Monterey Whale Watching Season – Best Time To Go (2026)

Wondering about Monterey whale watching season?

As a Bay Area local, and someone who has visited Monterey countless times, I’m proud to announce that I finally went on a whale watching trip! 

Monterey, California is just about 130 miles south of San Francisco and is part of the coastal area known as the Monterey Peninsula.  This part of California is well known for its gorgeous beaches and thriving marine life – and one of its most famous features is its extensive whale watching season.

This protected marine sanctuary is very rich with nutrients, therefore the Monterey Bay Canyon has a bounty of wildlife. We’re talking – Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Risso Dolphins, Long Beaked Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Dall’s Porpoise,  Sunfish, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Pelicans, Sea Otters and so much more! 

Just a 2 hour drive south of San Francisco and Alameda, Monterey is also just a few minutes from the magical Carmel-By-The-Sea.

When is Monterey Whale Watching Season?

The best time to whale watch in the Monterey Bay is – all year long! This is exactly why this region is so popular for whale watching. Different species of whales migrate through these waters throughout the year. 

You’ll notice that when you read reviews of some tours, people report seeing up to 10 humpbacks on one tour or several Orcas and many Gray Whale sightings and even Blue Whales.

People even whale watch from land at places like Point Reyes and  Point Lobos. Add Monterey whale watching to your romantic getaway itinerary!

Generally there are two Whale Watching Seasons in Monterey:

1. January through April – You may see Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Orca Whales.

2. May through December – You may see Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, and Orca Whales.
More specifically:

Gray Whales are often seen December through May with higher probability in January and March.

Humpback Whales are often seen March through November with higher probability in July and August. However, the day prior to our tour on December 24, the crew saw two Humpbacks.

Blue Whales are often seen in May through October with higher probability in July and August.

Orca or Killer Whales are often seen in April through May and again in August through October.

What are the Best Whale Watching Tours in Monterey?

There are many whale watching boat tour companies located in Monterey, so it may be difficult to choose.  Here are four that all have excellent reviews.

Chris’s Whale Watching

This is the tour I took. Chris’s boats leave from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey with trips departing at 10 AM and 1:30 PM. This company guarantees a whale sighting or you will get a rain check.

We saw only one gray whale and several large pods of leaping dolphins which was very exciting. Seeing the whale breach a few times, watching its tail flip up above the water, and then eyeing the spray from its spout was very cool. We also saw a couple of really cute otters swimming on their backs.

Important to know – While Chris’s boats are smaller than some, the tour is also a bit shorter than others. Thus, you can weigh the pros and cons – Because the smaller boat was really affected by the swells whenever it slowed down for the mammal sightings, many people spent the cruise being sick off the back of the boat. Therefore it was a good thing that the tour was over in 2.5 hours!

The captain announced facts and marine information throughout the tour, but honestly, it was difficult to hear them from out on the deck. The crew were great and did their best to warn everyone about the possibility of getting seasick with instructions on how to do it, where to do it, and then offered paper towels for clean up.

This tour costs $60 per person.

Discovery Whale Watch

This half day, three hour tour, with Discovery Whale Watch, has excellent 5 star reviews and highlights are that they have a marine biologist or naturalist guide providing commentary on the tour. It leaves from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.

This tour costs $80 per person.

Princess Monterey Whale Watching Tours

This tour has excellent 5 star reviews.  The boat departs from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey and boasts a 99% success rate in spotting whales.

At 110 feet, Princess boats are much bigger boats than some others and therefore may be a safer bet for those who might feel seasick. 

Limited VIP upper deck seating is an optional upgrade for an additional charge of $20 per person at time of check in, if space is available.

This tour costs $65 per person + $20 for upper deck seating.

Is Whale Watching in Monterey Worth it?

Yes! ( If you don’t get sea sick) Here’s Why…

• Because whales migrate through what is known as the vast Monterey Bay Canyon all throughout the year! So, you’re likely to see whales migrating whenever you go.
  
• The incredible depth of the ocean floor means whales are able to come close to shore for feeding. The canyon is up to 2 miles deep in some parts. That’s a mile deeper than the Grand Canyon! 
  
• This close proximity to the coast where the whales swim, makes it ideal for catching glimpses of them from boats out on the ocean, and even sometimes from the shore.
  
• Also, in the Monterey Bay, you’re likely to see dolphins galore and of course, loads of sea lions! 
  
• The most exciting part for me was the dozens of leaping dolphins close to the boat and surrounding us as they charged through the waves. Seeing a whale was spectacular as well. While it was a little farther away from us, it was a real thrill.

Did you know that less than 1% of people will ever see a whale? So, what a rare thing to have the opportunity to see the earth’s largest animals!

8 Pro Tips for First Time Whale Watchers

1. Choose a tour that boasts daily sightings of whales. Ask for a guaranteed whale sighting or a rain check to be issued for another time.

2. Choose a tour that offers marine experts to narrate and share valuable info along the way. 

3.  Be very thoughtful of how much time you want to spend on the boat. Tours range from 2.5 hours all the way up to 12 hours. You may not want to spend all day on a boat, or maybe that’s your thing!  

4. Take a morning whale watching trip. Most companies offer morning and afternoon tours, but they generally advise that mornings are the best times to go whale watching. 

5. Choose a boat that is larger and has a stabilizer to lessen the impact of the swells. Seasickness is a real thing on these tours! The bigger the boat, the less it will be affected by standard waves.

6. Bring motion sickness medication or nausea relief wristbands – even if you don’t think you’ll need them, better to have them handy.

7. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear layers.

8. Enjoy the moments and avoid trying to focus on photos and videos. Unless you are a skilled photographer, trying to get good shots while the boat is swaying and the whales are swimming is a big challenge!

8 Common Tips for Dealing with Seasickness on a
Whale Watching Trip

1. Have a light meal prior to sailing.

2. Drink a lot of water.

3. Drink ginger ale.

4. Eat some ginger snaps.

5. Wear acupressure wrist bands.

6. Stay outside on the back of the boat.

7. Focus on the horizon.

8. Take over the counter motion sickness medication as prescribed on the package.

Why do whales like the Monterey Bay?

The central coast of California surrounding Monterey Bay provides a huge source of plankton which is known as the base of the food chain for all marine animals. The plankton blooms that occur in the Bay are what attracts the krill, fish, and squid. The whales and dolphins feed on the krill and other small species that swim close to the shore in the warmer water.

The History of Monterey’s Whaling Industry

The whaling industry in Monterey Bay began in the mid-19th century when there was a high demand for whale oil and the whale baleen for the use of things like corsets.

The industry grew as several whaling stations were developed by immigrant communities of of Portuguese and Japanese whalers.

By the early 20th century, overhunting, conservation awareness, and the rise of petroleum products increased and thus the whaling industry declined.

Today, the Monterey Bay is renowned for its strong focus on marine conservation and the protection of whales and celebrating their contribution as a species.

Where To Stay In Monterey

Monterey has a huge selection of hotels, inns, B&B’s etc. I always recommend the Portola Hotel & Spa. I find it really centrally located, very comfortable and reasonably priced.

I also highly recommend staying in Carmel, just about 15 minutes from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Carmel is one of our most favorite places on the planet! It’s gorgeous, quiet, charming, and close to all the spots in Monterey. Check out this list of Carmel hotels with ocean views.

The Portola Hotel & Spa
2 Portola Plaza, Monterey

Located right in downtown Monterey, the Portola is a large, well appointed, luxury hotel, that offers full spa facilities with excellent ratings. It’s not right on Cannery Row like some hotels, so its a little more quiet. I’ve stayed here a few times and find it to be a great choice. It’s in a perfect location with access to all the main Monterery activities you want to do. Its literally within walking distance to all the landmarks, shops, and restaurants in town. Prices start at $191

More Things To Do In Monterey

Don’t just come to Monterey for the whale watching. There’s so much to do in this town, spend the rest of the day exploring. Click here for many more ideas!

Enjoy Old Fisherman’s Wharf

After your boat tour, you’ll be right in the heart of the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This historic wharf is one of the many tourist centers of Monterey. You’ll find shops, souvenirs, and restaurants a plenty!  And you can just hang out looking at all the sea lions and boats that gather along the wharf’s side.

Explore the Historic Old Town

Adjacent to the wharf is the Old Town District square. You’ll find important historic buildings and museums to visit. You can find a walking tour and information at the Custom House Plaza right next to the wharf.

Take a walk from the wharf to Cannery Row.

There is a lovely .7 mile path that begins at the wharf and follows the water to Cannery Row. This is a favorite activity because you see many sea lions along the way, great views, and have a little break from the tourist crowds at the wharf and Cannery Row.

Have some fun on the Famous Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a street along the water that is lined with the former canning factories that have been converted into shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. This is probably Monterey’s most famous spot since the 1940’s when John Steinbeck published his classic novel entitled Cannery Row.

Spend time in the Monterey Bay Aquarium

At the end of Cannery Row is the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you haven’t had enough of marine life from your whale watching tour, then get your fill in this amazing center for all things ocean. It’s the kind of museum that is perfect for everyone of all ages.

Now you have the scoop on Monterey Whale Watching Season 

In a nutshell…

The Monterey Bay is world renowned for its gorgeous setting and rich Californian history. But it’s also one of the special places in the world where the ocean and marine life are fully accessible to visitors all year long.

Chose whale watching as one of your activities while visiting the Monterey Bay Penninsula!

You’ll be out on the brisk water with stunning scenery and can see some wildlife close up. If you’re lucky you’ll see several whales and encounter many dolphins.

You’re guaranteed to see as many sea lions as you want to look at because the ocean and the rocks on the shore are their home.

Follow the tips in this blog post for a great whale watching experience and don’t forget to have some fish and chips and clam chowder when you’re done!

xx,
Carrie