We are monterey bays leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours, specializing in natural history and biology of marine wildlife,especially whales. Whale sightings in oregon are so popular that the state has dedicated 2weeks out of the year to the gray whale. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in monterey. Humpback whales charge a pod of killer whales in monterey bay.
Monterey bay whales are magnificent to watch in their natural environment. Monterey bay whale watch all you need to know before you. More than a dozen humpback whales are frolicking in the waters of monterey bay south of san francisco. The entire gray whale population migrates past the monterey coastline every winter and spring. 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. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know before. 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.
Winter whale watching week and spring whale watching week. 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. Stagnaro charter boats proudly presents the charter boat velocity. Whale watching in monterey bay is the marine equivalent of going on a safari in africa. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz, san. 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. This carcass was sunk 1,800 meters deep in monterey canyon, and was nicknamed. Researchers from the monterey bay aquarium research institute prepare to tow a dead whale off a beach in monterey bay. You can book online at any time by clicking the book now button at the top of the page. Come see these beautiful, graceful whales in their natural habitat.
Princess monterey whale watching has been in the cruise business for over 30 years. Tours depart from moss landing harbor, which is halfway between santa cruz and monterey at the heart of the monterey bay and the closest port to the nutrientrich monterey submarine canyon. A week of insane whale sightings in monterey bay got even crazier wednesday, when a pod of nine killer whales attacked a gray whale calf right in front of a whale watching tour boat. Monterey bay whale watch offers yearround whale watching trips led by professional marine biologists. Our daily whale watch trips are narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist who provides educational and interesting information about whales, dolphins, and a wide variety of marine wildlife. Whale watching monterey bay whale watch, monterey traveller. Whale watching season is november through april, when the mighty humpback whale comes to winter in the warm waters surrounding maui, molokai, and lanai. If youre looking to plan a whale watching trip in monterey. 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. Aug 10, 2017 for the past few weeks, at least 50 to 75 humpback whales have been gorging on krill and anchovies in the monterey bay, delighting boaters and whale watching groups. An attack last week on a gray whale calf by a group of 17 killer whales signified the beginning of killer whale season to many observers.
Shes been a whale watching naturalist on boats in the monterey bay since 2008 and goes shorebased whale watching on her days off seriously. Behavior and ecology of killer whales at the aquarium of the pacific in long beach, ca. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated cruises. Its some kind of show for whale watchers who dont even need a boat to enjoy the spectacle.
We have experienced marine biologists on every tour who specialize in the marine. Not all tours are dogfriendly so call ahead to get the correct information. In addition to the whales that migrate seasonally through the area, such as humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales, many other. Blog princess monterey whale watching monterey bay. Join us in big sur to watch humpback whales swim near shore. Monterey bay humpback spike causes california whalewatching. Text supplied by monterey bay whale watch, a supplier of whale watching boat tours in monterey bay. May 09, 2016 monterey bay is on the path during the humpback whale migration season and we are lucky to witness their incredible acrobatics.
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. Piloted by captains with over 20 years of experience, each boat trip is led by knowledgeable and experienced marine biologists. During the high season summer in monterey, trips do sell out, so booking at least three to four days ahead of time is recommended. View humpback, blue, gray, and killer whales plus a variety of dolphins.
Over the course of the tour, we saw at least a dozen more blue whales, gray whales, and humpbacks. 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. Monterey bay whale watch is the leading nature tour provider in what is widely recognized. Killer whale season in the monterey bay monterey herald. Visitors can observe them from the shore in monterey submarine canyon and santa cruz, which features whales off coast at any time of the year. Given the proximity of where the whales typically feed near monterey bay, this is plenty of time to find them. Whale watching half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing. From april through november the humpback whale is the most common whale found out of monterey bay. Humpback whale season is typically from april through october and sometime through december if the water stays warm. For recent marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay area, visit sanctuary cruises or monterey bay whale watch. Humpback whales gorge in monterey bay the mercury news. Monterey bay is on the path during the humpback whale migration season and we are lucky to witness their incredible acrobatics.
Nancy black is the owner of mbww and has been studying monterey bays marine life for more than 30 years. We have the most experienced skippers in northern california. 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. Whale watching cruises for times and scheduling, visit our reservation page. 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. In choosing a whale tour operator, one has to consider the size of the boat and marine conditions. Winter whale watching week occurs from december 26 th to december 30 th while spring whale watching week occurs from march 23 rd to march 30 th. Mar 06, 2020 the entire gray whale population migrates past the monterey coastline every winter and spring.
Kate is a member of the whale entanglement team and has assisted in several whale rescues. A good boat, with comfortable seating and viewing spaces, a very knowledgeable guide who gave us a wealth of information about the bay and all the animals we saw, and humpback whales. Gray whale during the winter and spring, almost the entire gray whale population migrates through the sanctuary, usually within three kilometers of shore, traveling between their summer feeding grounds in the bering sea and to their winter breeding grounds in baja. Nancy black, jason berring, monterey bay whale watch, source. Open yearround, monterey bay whale watch has the areas highest success rate for whale and dolphin sightings. After parking, walk down the wharf with all the restaurants and shops.
We have two seasons for whale watching in addition to pelagic seabird trips on selected dates. 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. Whale watching monterey and santa cruz what to know. Monterey bay whale watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced marine biologists. Monterey bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Killer whale season in the monterey bay share this. Pdf download our local big sur visitors guide, in adobe pdf. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises whale. Winter and spring trips monterey bay whale watch trips. A number of whalewatching tour companies operate out of monterey, including the newest whale watching operation on fishermans wharf. A few miles from the coast, the gray whale highway runs along the third deepest submarine canyon in the world. Discover the unforgettable adventure of whale watching on one of montereys largest and most elegant vessels. Princess monterey specialty cruises imagine the relaxed, smiling faces, photos, and special memories created, as you and your guests gather on the water, surrounded.
They guarantee a whale sighting, boast theirs is the most comfortable yacht in san diego, and have hot food as well as a full bar onboard. Find vendors and learn tips for your upcoming whale watching adventure, something you can do yearround in monterey. Monterey is the best place in the nation to view a variety of marine mammals and seabirds. 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 whale watch sponsored a fundraising whalewatching boat trip for the monterey bay chapter of the american cetacean society acsmb on sunday, august 21, 2005. About us santa cruz whale watching by stagnaro charters. Yearround the orcas, or killer whales, that frequent monterey bay are known as transients. Apr 28, 2017 nancy black, jason berring, monterey bay whale watch, source.
There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium. Depending on the season, whales and dolphins that are frequently observed include gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, pacific whitesided dolphins. Visit from middecember through midapril to see gray whales, dolphins and killer whales migrating, or. Share a oneofakind whale watching experience with your canine companion aboard one of the monterey bay whale watch boats.
On our whale watching tours youll get a once in a lifetime educational experience. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching by. 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. Killer whale killer whales occur yearround and are occasionally seen 25 times per month in the monterey bay area in pods that average 8. 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. Tours are fully narrated by marine biologistsnaturalists. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Why scientists drag dead whales to the bottom of the sea.
Princess monterey specialty cruises whale watching in. For the past few weeks, at least 50 to 75 humpback whales have been gorging on krill and anchovies in the monterey bay, delighting boaters and whalewatching groups. Though most populations of large whales are greatly reduced, the gray whale population is an exception. We have been featured in national geographic, bbc and discovery channel. Witness the beginning of the humpback whales feeding season with this fourhour whalewatching cruise departing from moss landing. The blue whale is gone by winter during this season the whales return to the warmer waters off central. Easy and exciting encounters in the 1970s, most species of whales were hard to spot, as their populations were still low due to whaling. Chris whale watching whale watching monterey, ca 93940. 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. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises orcas. A monterey bay whale watching trip with blue ocean whale watch is the perfect activity for families, ecotourists, and photographers. Our renowned skippers have the skills, knowledge and experience to navigate our huge marine sanctuary.