In short
- December to April: Migrating gray whales.
- March to November: Feeding humpback whales.
- July to October: Massive blue whales.
In this article
The deep Monterey Submarine Canyon brings nutrient-rich waters close to shore year-round. This makes the bay one of the top places to watch marine life. You have an excellent chance of spotting whales on any given month.
When is the best time of year to see whales in Monterey?
Summer is peak season for feeding humpbacks and blue whales, while winter brings migrating gray whales.
July and August are the busiest months for tours. During this time, krill swarms attract large baleen whales. Winter offers shorter, 2.5 to 3-hour tours to spot gray whales moving along the coastline.
What is the best month to see blue whales in Monterey Bay?
July, August, and September are the most reliable months to spot blue whales.
Blue whales visit during peak summer upwelling. They come to feed on vast swarms of krill. You can spot them by their towering, straight blows that reach up to 30 feet high.
When can you see killer whales in Monterey Bay?
Orcas are most frequently spotted from mid-April to mid-May, and again from late August to October.
These apex predators visit the bay to hunt marine mammals. In the spring, they target migrating gray whale calves. To maximize your chances, book an extended 8-to-12-hour specialty tour.
When do gray whales migrate past Monterey?
Gray whales are typically spotted from December through April.
They travel between Alaska and the warm lagoons of Baja California. Gray whales often swim closer to the shore. This makes them easier to spot on standard winter trips.
When are humpback whales in Monterey Bay?
Humpback whales feed in Monterey Bay from March through November.
They are highly acrobatic and known for breaching. Humpbacks lunge-feed on krill and anchovies. You can easily see them on standard 3 to 4-hour tours during these months.
Are you guaranteed to see a whale in Monterey Bay?
You have over a 90% chance of sightings in any given month, though nothing is fully guaranteed.
The bay acts as a massive protected natural amphitheater. Standard half-day tours run year-round for $60 to $80 per adult.
Questions travellers ask
How long are the whale watching tours in Monterey?
Standard daily tours typically last between 2.5 and 4 hours. Extended specialty tours, like killer whale searches, can last 8 to 12 hours.
Where do whale watching tours depart from in Monterey?
Most major tour operators depart from Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. You can also take tours leaving from Moss Landing Harbor.
What should I wear on a Monterey whale watching tour?
Wear warm layers and a windproof, waterproof jacket. Ocean breezes are cold year-round, and temperatures fluctuate significantly on the water.
