Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Late Spring, Summer and Fall Trips
Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, and Dolphins - April through December
Humpback Whales and Blue Whales migrate to central California waters each year to feed during summer and fall. Monterey Bay is a prime feeding location for these whales. The whales often concentrate in a variety of locations within the Bay depending on movements and abundance of the their primary prey -- anchovies and krill.
Humpback whale diving next to boat
Killer Whales, Minke Whales, and Fin Whales are occasionally sighted during this season as well. Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Northern Right Whale Dolphins, and Common Dolphins occur in Monterey Bay year round. These dolphins are frequently sighted in groups ranging from 100 to over 2,000 animals. Bottlenose dolphins, Dall's Porpoise, and Harbor Porpoise are also present year round. Sea Otters, California Sea Lions, and Harbor Seals are seen on all trips, and Northern Fur Seals and Elephant Seals are often seen.
Monterey Bay is the best place in the United States to observe a variety of marine mammals and seabirds. Whales often shift feeding locations throughout the season and our 3-hour and 4-hour trips allow ample time to locate and observe them. On average, 3-7 species of whales/dolphins are sighted per trip.
Our trips are led by marine biologists who fully narrate and answer questions on trips.
Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Killer Whales
There are no trips on Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2020) or Christmas day (December 25).
Morning trips:
3.5 to 4-hour morning trips every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Departing at 10 a.m. daily through Labor Day (Sept. 7) and at 9 a.m. every day in July and August. The schedule for Sept. 8 through Dec. 31 will be updated later.
Premium seats on the upper deck (limited to 22 passengers) are available on 10 a.m. trips.
See chart below for trip prices.
Afternoon trips:
3-hour afternoon trips every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Departing at 2:30 p.m. every day through Labor Day (Sept. 7) and at 1:30 p.m. on weekends in June and every day in July and August.
Additional sunset trips on some Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and holidays. Departure time depends on time of sunset.
Premium seats on the upper deck (limited to 22 passengers) are available on 2:30 p.m. trips.
All-day (8-hour) Whale Watch trips:
Scheduled on selected days. See schedule for dates.
Departing at 8 a.m. and returning late afternoon or evening.
Children under age 12 not allowed.
See All-day Whale Watch for details and dates.
Special trips emphasizing Killer Whales take place in April and May. See All-Day Whale Watch Trips in Killer Whale Season for details.
Full-day (12-hour) Whale Watch trips:
Scheduled on selected days during the summer/fall season.
Departing at 7:30 a.m. and returning in the evening.
See Full-day Whale Watch for details and dates.
Prices of Late Spring/Summer/Fall Trips:
Adults Children Children
4 to 12 3 & under
3.5 to 4 hour trips:
Weekdays 9 & 10 a.m. $65 $53 $15
Weekdays 10 a.m. Premium $79 $67 $15
Sat. & Sun. 9 & 10 a.m. $71 $60 $15
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. Premium $85 $74 $15
3 to 3.5 hour trips:
Weekdays 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. $60 $48 $15
Weekdays 2:30 p.m. Premium $74 $62 $15
Sat. & Sun. 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. $65 $79 $15
Sat. & Sun. 2:30 p.m. Premium $79 $67 $15
Sunset trips $65 $54 $15
All-day (8-hour) trips: $140 n/a n/a
Killer Whale Season (April & May - 8-hour) trips: $150 n/a n/a
Full-day (12-hour) trips: $190 n/a n/a
See schedule for dates of trips.
For best viewing conditions we recommend the 3.5 to 4-hour morning trip or the 8-hour or 12-hour trips, but we also offer the shorter afternoon and evening trips. Afternoons can be windier than mornings, so chances of cancellation of a trip due to weather are greater in the afternoon.
From late November through mid-December we cannot guarantee that we will see whales, although it is possible to see Humpback, Blue and Gray Whales. That time is near the end of the summer/fall season (when Humpback and Blue whales are frequently seen) and before the arrival of the migrating Gray Whales. There are good chances to see a variety of dolphins, porpoise, and possibly Killer Whales.
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.). See schedule for dates and availability information.
Gift Certificates are available for these trips.
Back to Whale Watch Trips
Trips - Summer/Fall
Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC
84 Fisherman's Wharf
E-mail whaletrips@gowhales.com
Copyright © 1997-2020 Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC. All rights reserved.
Photo by Nancy Black.