Winter Whale Watching in Monterey

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places on the planet to see the majestic Pacific whales and dolphins. The deep, nutrient-rich waters of Monterey Bay in Northern California attract migrating humpback, gray, blue, minke, fin and orca whales throughout the year as they migrate between Alaska and Baja California and Central America.

One of the best times of year for a Monterey Bay whale watching adventure is winter. Between late December and March, you can spot gray and killer whales and dolphins feeding and spouting close to shore. Monterey whale watch trips are fun and educational experiences.

Whale Watching Tours on Monterey Bay

Monterey, California, offers several whale watching tours and companies departing from Old Fisherman's Wharf daily. Most Monterey whale watching cruises take about 3-4 hours and are narrated by marine biologists and naturalists who showcase the beautiful bay and its creatures. Monterey Bay Whale Watch (84 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93904; 831-375-4658) offer morning and afternoon tours daily.

Observe the spectacular diversity of whales and Pacific dolphins in the Monterey Submarine Canyon near Moss Landing. Learn about whale behavior, migration patterns, and populations as you get up close to the largest mammals on earth.

Migration of the Majestic Gray Whales

During the winter, you can marvel at the gray whales travelling south to Baja California for reproduction. The peak of the annual gray whale migration through Monterey Bay happens around mid-January. You can spot these massive, graceful whales up close on large whale watch vessels as well as from Monterey Bay shorelines, including the Point Sur Lighthouse and the high vantage points of the Pt. Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Fun facts: Gray whales are the size of 10 elephants and have double blowholes that spot water up to 15 feet in the air. Seeing the gray whales up close in Monterey Bay this time of year is an incredible experience.

Annual Whalefest Monterey

Celebrate the return of the gray whales to the Monterey Bay during the Annual Whalefest Monterey at Old Fisherman's Wharf. This free two-day festival highlights the biodiversity of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and features a symposium with world-renowned marine experts and exhibits that educate, inspire, and empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

This year's virtual Whalefest Monterey - January 26 – 29, 2022 - will have presentations on whales, orcas, and amazing creatures from the sea on YouTube and Facebook.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching and Hotel Specials

Inns of Monterey is a collection of five boutique hotels located on Cannery Row and in Old Town Monterey. With authentic Monterey charm, our hotels offer lovely rooms and suites, beautiful views of the Monterey Bay, a spa, and local dining experiences. Inns of Monterey supports the conservation and protection of Monterey Bay and its sea life.

When you stay with Inns of Monterey you are close to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and exciting whale watch tours. Plan your adventure with our Monterey Whale Watch Packages with a 4-hour boat tour from Fisherman's Wharf and beautiful accommodations at the Monterey Bay Inn and Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa. This is the experience of a lifetime.

Monterey Bay Inn Whale Watching Package

Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour for two
Overnight bayfront accommodations for two
Complimentary breakfast in your room

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Casa Munras Garden Hotel and Spa Whale Watching Package

Charming accommodations for two in Old Town Monterey
Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour for two