What is the best month for whale watching in California?

Asked by: Melissa Mendez

The best time is during the annual migration of grey whales, from December to April, though whales visit these waters year round. Between May and October you might see blue whales, which can grow to be more than 30 metres long.

What is the best time of year to whale watch in California?

In Northern California, your best time to spot gray whales and orcas is December to May. For humpbacks, visit May through November, and for blue whales, the largest animal on Earth, plan your stay sometime between July and October.

What is the best month for whale watching in Southern California?

The peak times for spotting whales offshore in Southern California is late November through mid May. During this time you can see them breaching and spouting not far from shore. The best places to see them from are viewpoints that are high on bluffs especially at points that stick out into the ocean.

What is the best time of day to whale watch in California?

mornings

During the whale watching season in Southern California, an additional reason as to why mornings are the best time of day for whale watching is because of less local traffic in the area.

What is the best month for whale watching in Monterey?

While often spotted alone or in pairs, if food is abundant feeding groups of 40-50 can be encountered. BEST time to see humpback whales in Monterey Bay: March through November, with peak sightings generally during July and August (though every season is different).

What is the best month to go whale watching?

When is the best time to view the whales? The best time of year to view Orca whales is in May through September. If you’re looking for humpback whales then we suggest September through January.

When can you see whales off the California coast?

The best time is during the annual migration of grey whales, from December to April, though whales visit these waters year round. Between May and October you might see blue whales, which can grow to be more than 30 metres long.

When can you see blue whales in California?

Blue whales are most likely to be spotted in Monterey Bay in summer or fall. They feed off the California coast from June through October. During these months, about two thousand blue whales swim in the waters off the central coast including in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

What is the best time to go whale watching in Newport Beach?

Best Season for Whale Watching: Newport Beach

May through November brings warmer waters and the opportunity to view blue whales. Throughout the year, you can observe dolphins, seals and some of nature’s most incredible mammals at play.

Are whales migrating now in California?

Gray whales are migrating along California’s coast right now. Here’s where to see them. A baby gray whale swims with its mother off Dana Point. The gray whales are back, hugging the California coast while they make their 10,000-mile journey from Alaska to breed in the warm-water lagoons of Baja, Mexico, and back.

Is whale watching better in San Francisco or Monterey?

We definitely recommend Monterey Bay. You can get out to the whales within a few miles within the bay, versus several hours to get out to the Farallones out of SF. It’s a much nicer ride.

When can you see humpback whales in California?

The central California population of Humpback Whales migrates from their winter calving and mating areas off Mexico to their summer and fall feeding areas off coastal California. Humpback Whales occur in Monterey Bay area from late April to early December.

Is whale watching in Monterey worth it?

Monterey is one of the best places in the area to go whale watching. The cool waters off the Monterey Bay create the perfect feeding ground for many species of whales. These waters also attract hundreds of whales every year as they migrate north for feeding season.

How much does it cost to go whale watching in Monterey CA?

around $75 for adults

Tickets cost around $75 for adults and $65 for children 4 to 12. [View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2.] Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers boat rides year-round, but the animals likely to be seen varies by season.

Are there orcas in Monterey Bay?

Orcas are temporary inhabitants of Monterey Bay and migrate continuously along the coast of western North America. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are sighted in the sanctuary year-round with 2-5 unpredictable sightings each month.

When can you see whales in Carmel?

The best time to see humpback whales is from late April to early December (with the peak season lasting throughout July and August).

What time of day is best for whale watching in Monterey?

Whales are just as likely to be visible in the afternoon as they are in the morning, so, fortunately, there’s not really the best time of day for whale watching in Monterey Bay. However, conditions are generally calmer in the morning so that may make it a more enjoyable experience for you.

Can you see whales in Monterey in June?

While you can spot killer whales every season in Monterey Bay, the best time in summer is June.

Are there whales in Monterey Bay?

From April through November the Humpback Whale is the most common whale found out of Monterey Bay. 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.

When can you see whales in Big Sur?

Gray whales can be seen from the highway turnouts in Big Sur from December through April. December to early February the California Gray Whales are migrating south. Beginning in February you begin seeing whales migrating back to Alaska with their newborn babies by their sides.

Can you see whales in July in California?

From December through April an estimated 10,000 gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel, between the Channel Islands and the California coast. Then in July and August you’ll see the blue and humpback whales, especially off Santa Rosa island.

Where can I see whales in Monterey Bay?

One of the best things to do in Monterey is to join one of the whale watching trips offered year-round by Monterey Bay Whale Watch. These trips allow you to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting the Bay.