Blackfin and Long-beaked Common Dolphins

We have two seasons for whale watching in addition to pelagic seabird trips on selected dates:

1. Winter and early spring (January to March) Whale Watch for Gray Whale, Killer Whales and Dolphins.
2. Late spring, summer and fall (April to December) Whale Watch for Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Dolphins.
3. Pelagic seabird trips on selected dates in the summer/fall season.

In addition to scheduled trips, special group trips and private charter trips can be arranged during both seasons.

Gray Whales, Dolphins, Killer Whales Morning trips are 4 hours long and afternoon trips are 3 to 3.5 hours long. Junior Marine Biologist for children. This schedule applies January 1 through March 31. Daily trips, 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (sunset trips) Premium seats on the upper deck (limited to 35 passengers) are available on 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. trips. Additonal trips at 9 a.m. and 12 noon on some Saturdays and Sundays. All-day 8-hour trips are available on selected days. (See All-day Whale Watch for details and dates.) Prices of Winter/Early Spring Trips - Note that a 6% Booking Processing fee is added to all purchases.         Adults    Children    Children        4 to 12   3 & under 4 hour trips (mornings):     9 & 10 a.m. $78 $67 $20   10 a.m. Premium (upper deck) $92 $81 $20     3 to 3.5 hour trips (afternoons):     1:30 & 2:30 p.m. $72 $61 $20   2:30 p.m. Premium (upper deck) $86 $74 $20           All-day (8-hour) trips: $170 n/a n/a         Learn more about winter and early spring whale watch trips. See schedule for exact dates and times.

Late Spring, Summer and Fall Whale Watch - April through December

Vessels

Sea Wolf II and Killer Whale

Our main vessel, the BLACKFIN, is a 65' Catamaran, capacity 117 passengers. The Blackfin has Upstairs/Downstairs Inside/Outside seating and viewing.

The Sea Wolf II is a 70' single hull vessel, capacity 69 passengers, with inside and outside seating.

The Pt. Sur Clipper is a 55' single hull vessel, capacity 48 (similarly equipped as the Sea Wolf II).

All of our vessels are fully Coast Guard Inspected and insured. Each vessel carries life vests for all passengers and all required safety equipment. Our vessels are equipped with navigation devices, radar, marine radios, depth sounders and two restrooms. Each vessel has Eco-Friendly Turbo Diesel engines.

Marine Biologists

Monterey Bay Whale Watch is owned and operated by Nancy Black, the marine biologist who accompanies most trips. Nancy has a Master's of Marine Science degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, has worked with whales and dolphins in the region for over 25 years, and has become an expert in the biology of killer whales off the California coast. She is currently involved in several research and education programs, including primary investigator for the Oceanic Society's (non-profit) whale and dolphin research program in Monterey Bay. She works on aerial surveys for marine mammals off California with Cascadia Research, assists with field research on Alaskan killer whales with the National Marine Mammal Lab, with co-researchers has compiled a catalog of individual killer whales for California and Mexico for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and is currently photo-identifying killer whales and documenting their behavior in Monterey Bay. See a more complete bio of Nancy Black.

Other marine biologists who may accompany trips have extensive naturalist experience and are often marine educators and/or involved in marine mammal research projects. Many are graduate students from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, affiliated with the American Cetacean Society or Oceanic Society, or work independently as marine naturalists.

Trip Preparation

Location: Trips depart from Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center, located on Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf (Wharf #1). After parking, walk down the Wharf with all the restaurants and shops; near the end turn right at the Crab House Restaurant and you will see a large red sign that says "Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center". You should check in 1/2 hour before your departure time.

Parking Directions:

There are two main parking areas located near the Fisherman's Wharf. GPS to 100 Pacific Street Monterey Heritage Harbor Parking Garage. The garage is located conveniently on Scott and Pacific Street, 2 short blocks from the head of the Wharf. Hourly rate is $1 per half hour and $15/day. Take a ticket (pay when you exit), Cash or credit card.

Or GPS to 201 Washington street to reach the waterfront parking lot. The waterfront lot is a prepay lot with 2 prepay kiosks. You can also use the parkmobile app. The lot zone is #21031 using the parkmobile app. Rate is $1.50 per hour with a daily max of $10.00

Please prepay for your parking at one of the pay stations in the waterfront lot or use the parkmobile app. Insert your credit card magnetic stripe down into one of the pay stations to prepay for your parking fee. There is a button to push on every pay station to reach "help" for any questions you may have.

To Wear: Dress warmly, layers are best. Dress warmly regardless of the time of year, since it is always cooler on the ocean than it is on land. Long pants with jacket and closed soft-sole shoes are best. Masks are no longer required.

To Bring: Snacks and sodas are available in our shop, and in our galley on board the boat. You are welcome to bring a bag lunch or a small cooler. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are helpful. Bring binoculars, cameras, and video cameras if you have them.

Seasickness: We do not go out if the seas are extreme or there is a storm. However, we will be on the ocean and there is often a swell and or wind chop. Seasick medication is recommended as a precaution if you have little boating experience. You can pick up over-the-counter medicine at any drug store or you can purchase a packet of two tablets (Travel Time) at the shop as you check in. It is best to take the medicine one half to one hour before the trip.

Cancellation: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If we are going to cancel a trip due to weather, undersubscription, or unforeseen circumstances we will attempt to reach you at the phone number you have given us as soon as possible. If you are unsure about weather, please call and we will advise you on the trip status.

If you have mobility issues, please contact our shop prior to making a reservation to go over your options. Please also note that we will be at least an hour away from medical care.

Directions

Coming from north of Monterey, from San Francisco or the Bay area: Take highway 101 south, take the Highway 156 west exit to Castroville, then turn onto Highway 1 south, then take the Pacific Grove / Del Monte exit (Exit #402B) off of Highway 1. Follow the signs to Fisherman's Wharf. If you are coming from the Bay area or San Francisco, do not take Highway 1 the whole way unless you allow plenty of extra time. It takes about 2 hours from San Francisco to Monterey following the above directions.

Coming from south of Monterey: If you are coming from southern California, take Highway 101 north to Highway 68 and the Monterey Peninsula exit. This will take you through Salinas on Highway 68. This will lead to Highway 1, stay in the left lane and follow signs to Monterey then follow signs to Fisherman's Wharf (on Del Monte Ave). If you are coming from Carmel or up the coast on Highway 1 from Big Sur, take the Munras exit (exit #399) and follow the signs to Fisherman's Wharf.

Walk down the Wharf with all the restaurants and shops; near the end turn right at the Crab House Restaurant and you will see a large red sign that says "Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center".

Reservations

Reservations required. Visa, MC, Discover, Travelers Checks, personal checks and cash accepted. Reservations can be made using our online reservation form or by calling (831) 375-4658 with a credit card number to hold your spot. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Trips may be canceled due to weather, undersubscription, or unforeseen circumstances.

Book online now!

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are available for all whale watch trips. Learn more about the Gift Certificates, or go directly to our Gift Certificate Order Form.

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Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC 84 Fisherman's Wharf Monterey, CA 93940   Phone 831-375-4658   E-mail whaletrips@gowhales.com

Copyright © 1997-2024 Monterey Bay Whale Watch, LLC. All rights reserved.
Photo of Sea Wolf II and Killer Whale copyright 2004 Esta Lee Albright.
Photo of Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center copyright 2012 Sebastian Gorgol.

Last updated December 3, 2024