when can you see whales in monterey

When is whale watching season in Monterey CA?

While whales frequent the area waters throughout the year, there are specific seasons for individual species. 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.

When is the best time to go whale watching?

Whale-watching season Whale watching in the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the Puget Sound is most successful in the spring and fall, when certain cetaceans pass through this region on their way to or from their calving grounds.

When is the best time to visit Monterey California?

The best time to visit Monterey is in April-May, thanks to the annual gastronomy festivals and California Roots Music and Arts Festival. Here’s a monthwise information about the climatic conditions in Monterey. June to September: This is the time when the weather in Monterey is warmest. This period is also considered to be peak time to visit Monterey.

When are the best months to see whales?

When is the best time to see humpback whales in Hawaii?

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October

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What is the best month to go whale watching 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.

Is whale watching Monterey worth it?

A Monterey whale watching tour is worth it as the bay has a high concentration of stunning whales. You can spot gray whales, blue whales, or humpback whales. Additionally, you can see dolphins and sea lions. Adults and kids love this experience.

When can I see blue whales in Monterey Bay?

Blue whales are most likely to be spotted in Monterey Bay in summer or fall. They feed off the California coast from June through October. During these months, about two thousand blue whales swim in the waters off the central coast including in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Can you see whales from 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 visit Monterey CA?

The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.

What is the best time of day to see whales in Monterey Bay?

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.

Are there orcas in Monterey Bay?

Orcas are temporary inhabitants of Monterey Bay and migrate continuously along the coast of western North America. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are sighted in the sanctuary year-round with 2-5 unpredictable sightings each month.

Is whale watching better in morning or afternoon Monterey?

Highlights. We offer 4-hour morning trips and 3-hour afternoon trips. For best viewing conditions we recommend the four-hour morning tours, which provide us with more time to spend with the whales and dolphins, in addition to increasing our chances of encountering rarer wildlife such as orcas and blue whales.

When can you see whales at Big Sur?

Gray whales can be seen from the highway turnouts in Big Sur from December through April. December to early February the California Gray Whales are migrating south. Beginning in February you begin seeing whales migrating back to Alaska with their newborn babies by their sides.

What is the best time of day to go whale watching?

MorningMorning is the best time of day for whale watching in California. Weather is the key component to ideal whale watching conditions. Typically, there is less wind in the morning making for calmer seas, which is most enjoyable for both marine life and boat tours.

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.

When can you see whales in Santa Cruz?

Whales can be seen year-round from Santa Cruz, with some noteworthy seasonal differences. Humpback whales are the most common whale species found in Monterey Bay, and they are most abundant from April through November.

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.

How much does it cost to go whale watching in Monterey?

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

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.

Where is the best place to see blue whales?

The Best Places for Blue Whale WatchingSaguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park, Québec. ... Reykjavík and Húsavík, Iceland. ... Pico Island, Azores. ... Monterey Bay, California. ... Baja California Sur, Mexico. ... Mirissa, Sri Lanka. ... San Diego, California.

The Best Time to See Whales in Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is a great location for whale watching year round, this is because there are numerous whale encounters to be had with different species, and they don’t all align at the same time. Humpback whales, for example, are more common during certain months than gray whales.

The Best Time to See Whales in Monterey Bay by Whale

It doesn’t matter what month you visit Monterey Bay, there is always whale activity. However, what if you want to encounter a specific species of whale that frequents Monterey Bay? Well, these are the best times to visit based on the whale:

What is the most common whale sighting in April?

Alongside this species, possible sightings in this month might include humpback whales, gray whales with calves, and numerous dolphin species. April tends to be the windiest month in Monterey, so it’s best to come prepared with suitable clothing.

What are the most common killer whales in Monterey Bay?

Orcas (Killer Whales) The most spotted killer whale in Monterey Bay is the transient killer whale. They hunt seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, and gray whale calves, as well as minke whales. However, keep in mind that killer whale sightings are much less likely than humpbacks.

What is the best time of year to see humpback whales in Monterey?

The fall months tend to bring about the best weather conditions in Monterey, with mild temperatures, clear days, and little to no rain. While present throughout the year, humpbacks can be easily spotted during this time and can provide truly spectacular sights.

How long is a whale watching trip in Monterey?

How Long Is the Whale Watching Trip. The morning whale watching tour in Monterey Bay lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours. The afternoon tour has a shorter duration and takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. The morning trips are longer because the crew is searching the area to make plans for the best afternoon route.

Where to see whales in Monterey?

Whale Watching from Monterey Shore. It’s possible to see whales from the shore at Monterey Bay. Especially, humpback whales are frequently spotted from the coast. Places for sightings are Asilomar State Beach, Point Sur Lighthouse, and near Highway 1.

When is the best time to see whales in Monterey Bay?

The best time for whale watching in Monterey Bay is in the winter months, between December and May. You can spot humpback whales and the fascinating gray whales during that period. However, Monterey in California is an excellent year-round whale watching destination, as you can spot those many whales all year long from January to December.

When is whale watching season in Monterey?

The Monterey whale watching season for gray whales runs from December to May, with peak times in January and March. They migrate to California during the winter to give birth to calves. Humpback whales can be spotted year-round in Monterey Bay.

What do humpback whales eat?

From May through mid-December, humpback whales and blue whales feed on anchovies and krill in the Monterey Bay, often spending several days in the same spot. Not only does that make them easier to find, but they also spend a lot of time near the surface, giving you a close look at them.

Why do whales come to Monterey Bay?

Whales come to the Monterey Bay because it's full of things they like to eat. Plankton, krill, squid, and anchovies are all carried to the ocean's surface by a perfect combination of wind, the angle of the coastline and the earth's rotation. In fact, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is almost like Africa's Serengeti plains, ...

What is the longest whale watching season in California?

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. No matter when you go, you're likely to see one or more whale species, which may be migrating through the area or feeding in the bay.

When do minke whales pass through Monterey Bay?

National Geographic-worthy moments happen when migrating gray whales pass through the Monterey Bay from mid-December to April. As the gray whales cross the underwater canyon, killer whales (orcas) ...

How many species of fish are there in Monterey Bay?

More than 30 species of marine mammals, 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, and at least 525 species of fish live in it.

Where is Moss Landing in Santa Cruz?

Moss Landing is at the end of the submarine Monterey Canyon, which allows their boats to reach deep water (where the whales are) very quickly. From Santa Cruz, try Santa Cruz Whale Watching which gets uniformly top marks from Yelp reviewers, who rave about their knowledgeable and experienced crew.

Where to see humpback whales in California?

You may also see humpback whales offshore near California Highway 1 between Nepenthe Restaurant and the town of Big Sur.

What are the best whales to see in Monterey Bay?

In addition to the whales that migrate seasonally through the area, such as humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales, many other whale species are visible throughout the year. It's not unusual for whale watchers to spot a fin or minke whale. The rarely observed beaked whale, which dives for up to an hour at a time, has been known to make a cameo appearance, as has the occasional sperm whale.

How to prepare for whale watch?

Take sea-sickness medication: Prepare for your excursion by taking seasickness medication at least an hour before boarding your boat. This will give the medication time to take effect and ensure that you can enjoy the whale watch without getting queasy.

What to wear on a dock?

Dress Warm: Even if the weather seems warm on the dock the ocean air can get frigid so be sure to wear multiple layers.

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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.

What is the best ship to watch whales in Monterey?

Experience the unforgettable adventure of Monterey Bay whale watching on the two best vessels in the fleet, The Princess Monterey and The Atlantis Monterey. With spacious seating, heated cabins, snack bars, and restrooms, you can cruise in comfort as you search for whales and other wildlife!

What is the largest whale watching vessel in Monterey?

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?

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?

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

How long is the Monterey Bay tour?

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.

Where to whale watch in Monterey?

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.

How to see whales on the Princess Monterey?

Start off your day with a good breakfast to fill up your belly. Don’t bring binoculars because the boat brings you close. But do bring a nice camera with a nice lens to be sure you can get a nice shot of the whales. We saw a big feeding group of about 100 sea lions, 200 seagulls and about 6-10 whales. It was really awesome and something I’ll never forget. None of this would be possible without the great crew aboard the Princess Monterey! You won’t regret it!