Killer whales, minke whales, and fin whales are occasionally sighted during this season as well. The killer whales take advantage of the unique geography of the monterey bay and disperse themselves to patrol for. Monterey bay whale watch is one of the bigger whale watching tour operators in monterey. We are monterey bay s leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours, specializing in natural history and biology of marine wildlife,especially whales. Piloted by captains with over 20 years of experience, each boat trip is led by knowledgeable and experienced marine biologists.
Depart from moss landing aboard sea goddess and get ready to see whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Funded in cooperation with the monterey county board of supervisors and the communities of pebble beach company, carmelbythesea, del rey oaks, marina, monterey, pacific grove, salinas, sand city, seaside, moss landing, carmel valley, big sur, and salinas valley. Check out our list of mustdo water activities in monterey. Whale watching half moon bay, ca riptide sportfishing. Visit from middecember through midapril to see gray whales, dolphins and killer whales migrating, or visit from midapril through middecember to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and killer whales. Killer whale killer whales occur yearround and are occasionally seen 25 times per month in the monterey bay area in pods that average 8. Princess monterey specialty cruises whale watching in. During the winter, we observed some overwintering juvenile humpback whales that skipped their yearly migration and stayed in monterey bay to continue feeding on anchovies. In winter or summer, we take you to the heart of whale territory as we spot these magnificent creatures and much more. They also feature large clean restrooms, a snackbar, plenty of indoor and. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in monterey bay.
We offer the following trips during the summerfall season april through december. Whale watching monterey bay national marine sanctuary. A number of whalewatching tour companies operate out of monterey. These waters also attract hundreds of whales every year as they migrate north for feeding season. The casa munras hotel offers a package featuring two adult whale watch tickets and a to go bag with pastries, fruit and bottled water to take on the boat. Monterey bay inn, spindrift inn and victorian inn have whale watching tickets available for purchase at each inn. Whale watching monterey and santa cruz what to know.
Both vessels have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing, large clean restrooms, snackbar and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. April is our best month to spot orcas in the bay as they hunt for gray whale calves on their northward migration. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises whale. Monterey is home to several charters offering whale watching tours throughout the year.
Find vendors and learn tips for your upcoming whale watching adventure, something you can do yearround in monterey. Killer whale season in the monterey bay monterey herald. Whale alert can be downloaded free of charge from apples app store. 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. Apr 16, 2018 monterey with the arrival of spring comes the arrival of the killer whales to monterey bay.
Monterey whales watchers continue to be treated to a rare show as dozens of blue whales swim about feasting in the monterey bay. Feeding frenzy fills monterey bay with humpback whales wired. Faq princess monterey whale watching monterey bay, ca. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz, san. Nov 17, 2010 the monterey bay national marine sanctuary is one of the top places in the world to view whales, seabirds and other marine mammals, such as sea otters, seals and sea lions. A 9day holiday to californias pacific seaboard to enjoy its birdlife and, particularly, the wealth of. Monterey bay whale watch offers yearround whale watching trips led by professional marine biologists. 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. We have experienced marine biologists on every tour who specialize in the marine. List of most recent marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay region since april 1, 2020 compiled by monterey bay whale watch this list, updated every few days, includes reported sightings from monterey bay whale watch trips. Princess monterey whale watching has the two largest and finest vessels in the monterey fleet. During your whale watching tour, you will get the chance to see. One of the most commonly seen whales in monterey bay, the gray whale migrates up.
Sea goddess whale watching moss landing whale watching. The monterey bay may be the finest spot on earth to view whales and. Its some kind of show for whale watchers who dont even need a boat to enjoy the spectacle. 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. An attack last week on a gray whale calf by a group of 17 killer whales signified the beginning of. These dolphins are frequently sighted in groups ranging from 100 to over 2,000 animals. Monterey bay is on the path during the humpback whale migration season and we are lucky to witness their incredible acrobatics. Whether its an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best monterey cruises around. The diversity on the monterey bay is pretty amazing. March 2017 whale watching in monterey bay blue ocean whale.
Monterey, california whale watching, dolphins, sea lions, the coastline and more. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know. Monterey bay whale watch latest marine mammal sightings. Here, five humpback whales forage for fish in the same spot. 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. Most tours last 23 hours and leave from montereys famous fishermans wharf. Nancy black is the owner of mbww and has been studying monterey bay s marine life for more than 30 years. Monterey bay whale watch is the leading nature tour provider in what is widely recognized. But climate change is causing phytoplankton to bloom earlier in the season.
Humpback whales are the most animated of all baleen whales. May was a very special month with more than the average number of humpback whales we normally see this time of year. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated cruises. Share a oneofakind whale watching experience with your canine companion aboard one of the monterey bay whale watch boats. The town of monterey is on the south end, santa cruz on the north and moss landing in the middle. Monterey bay canyon is a playground for ocean creatures. Easy and exciting encounters in the 1970s, most species of whales were hard to spot, as their populations were still low due to whaling. Monterey with the arrival of spring comes the arrival of the killer whales to monterey bay.
Vessels princess monterey whale watching monterey bay, ca. Princess monterey whale watching experience monterey. May 2017 whale watching in monterey bay blue ocean whale. Come see these beautiful, graceful whales in their natural habitat. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Monterey bay humpback spike causes california whale. They are the acrobats of the great whales and the ultimate scenestealers. Monterey bay whale watch 2020 all you need to know before. Monterey bay is a most abundant food source for these beautiful cetaceans.
An attack last week on a gray whale calf by a group of 17 killer whales signified the beginning. Monterey bay whales are magnificent to watch in their natural environment. Cruise monterey bay and observe the sea otters, seals, pelicans and other bay. Princess monterey specialty cruises imagine the relaxed, smiling faces, photos, and special memories created, as you and your guests gather on the water, surrounded. Along the california coast in the monterey bay area, whale watching is a spectacular yearround event. 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. While stagnaros boats strictly adhere to the mlpa marine life protection act which requires a 100 yard minimum standoff while monterey whale watching, these curious creatures often come right up to the boat. 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. View humpback, blue, gray, and killer whales plus a variety of dolphins. It was a beautiful day for whale watching at moss landing, california along the monterey bay. We are monterey bay s leading company in narrated cruises. Though most populations of large whales are greatly reduced, the gray whale population is an exception. Monterey bay humpback spike causes california whalewatching.
Special trips emphasizing killer whales take place in april and may. If youre in the half moon bay, ca area, call us now at 650 7288433. Not all tours are dogfriendly so call ahead to get the correct information. Monterey bay whale watching with sanctuary cruises orcas. 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.
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. It is said that the monterey bay area is one of the best area for whale watching. Monterey bay whale watching and tours in monterey, ca. Whale watching in monterey bay is the marine equivalent of going on a safari in africa. Late spring, summer and fall trips monterey bay whale watch. May 2, 2017 sfgate featured a video titled humpback whales interfere as killer whales fed on a gray whale calf. Killer whales go on unprecedented killing spree in. You can book online at any time by clicking the book now button at the top of the page. There is nothing quite like that shout to wake up a boatload of nodding seagoers. Nancy black is the owner of mbww and has been studying monterey bays marine life for more than 30 years.
Pacific whitesided dolphins, rissos dolphins, northern right whale dolphins, and common dolphins occur in monterey bay year round. Nancy has a masters 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. April, 2018 monterey herald article, killer whale season in monterey bay. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching.
This time of year, brings an amazing mix of wildlife. Blue whales can move along the entire california coastline during summer and fall searching for their prey great swarms of krill. Humpback whales gorge in monterey bay the mercury news. For recent marine mammal sightings in the monterey bay area, visit sanctuary cruises or monterey bay whale watch. As the spring season progresses, our local humpbacks will return to the bay for the summer and fall seasons. See allday whale watch trips in killer whale season for details. 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. In the 1970s, most species of whales were hard to spot, as their populations were still low due to whaling. Open yearround, monterey bay whale watch has the areas highest success rate for whale and dolphin sightings. May 2, 2017, updated may 3 article titled whale wars. In monterey bay in late summer and early fall, that blow is often a blue whale balaenoptera musculus. We have been featured in national geographic, bbc and discovery channel. The best time for whale watching in california usa today.
More than a dozen humpback whales are frolicking in the waters of monterey bay south of san francisco. 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. Whale sightings for every season in monterey bay the. 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. Gray whale mothers and calves are the last to leave their breeding grounds in baja and pass by monterey bay between april and may to reach their feeding grounds in alaska. The blue whale is gone by winter during this season the whales return to the warmer waters off central america to give birth and mate. Killer whale season in the monterey bay the mercury news. 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. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours, specializing in natural history and biology of marine wildlife,especially whales. Blog princess monterey whale watching monterey bay. Princess monterey whale watching has the two largest and finest whale watching vessels on monterey bay.
Monterey bay whale watch sponsored a fundraising whale watching boat trip for the monterey bay chapter of the american cetacean society acsmb on sunday, august 21, 2005. There are two seasons for whale watching in monterey bay, home of a worldfamous aquarium. Scheduled on selected days during the summer fall season. Faqs discovery whale watch monterey bay, santa cruz. Climb aboard the 60 foot velocity, or 56 foot legacy, and experience the monterey bay area like never before on a monterey bay whale watching cruise. Monterey bay whale watch whale watching monterey, ca 93940. Whale watching cruises for times and scheduling, visit our reservation page. While we got lucky with a halffull boat, id recommend finding a tour. The whales of monterey bay santa cruz whale watching by. We see lots of them, including mothers with calves. Monterey is the best place in the nation to view a variety of marine mammals and seabirds. Whale watching monterey bay california the whales of monterey bay from april through november the humpback whale is the most common whale found out of monterey bay. Nancy black, jason berring, monterey bay whale watch, source. Behavior and ecology of killer whales at the aquarium of the pacific in long beach, ca.
Download a beautiful, highresolution humpback whale wallpaper for your. Monterey bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. The largest mammal ever to exist on earth, large blue whales can run up to a hundred feet in length although the average is. Both vessels are made for your comfort and have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing. In addition to the whales that migrate seasonally through the area, such as humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales, many other. Monterey bay whale watch is owned and operated by nancy black, the marine biologist who accompanies most trips. We are monterey bays leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours, specializing in natural history and biology of marine wildlife, especially whales. Monterey bay whale watch is the only whale watch tour that is owned and operated by experienced marine biologists. The northbound gray whales are passing through monterey bay, including moms and calves. Its been a great month so far as winter has transitioned into spring. You can go whale watching anywhere along its shores. Dozens of humpbacks were drawn close to shore near moss landing due to the abundant anchovies.
During the high season summer in monterey, trips do sell out, so booking at least three to four days ahead of time is recommended. We attempt to photoidentify all blue whales sighted on monterey bay whale watch trips and contribute the photos to cascadia research for analysis. This is also the peak time of year to sight killer whales otherwise known as orcas. 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. The humpback whale megaptera novaeangliae is a marvelous cetacean to observe closely here in monterey bay. Monterey bay whale watch offers yearround whale watching trips to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting the bay. Humpback whales charge a pod of killer whales in monterey. August 2015 whale watching in monterey bay blue ocean. The monterey bay makes a broad, sweeping arc along the pacific coast. Princess monterey whale watching has been in the cruise business for over 30 years. Whale species information discovery whale watching. Blue whales are attracted to sanctuary waters during this time, when krill swarms are often seen in great concentrations in monterey bay. Depending on the season, whales and dolphins that are frequently observed include gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, pacific whitesided dolphins.
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