Two humpback whale tails rising from the water in Monterey Bay

Wildlife · Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey

Whale watching on Monterey Bay

The deep Monterey Submarine Canyon brings whales, dolphins, and seabirds close to shore, with tours running year-round.

Photo: Cynthia Yock, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Monterey Bay is one of the most reliable places in California to see whales, because the Monterey Submarine Canyon brings deep, nutrient-rich water close to shore. Humpback whales are commonly seen from spring through fall, and gray whales pass through on their migration in winter and spring. Dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds are frequent companions.

Several operators run trips from Old Fisherman's Wharf. What you see varies by season and by day, so ask the operator what has been sighted recently.

Good to know

Dress in layers. It is usually colder on the water than on shore.
Take seasickness precautions before boarding, not after.
Book directly with a licensed operator and check their cancellation policy for weather.