About Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Monterey Bay Whale Watch, located in Monterey, offers unforgettable whale watching tours that provide visitors with the opportunity to observe a variety of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. These tours are led by experienced marine biologists and naturalists who share their knowledge about the diverse marine life found in Monterey Bay.
Historical Overview
- Foundation: Monterey Bay Whale Watch was founded in 1985 by marine biologist Nancy Black. The organization is dedicated to providing educational and thrilling whale watching experiences while promoting the conservation of marine ecosystems.
Key Features and Experiences
- Whale Watching Tours: The tours offer the chance to see a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, and orcas. Depending on the season, visitors might also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
- Expert Guides: Tours are led by knowledgeable marine biologists and naturalists who provide educational commentary throughout the trip. They share insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation status of the marine animals observed.
- Comfortable Vessels: The boats used for the tours are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for all passengers. These include indoor and outdoor seating areas, restrooms, and viewing decks for optimal wildlife observation.
- Educational Focus: Each tour emphasizes the importance of marine conservation. Guides discuss the ecological significance of Monterey Bay, the threats faced by marine wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.
- Photographic Opportunities: The tours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and capture the breathtaking moments of marine animals in their natural environment.
Visiting Tips for Families
- Plan Ahead: Check the Monterey Bay Whale Watch website for current tour schedules, availability, and booking information. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions on the open water. Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and non-slip shoes.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, and motion sickness medication if needed. Binoculars and cameras are also recommended to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the dock at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
- Engage with Guides: Take advantage of the expertise of the guides. Ask questions and participate in discussions to maximize the educational value of the tour.
- Participate in Activities: Encourage children to engage with the interactive activities provided by the guides to enhance their learning experience and enjoyment of the tour.
By participating in a Monterey Bay Whale Watch tour, families can experience the majesty of marine wildlife and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of marine conservation. The tours provide a unique and educational opportunity to observe whales and other marine animals in their natural habitat, guided by knowledgeable experts who share their passion for the ocean. Whether spotting a breaching humpback whale or learning about the complex ecosystem of Monterey Bay, Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers an enriching and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
*This activity is not supported by IEM Charter (South Sutter, Ocean Grove, Sky Mountain)
Educator Package: Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization, direct experiential opportunities to help better connect the experience with your students and complimentary chaperone ticket. Does not include student ticket.
Student Package: Includes engaging pre and post educational visit activities, trip organization and student ticket.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Check in 30 minutes before the trip.
Please bring your Confirmation with you when you check in.
To Wear:
Dress warm, 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.
To Bring:
Bring along anything you will want to eat or drink during the trip. Snacks and sodas are available on the vessel or on the wharf. 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 an over-the-counter medicine at any drug store or purchase a packet of two tablets (Meclizine) at the shop as you check in. It is best to take the medicine the night before the trip and the 2nd tablet one half to one hour before the trip.
Cancellation: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If your plans change you need to call 24 hrs. in advance to cancel for full refund. We may cancel a trip at any time due to weather, under-subscription, or unforeseen circumstances. If unsure about weather, please call and we will advise you on the trip status.
Restrictions: Due to the nature of pregnancy and the motion of the ocean we strongly discourage pregnant women.
DIRECTIONS IMPORTANT: GPS mapping for 84 Fisherman’s Wharf - 245 Washington, Monterey, CA 93940 to reach the Wharf’s main entrance to the waterfront parking lot.
PARKING DIRECTIONS
The closest parking lot to MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH is Wharf Lot #1 accessed off Del Monte- Washington (nearest Wharf #1)t. When you enter the parking area, drive as far left as possible until you arrive at the booth to enter the gated lot. Take a ticket to enter the gated lot and drive across the parking lot to the waterfront.
Park near Wharf #1 with all the colorful shops and restaurants.
(You will pay for your parking when you EXIT at the attendant booth.
PARKING IS ON AVERAGE $2. PER HOUR).
-Walk from your car towards Wharf #1 with all the colorful shops & restaurants (there is a pink building at the beginning of our wharf).
-Walk down Fisherman's Wharf, near the end turn right at CRAB HOUSE Restaurant & you will see our building with a large red sign on top that reads "MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH CENTER". We are # 84.
Directions:
From San Francisco/San Jose, CA:
- Take US-101 towards Los Angeles
- Exit CA-156 West towards Monterey Peninsula
- Continue on CA 1 South towards Monterey
- Exit 402B 'Pacific Grove' - Del Monte Avenue
-Turn right into Fisherman's Wharf at 245 Figueroa, Monterey, CA 93940 turn left into the parking lot, take a ticket and drive through the lot to Wharf #1 park near the wharf with all the colorful buildings.
From Sacramento, CA:
- Starting in Sacramento take CA-99 South/I-5 South
- Exit I-80 West towards San Francisco
- Exit I-680 exit towards Benicia/San Jose
- Exit US-101 towards Los Angeles
- Exit CA-156 West towards Monterey Peninsula
- Continue on CA-1 South towards Monterey
- Exit 402B 'Pacific Grove' - Del Monte Avenue
- Turn right into Fisherman's Wharf at 245 Figueroa St Monterey, CA 93940 turn left into the parking lot, take a ticket and drive through the lot to Wharf #1 park near the waterfront near the wharf with all the colorful buildings.
From Los Angeles, CA:
- Take US-101 towards San Francisco
- Exit CA-68 towards Monterey Peninsula
- CA-1 South towards Monterey
- Exit immediately off first exit for Monterey Fremont St.
- At the light turn right on Camino Aguajito then left on Del Monte
- Turn right into Fisherman's Wharf at 245 Figueroa St Monterey, CA 93940 turn left into the parking lot, take a ticket and drive through the lot to Wharf #1 park near the waterfront near the wharf with all the colorful buildings.
From Carmel, Ca:
- CA-1 towards San Francisco
- Exit #399 (Munras Avenue)
- Head down the hill towards the Bay
- Street name changes to: Abrego, then changes to Washington
- At the end of Washington, head straight across Del Monte Ave intersection into the parking lot at the gate take a ticket and park near the waterfront.
(You will pay for your parking when you EXIT at the attendant booth.
PARKING IS ON AVERAGE $2. PER HOUR).
-Walk from your car towards Wharf #1 with all the colorful shops & restaurants (there is a pink building at the beginning of our wharf).
-Walk down Fisherman's Wharf, near the end turn right at CRAB HOUSE Restaurant & you will see our building with a large red sign on top that reads "MONTEREY BAY WHALE WATCH CENTER".