Winter and Spring Trips
Gray Whales, Dolphins - mid-December through mid-April
Gray whales in Monterey Bay
Photo by Richard Ternullo
The entire Gray Whale population migrates past the Monterey coastline
every winter and spring. These whales have one of the longest animal migrations
known, traveling over 12,000 miles from their summer feeding grounds in
the Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in Baja California and
back again. Gray whales are easily observed as they hug the coastline
during migration. Gray whales are present off Monterey from mid-December
through mid-May. Several species of dolphins and porpoise are also present
at this time, including Common Dolphins, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins,
Risso's Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Dall's Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise,
and Killer Whales! Sea Otters, California Sea Lions, and Harbor Seals
are seen on all trips.
Monterey is the best place along the California coast to observe Gray
Whales. Whales can be seen very close to shore here due to the proximity
of the submarine canyon, as the Gray Whale prefers shallow water and therefore
migrates closer to shore here than at other places along the coast. This
allows us to easily find the whales and spend more time with them, leaving
enough time to search for deep water species of dolphins and porpoise
and Killer Whales near the canyon edge.
We are unique in that we are the only group that offers regular 3 to 3.5
hour trips led by marine biologists who fully narrate and answer questions
on trips. Our marine biologists feel a 3 to 3.5 hour trip is needed to
allow excellent viewing opportunities for whales and dolphins under unrushed
conditions. Due to this trip length, our success rate for sighting whales
averages close to 98% during this season. We also offer a Junior Marine
Biologist program for children.
Three-hour trips run daily from December
14, 2013 through April 4, 2014. Trips run every day at 10 a.m. and 1:30
p.m.
In addition to the daily trips at 10 and 1:30, on most Saturdays from
mid-January through the end of the winter/spring season we also offer
breakfast trips leaving at 7 a.m.
| Wake up With the Whales! Be the first boat out for the day! For early risers who would enjoy an early morning whale watch, have the whales to yourself, as no other boats are normally around, plus enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast (bagels, donuts, pastries, cereal, bread, cheese, fruit, coffee, and hot chocolate). Then you will have the rest of the day for your other activities -- how about the Monterey Bay Aquarium? These trips run on most Saturdays during the Gray Whale season, starting in mid-January. |
There are no trips on Christmas. See our Schedule
for exact dates and times of trips. Cost: $40 adults, $27 children 12
and under, no charge for children 3 and under.
Reservations are required. Reservations can be made using our online
reservation form or by calling (831) 375-4658 with a credit card number
to hold your spot.
Go to Whale Watch Trip Information Page for further
details (trip preparation, directions, etc.).
Gift Certificates are
available for these trips.
Killer Whale and Pt. Sur Clipper
Photo by Nancy Black
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Photos by Richard Ternullo and Nancy Black.
Last updated April 5, 2013