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