The Best Whale Watching in Monterey | Travel

Observe: Some firms on this checklist could have restricted operations as a consequence of COVID-19. Test with operators about availability earlier than you e book.

Monterey, California, is a vacation spot for whale watchers for good motive. Not solely is it one of many solely locations in the world the place you possibly can spot whales year-round, it is also house to the Monterey Canyon, one of many deepest submarine canyons on the western coast of america and an ideal habitat for a wide range of marine species. Wildlife seen in the neighborhood embody blue, grey, humpback, fin, minke and orca (aka killer) whales, in addition to a number of species of dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. Whereas some sea creatures could be noticed all yr lengthy, particular varieties change with every season. U.S. Information, after reviewing professional opinion and traveler commentary, decided that these boat excursions are one of the simplest ways to see what the water holds. All of them have guides well-versed in marine biology desirous to share their insights.

Observe: Some firms have minimal age necessities for his or her whale watching journeys.

Spend 2 1/2 to a few hours looking out for marine life in the waters off the coast of Pacific Grove, California, on this tour. Whale watchers constantly name the guides and different crew members educated and pleasant. All year long, Discovery Whale Watch sometimes presents each morning and afternoon outings, with departure instances at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. sundown cruises are supplied throughout summer time. Prolonged (six-hour) journeys starting at 8 a.m. are additionally supplied on choose days. Boats, which normally carry not more than 35 passengers, depart from Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf. Tickets value round $75 for adults and $65 for kids 4 to 12.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch presents boat rides year-round, however the animals prone to be seen varies by season. Grey whales are the primary attraction in January, February and March, whereas orcas, humpbacks and blue whales (amongst others) could also be observable in different months. Whale watchers provide enthusiastic assessments of guides, who’re additionally marine biologists and constantly referred to as each informative and entertaining. Ticket costs rely upon the day of the week and the size of the tour, which might vary from three to eight hours. Tickets for three- to three 1/2-hour journeys begin at $60 for adults and $48 for kids ages 4 to 12; four-hour journeys begin at $65 for adults and $53 for kids. Eight-hour outings begin at $140 per particular person, no matter age. Charges enhance for weekend excursions. Cruises depart every day, however precise departure instances range by journey. The firm additionally runs pelagic seabird voyages in the summer time and fall.

Observe the teeming wildlife of Monterey Bay on one among these journeys, which can be found all year long. Tour-takers applaud the captain and crew members for his or her capability to find whales and different creatures, and respect their experience and commentary. Three- to four-hour journeys happen every day, sometimes beginning at 10 a.m. on weekdays and at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets begin at $95 for adults and $85 for kids 4 to 12. Adults can elect to observe from the higher deck for about $115. Boats depart from Moss Touchdown Harbor, which is about 20 miles north of Monterey. Customized charters are additionally out there.

As its title suggests, Quick Raft Ocean Safaris makes use of inflexible hull inflatable boats with restricted capability (most six passengers) to discover the Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary. It operates a number of whale watching journeys, every designed to account for the seasonal differences of animal exercise. From April by November, it presents three-hour journeys departing from Moss Touchdown that target blue whales, humpbacks and dolphins. Tickets for these outings, which generally start every day at 8 a.m., begin at $185 per particular person. In April and Might, it operates daylong (six- to eight-hour) journeys devoted to observing killer whales’ pursuit of grey whales. Charges for these journeys, which depart at 8 a.m., begin at round $295. Winter whale watching – which might embody sightings of grey, humpback and killer whales – can also be out there from December by March for about $185. Winter outings depart from Cannery Row. No matter which choice you select, you are prone to discover the guides accommodating, pleasant and skilled, in line with reviewers.

Princess Monterey Whale Watching

Cruise Monterey Bay in consolation on a spacious 100-foot boat with a heated cabin, giant home windows and outside seating on these journeys. Passengers invariably discover the crew members to be devoted, useful and knowledgeable professionals. Princess Monterey sometimes presents a number of every day departure instances on its two boats. Tickets value roughly $60 for adults and $40 for kids 3 to 11, with an extra $20 payment per particular person for restricted higher deck seating. Meals and drinks can be found for buy on board. Journeys final about three hours and depart from Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf. One-hour sundown cruises and customized outings are additionally out there.

Sea Goddess Whale Watching

Departing every day from Moss Touchdown, on the mouth of Monterey Bay Canyon, these two- to three-hour journeys present alternatives to look at the whales residing in or passing by the Pacific Ocean. Marine wildlife fanatics are likely to benefit from the knowledgeable commentary the guides present on these boat rides. Journeys happen every day all yr lengthy with each morning and afternoon launch instances, normally at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 and three:30 p.m., although schedules could range by season. Tickets run about $60 per grownup and $40 per youngster 3 to 11, with higher deck entry supplied for an extra $20. Shark-seeking excursions and personal charters are additionally out there.

Hop aboard the eco-friendly, biodiesel-powered 43-foot Sanctuary on one among these outings. Sanctuary Cruises presents a number of whale watching journeys of various period and worth. Two- to three-hour rides departing a number of instances every day value about $75 for adults and $65 for kids 5 to 12. Three- to four-hour journeys departing at 11 a.m. value roughly $95 for adults and $85 for kids. Personal charters are additionally out there. Whichever journey you choose, you are prone to discover insightful guides in a position to reply any and your entire questions on oceanic life, in line with reviewers. Boats depart from Moss Touchdown.

All year long, these journeys traverse Monterey Bay to supply glimpses of its quite a few marine species, together with not solely whales, but in addition seals, sea lions, turtles and extra. Journey takers incessantly marvel on the ship captain’s capability to find teams of whales. The workers additionally wins excessive marks for his or her friendliness and glorious customer support. Three-hour journeys depart from Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf every day at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $55 for adults and $35 for kids youthful than 12. Along with whale watching expeditions, Chris’ additionally operates deep-sea fishing journeys.