportunity to see Risso dolphins (including albino/leucistic Casper), Pacific White Sided Dolphins, numerous humpbacks, fin whales, sea lions, otters, and many seabirds including black-footed and Laysan Albatross.
Who owns Monterey Bay Whale Watch?
Monterey Bay Whale Watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced Marine Biologists! We have been operating for almost 30 years. Nancy Black is the owner of MBWW and has been studying Monterey Bay's marine life for more than 30 years. We have experienced Marine Biologists on every tour who specialize in the marine life we see, natural history of the area, and are passionate about conservation and education. We are also dog friendly! We are located at 84 Fisherman's Wharf #1.
Why do whales go to Monterey Bay?
Hundreds of them choose Monterey Bay waters because of the variety of food available. These whales are also the ones to entertain an audience and are considered the most playful among cetaceans. Depending on the year, humpback whales are in Monterey Bay from March through November. But in the summer months, the chances of meeting them increase.
What is the largest animal in the world?
Weighing more than 200 tons and 98,4 ft (30 m) in length, blue whales are the largest animals known to have ever existed! In Monterey Bay, they appear from May through October to hunt for tiny shrimp-like snacks called krill. Visit Monterey Bay in July or August, and you won't miss these grand creatures.
Where do gray whales go?
So it's impossible to confuse them with any other mammals. Each year they travel for over 10,000 mi (160 km) from Alaska to the Mexican shore. But from December through mid-February, they are usually spotted in waters near Monterey Bay.
Is Monterey Bay a whale feeder?
Monterey, CA . Monterey Bay is a feeding and migrating destination for various whale species all year long. But in the spring and summer months, the lagoons of Monterey Bay become especially busy.
What is Chris' whale watching?
With Chris’ Whale Watching, you’ll get up close and personal with the whales, and may even be splashed as they come up for air and do a somersault for the onlookers. Our trips guarantee whale sightings! This means that you won’t be standing on the deck wondering if you saw a whale or not.
How much does a whale watching tour cost in California?
However, when booking with Chris’ Whale Watching, not only are you guaranteed to see the whales, you are also guaranteed an affordable rate that is not heavy on the wallet. Tours for adults run $55, while children at the age of 12 and under can experience these amazing tours for only $35. The tours last a full three hours. Chris has been providing guided tours for over 50 years, longer than any other tour agency on fisherman's wharf.
When do whale watching trips leave Monterey Bay?
Our experienced skippers are on the water daily and will take you to the best action. Whale watching trips leave at 10am and 1:30pm.
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Is whale watching a good activity in Monterey?
Going whale watching is a perfect activity in the Monterey area and should not be missed. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural environment is sure to entertain and enthrall everyone.
Why Choose Discovery Whale Watch?
Join some of the best in the business! Our crew is passionate about marine life and has been working in the whale watch industry for years. Our trips depart from Monterey Harbor, which is an ideal place for local activities before or after your trip such as Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and the scenic coast line of Pacific Grove. In addition, it is the most convenient area to see the whales. We can easily view whales in any part of the Monterey submarine canyon system from our location. All of our whale watch and nature tours include narration and personal time with a naturalist who is well versed in local wildlife. Our naturalist team also participates in opportunistic whale research and helps our whale watch passengers become citizen scientists in cooperation with Happywhale! Learn more about our crew here.
How long is a whale tour in Monterey Bay?
We offer a morning tour (recommended) at 9am which is 3.5-4 hours in duration. We also offer an afternoon tour at 1:30pm which is 2.5-3 hours in duration. Whale sightings are consistent all day, but the morning sea conditions are usually more favorable. We like to take extra time searching a variety of areas around Monterey Bay in the morning, while the seas are calmer so that we can make our best route plan for the afternoon when the seas can be more choppy.
What whales are in the bay in the summer?
During the summer/fall season we are focusing on feeding whales that come to the bay to feast on small fish and krill. We expect to see humpback whales daily but we can also view blue whales, fin whales, gray whales ( finishing migration), killer whales and a variety of other dolphin species.
How many people can go whale watching in Monterey?
My friend and I had a wonderful experience with this whale watching team! We actually had planned on using a different place in Monterey for the trip, but we fortunately found this gem. Unlike the other places, where it is well over 80 to 100 people on one outing, there is a maximum of 45 people for this boat. And only about 16 people went on our day, so it was immensely intimate and open. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and very informative. This was quite different than the experience we had, the same morning, with other whale watching businesses. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a charming, helpful, and incredible adventure. Best four hours and $48 ever spent. Trust me.
Where to whale watch in Monterey?
Our whale watch trips depart from Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf daily and guaranteed whale sightings! Join us on a cruise during your visit to Monterey and enjoy time with amazing wildlife in Monterey Bay. Our crew can’t wait to share their knowledge and passion with you onboard to ensure you have a memorable experience! Whale Watching in Monterey Bay is some of the best in the world due to the deep submarine canyon close to shore. Whales are sighted every day of the year and this is an amazing place for all marine wildlife!
Is it better to see whales in the morning or afternoon?
Whale sightings are consistent all day, but the morning sea conditions are usually more favorable. We like to take extra time searching a variety of areas around Monterey Bay in the morning, while the seas are calmer so that we can make our best route plan for the afternoon when the seas can be more choppy.
Where to see whales in Pacific Grove?
Our trips depart from Monterey Harbor, which is an ideal place for local activities before or after your trip such as Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and the scenic coast line of Pacific Grove. In addition, it is the most convenient area to see the whales.
What is the largest whale watching vessel in Monterey?from montereywhalewatching.com
Princess Monterey Whale Watching has the two largest and finest whale watching vessels on Monterey Bay: the 110ft. Princess Monterey and the 100 ft. Atlantis Monterey. Both vessels are made for your comfort and have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing.
How many species of turtles are there in Monterey Bay?from montereywhalewatching.com
4 species of turtles: Out of only seven species of sea turtles worldwide, Monterey Bay is lucky to have four including the sea turtle and leatherback turtles even though they are not considered residents of the sanctuary. Countless invertebrates and more than 450 species of algae.
What are the animals that live in Monterey Bay?from montereywhalewatching.com
It is no wonder that the biological richness and unique habitats of Monterey Bay are teeming with wildlife. It is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. Monterey Bay is an underwater treasure full of the tiniest nudibranches to the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale. Monterey Bay resident and transient species including 26 threatened or endangered species consist of: 1 34 species of marine mammals: pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and sea otters 2 130 species of seabirds: birds that spend most of their life feeding and living on the open ocean, coming only to land for breeding 3 345 species of fish: bony fish and cartilaginous fish such as sharks, skates and rays that live in a variety of habitats including kelp forests, sandy bottoms, open water and rocky reefs 4 4 species of turtles: Out of only seven species of sea turtles worldwide, Monterey Bay is lucky to have four including the sea turtle and leatherback turtles even though they are not considered residents of the sanctuary 5 Countless invertebrates and more than 450 species of algae
What is the most productive marine ecosystem in the world?from montereywhalewatching.com
Monterey Bay Wildlife. It is no wonder that the biological richness and unique habitats of Monterey Bay are teeming with wildlife. It is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. Monterey Bay is an underwater treasure full of the tiniest nudibranches to the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale.
How long is the Monterey Bay tour?from montereywhalewatching.com
Every trip is different, so whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran, come out and see what the magical Monterey Bay will reveal today! Join us on this 2.5-3 hour, fully narrated tour.
What time does the Atlantis Monterey depart?from montereywhalewatching.com
The Atlantis Monterey departs at 9am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm. The Sea Goddess departs at 12pm, 12:30pm 3:30pm. The Princess Monterey departs at 10am and 2pm and 5pm. Trip times vary by season so check out our calendar for the current schedule.
Where to whale watch in Monterey?from montereywhalewatching.com
Princess Monterey Whale Watching is located at the end of the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1 in Monterey, CA. From Pacific Coast Highway 1, follow the signs to Fisherman’s Wharf where you will find plenty of parking.
Best Time of Year to See Whales in Monterey Bay
The Monterey whale watching season lasts all year long, but there are a few things to know about whale migration, especially if you’re hoping to see a particular species.
Summer – Fall: Humpback & Blue Whales
You can spot humpback whales in Monterey Bay almost any time of year, but they’re most prevalent in the area in the summer and fall. In the winter, humpback whales travel toward the warm waters of Mexico to breed and calve.
Winter – Spring: Gray Whales
Did you know gray whales have one of the longest migrations of any mammal? Every year, they travel about 6,000 miles from the Arctic to Baja California, where they breed and calve before making the trip back. They begin their swim south around September, arriving in California in December.
