Monterey bay whale watch all you need to know before you go. Whale watching tours are extremely popular and tend to sell out, so advanced reservations. We have experienced marine biologists on every tour who specialize in the marine. Home discovery whale watch monterey whale watching. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. All boat are uscg inspected and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. The town of monterey is on the south end, santa cruz on the north and moss landing in the middle. Monterey bay whale watching and tours in monterey, ca. Chris whale watching whale watching monterey, ca 93940. Monterey bay whale watch is the leading nature tour provider in what is widely recognized. Apr 28, 2017 nancy black, jason berring, monterey bay whale watch, source. We attempt to photoidentify all blue whales sighted on monterey bay whale watch trips and contribute the photos to cascadia research for analysis. Monterey bay is on the path of the humpback whale migration, with a season running typically from april through october and sometimes into december. 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.
Funded in cooperation with the monterey county board of supervisors and the communities of pebble beach company, carmelbythesea, del rey oaks, marina, monterey, pacific grove, salinas, sand city, seaside, moss landing, carmel valley, big sur, and salinas valley. Theres no better place to call for whale watching than with riptide sportfishing. Killer whale killer whales occur yearround and are occasionally seen 25 times per month in the monterey bay area in pods that average 8. Whale watching and seen a few blue whales, and a humpback with her calf. Our captains are among the most experienced and will provide you a fully narrated trip, bringing to life the wonders of the monterey bay sanctuary and surrounding area. It is the spawning season of a fish called the bonito little tunny and researchers have discovered that the whale sharks are partial to the eggs. The orcas, or killer whales, that frequent monterey bay are known as transients. Monterey is the best place in the nation to view a variety of marine mammals and seabirds. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises whale. Monterey bay humpback spike causes california whalewatching. Monterey bay whale watch offers yearround whale watching trips to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting the bay. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know. April, 2018 monterey herald article, killer whale season in monterey bay.
Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz. 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. Also commonly sighted while whale watching off the monterey coast are humpback whales and orcas, and while it is rare, you might also see minke and fin whales. Whale watching monterey and santa cruz what to know. Princess monterey whale watching experience monterey california. Blue whales are attracted to sanctuary waters during this time, when krill swarms are often seen in great concentrations in monterey bay. April is our best month to spot orcas in the bay as they hunt for gray whale calves on their northward migration. For recent marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay area, visit sanctuary cruises or monterey bay whale watch. Special trips emphasizing killer whales take place in april and may. Monterey bay whale watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced marine biologists. Often referred to as the whale watching capital of the world, here are the most common whales you will see while whale watching monterey bay along with some other delightful creatures.
Monterey bay for the first time in five years, a sperm whale has been sighted in the monterey bay. 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. The monterey bay makes a broad, sweeping arc along the pacific coast. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know before. If youre looking to plan a whale watching trip in monterey. Given the proximity of where the whales typically feed near monterey bay, this is plenty of time to find them. Tours are fully narrated by marine biologistsnaturalists. We have been ranked montereys top whale watch by trip advisor. Kate is a member of the whale entanglement team and has assisted in several whale rescues. You can go whale watching anywhere along its shores.
Monterey is ranked 4th in the top destinations in the united states to see whales. Nancy black, jason berring, monterey bay whale watch, source. There were so many humpbacks near to moss landing that we were having to go slowly and carefully nearly all the time to make sure we didnt disturb them as they dined on. Fishermans monterey wharf princess monterey whale watching.
Over the course of the tour, we saw at least a dozen more blue whales, gray whales, and humpbacks. Humpback whales charge a pod of killer whales in monterey bay. 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. Killer whale killer whales occur yearround and are occasionally seen 25 times per month in the monterey bay area in pods that average 8 to 20 individuals. Princess monterey whale watching experience monterey. 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. Details are further down on the page, so keep reading. The blue whale is gone by winter during this season the whales return to the warmer waters off central america to give birth and mate. California is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Monterey bays humpback whale season sea goddess whale. Monterey whale watching the best time of year to take a tour. We have the most experienced skippers in northern california. An attack last week on a gray whale calf by a group of 17 killer whales signified the beginning. To make the monterey and santa cruz area even more appealing, the whalewatching season is the longest in the state of california, lasting more or less all year.
There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium. Dont miss this once in a lifetime tour on the whale watching capitol of the world. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in. 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. This summary of current regulations was updated on december 31, 2019. May 2, 2017, updated may 3 article titled whale wars. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching by. Monterey bay whales are magnificent to watch in their natural environment. Piloted by captains with over 20 years of experience, each boat trip is led by knowledgeable and experienced marine biologists.
Monterey with the arrival of spring comes the arrival of the killer whales to monterey bay. August 2015 whale watching in monterey bay blue ocean. Our whale watch is an owneroperated business 99% of the time. Blue ocean whale watchs top priorities are passenger safety, respect for wildlife, and having fun. August 2015 whale watching in monterey bay blue ocean whale. In the 1970s, most species of whales were hard to spot, as their populations were still low due to whaling. Monterey is home to several charters offering whale watching tours throughout the year. Our crew is passionate about marine life and has been working in the whale watch industry for years. Open yearround, monterey bay whale watch has the areas highest success rate for whale and dolphin sightings. Humpback whales charge a pod of killer whales in monterey.
They offer two to five trips a day depending on the season. Its some kind of show for whale watchers who dont even need a boat to enjoy the spectacle. 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. May 2, 2017 sfgate featured a video titled humpback whales interfere as killer whales fed on a gray whale calf. Whale watching half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing.
More than a dozen humpback whales are frolicking in the waters of monterey bay south of san francisco. These massive, itinerant mammals travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. After parking, walk down the wharf with all the restaurants and shops. Whale watching cruises for times and scheduling, visit our reservation page. From pacific coast highway 1, follow the signs to fishermans wharf where you will find plenty of parking. In addition to the whales that migrate seasonally through the area, such as humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales, many other. Princess monterey specialty cruises imagine the relaxed, smiling faces, photos, and special memories created, as you and your guests gather on the water, surrounded by monterey bays most spectacular views. The tours at monterey bay whale watch focus on learning about the whales and their environment, as well as conserving their habitat and being respectful. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated cruises. Whatever occasion you happen to be celebrating, being on a boat makes it that much more special.
Monterey bay whale watch whale watching monterey, ca 93940. Whale watching in monterey 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. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales make an epic 6,000mile journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Most tours last 23 hours and leave from montereys famous fishermans wharf. On our whale watching tours youll get a once in a lifetime educational experience. Find vendors and learn tips for your upcoming whale watching adventure, something you can do yearround in monterey. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz, san. Killer whale season in the monterey bay monterey herald. We have two seasons for whale watching in addition to pelagic seabird trips on selected dates. August 2015 whale watching in monterey bay august carried on from where july left off, with an abundance of wildlife arriving in the bay adding to what was already here.
Princess monterey whale watching has been in the cruise business for over 30 years. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching. This fishery is currently closed for boatbased angling. There are actually two whale shark feeding grounds. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet. Monterey bay humpback spike causes california whale. Gift cards for princess monterey whale watching, 96. The diversity on the monterey bay is pretty amazing. Depart from moss landing, midway on the monterey bay and entrance to the monterey submarine canyon whale watching on the monterey bay is a yearround adventure. We are so honored to top the list of tour operators in our area. Princess monterey whale watching offers whale watching tours all year long. The best time for whale watching in california usa today.
Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises orcas. Current california ocean recreational fishing regulations. Princess monterey whale watching gift card monterey, ca. Whale watching monterey bay california the whales of monterey bay from april through november the humpback whale is the most common whale found out of 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. If you are using a gps you can use the address, 245 washington street, monterey ca 93940 here is a link to a parking map provided by the city of monterey. Ocean salmon seasons california department of fish and. A variety of marine wildlife can be encountered 12 months of the year in the monterey bay. Our renowned skippers have the skills, knowledge and experience to navigate our huge marine sanctuary. Monterey bay whale watch all you need to know before you. When the kmz fishery is open, all fish caught in the area must be landed south of horse mtn. Scheduled on selected days during the summer fall season.
If youre in the half moon bay, ca area, call us now at 650 7288433. Princess monterey specialty cruises whale watching in. Every day on the bay is different and were always excited to see whats next and share the experience with our passengers were often told our enthusiasm is contagious. Shes been a whale watching naturalist on boats in the monterey bay since 2008 and goes shorebased whale watching on her days off seriously. Easy and exciting encounters in the 1970s, most species of whales were hard to spot, as their populations were still low due to whaling. From april through november the humpback whale is the most common whale found out of monterey bay. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in monterey. Blue whales can move along the entire california coastline during summer and fall searching for their prey great swarms of krill.
Nancy black is the owner of mbww and has been studying monterey bays marine life for more than 30 years. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours, specializing in natural history and biology of marine wildlife,especially whales. Whale watching in monterey bay is the marine equivalent of going on a safari in africa. 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.
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