Monterey Bay Whale Watch
List of Most Recent Marine Mammal Sightings
in the Monterey Bay Region
Since November 1, 2026
compiled by Monterey Bay Whale Watch
This list, updated every few days, includes reported sightings from Monterey Bay Whale Watch trips. Unusual sightings of other marine animals such as Leatherback sea turtles and Basking sharks are also listed, in addition to unusual seabirds such as Albatross and Brown boobies. California sea lions are mentioned only if numbers or behavior are of interest. Harbor seals and Southern sea otters, which are seen on most if not all whale watching trips, are not included in the list. Each month the sightings from the previous month are moved to a monthly summary list.
These sightings are copyright protected and may not be used without permission from Nancy Black. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this information is a violation of federal copyright law, and is subject to prosecution to the full extent of the law.
Visit our Facebook
page for more photos and descriptions |
|
| Killer Whale identifications by the California Killer Whale Project |
|
| Date |
# |
Type of Animal(s) |
|
| 11/7 1:30 p.m. |
4 |
Humpback whales |
|
600 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
| 11/7 10 a.m. |
9 |
Humpback whales |
|
200 |
Short-beaked common dolphin |
|
12 |
Risso’s dolphin |
|
| 11/7 9 a.m. |
10 |
Humpback whales (competition pod) |
|
600 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
2 |
Mako sharks (breaching) |
|
1 |
Olive Ridley sea turtle (rare!) |
|
| 11/6 1:30 p.m. |
7 |
Humpback whales |
|
300 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
100 |
Risso’s dolphin |
|
| 11/6 9 a.m. |
8 |
Humpback whales |
|
300 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
300 |
Risso’s dolphin |
|
| 11/5 9 a.m. |
2 |
Blue whales |
|
5 |
Humpback whales |
|
40 |
Risso’s dolphin |
|
20 |
Mako shark pups (breaching!) |
|
2 |
Mola mola |
|
| 11/4 9 a.m. |
5 |
Humpback whales (chin slapping, breaching, tail lobbing) |
|
300 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
| 11/3 9 a.m. |
12 |
Humpback whales |
|
1500 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
| 11/2 9 a.m. |
7 |
Humpback whales |
|
500 |
Long-beaked common dolphin |
|
1 |
Salmon shark |
|
1 |
Mola mola |
|
| 11/1 10 a.m. |
6 |
Humpback whales (chin slapping, breaching, tail lobbing) |
|
300 |
Short-beaked common dolphin |
|
75 |
Risso’s dolphin |
|
| 11/1 9 a.m. |
4 |
Humpback whales (chronic breaching) |
|
300 |
Short-beaked common dolphin |
|
1 |
Mola mola |
|
|
Photos © 2026 Daniel Bianchetta and Morgan Quimby
 Olive Ridley sea turtle, a rare sight! (Nov 7, 2026)  Olive Ridley sea turtle, a rare sight! (Nov 7, 2026)
 Long-beaked common dolphin surfacing with a Remora (suckerfish) hitching a ride (Nov 7, 2026)
 Risso’s dolphin breaching in perfect sea conditions (Nov 1, 2026)
 Humpback whale tail lobbing on a beautiful calm day (Nov 1, 2026)
 Short-beaked common dolphin surfacing as it rides the pressure waves at the bow (Nov 1, 2026)
 Short-beaked common dolphin leaping behind the boat (Nov 1, 2026)
 Humpback whale breaching on a calm blue sky day (Nov 1, 2026)
Photos © 2026 Daniel Bianchetta and Morgan Quimby |
|
Copyright © 2026 Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC. No use of the sightings information is permitted without prior approval.
