It's no closely guarded secret that the region surrounding Monterey and Santa Cruz has the longest season for whale watching in all of California. In fact, whale watching in these parts more or less goes on all year round. No matter what time you decide to watch for whales, you will most likely see one or even more whale species migrating or feeding in the bay. What you can't see is what attracts the whales to these parts. The underwater canyons run below the waves, and this area makes for some rich opportunities in whale watching.
Monterey Bay a National Marine Sanctuary: With everything blended into a harmonious concoction, whale watching Monterey becomes one of the best locations in California—maybe even the world—to go looking for marine wildlife and whales. Monterey Bay boasts a delectable menu for whales with everything they like to eat from squid to plankton to krill to anchovies. All the food sits closer to the surface because of the coastline angle and the rotation of the earth.
When to Go Whale Watching in Monterey: From mid-December until April, the majestic migrating gray whale passes through the bay where they occasionally encounter orcas. Crossing paths with the killer whales, the gray whales must prepare as the killer whales know this spot well and wait in ambush. Throughout the year, you have excellent whale watching opportunities. For example, May to mid-December, blue whales and humpback whales will feed on the krill and anchovies of Monterey Bay. Many times, they will spend several days waiting in the same spot and feeding. Because they remain in one spot, it makes these whales much easier to come into contact with, and it gives you a closer look at them because they will often be closer to the surface.
Check out Point Lobos State Reserve: If interested in whale watching, you may want to head over to Point Lobos State Reserve. Not only does the area boast some beautiful hiking trails with panoramic views of the rocky coastline, many times you can see the migration of the majestic whales right from the coastline. Around the Monterey Bay area, it is also not uncommon to see a pod of over 1,000 bottlenose dolphins.
Thinking About Hiring a Monterey Whale Watching Company?
Before you hire, a company, there are a couple things to know. First, has the boat been Coast Guard certified? Second, do they use a sighting network, which can make it much easier to find the location of the whales. Before you hop on the ship, check to see if they have a snack bar or a galley. You want to know this in advance so that you will know if you should bring your own food or not. Finally, do they offer a guarantee? For example, if you don't see any whales will they give you another free tour? Whale watching in Monterey Bay can cost an average of $44 for adults, $29 for children age four to 12 and $15 for children three and under.
Before heading out on your whale watching adventure, dress warmly. It matters little about the time of year because the temperatures on the water will almost always be cooler than what they are on land. Long pants with closed soft-soled shoes will normally be your best bet. To enjoy your time with a whale watching Monterey company, the most important thing you need is a willingness for adventure. You never know what you might see while on the deep blue sea, and the memories you take with you will be worth every penny.
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