The trip departs from Moss Landing harbor, just a 15 minute drive north of Monterey harbor. Moss Landing harbor is located at the head of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, right in the center of the bay.

Winter (December to mid-March)

The winter season is the best time to see migrating Gray whales in Monterey Bay. They tend to shortcut across Monterey Bay on their way up and down the coast. We also can see a variety of dolphin species while on our search for Gray whales. Some winters, humpback whales will also be present throughout the entire winter season. Other less common species can also be sighted throughout the year in Monterey; and winter is no exception – killer whales, blue whales, fin whales and more could make an appearance.

Spring (mid-March to mid-May)

The springtime is often referred to as killer whale season in Monterey Bay. Transient or Bigg’s killer whales gather in Monterey Bay to hunt migrating Gray whales. Mid-April to mid-May is usually the peak time to observe these hunts on a trip. In addition to Gray whales and killer whales, spring is when humpback whales start to return to feed for the year. We can also see a variety of dolphins and possibly blue whales and fin whales. Spring is also a great time for birding. Black-footed albatross are common, but it is also possible to see Laysan albatross, a variety of auks, shearwaters and more.

Summer (mid-May to October)

The summer is feeding season in Monterey Bay. Humpback whales have settled in for the year and are feeding fish and krill for most of the summer season. This is also a good time to try your luck on spotting a blue whale. We can also see fin whales, a variety of dolphins species, sharks, turtles, birds and more.

Fall (October to December)

This is my favorite time of year for whale watching in Monterey Bay. There are still plenty of whales and dolphins around, but the lighting can also be incredible for photography. Humpbacks are still the main stay for the fall, but there can also be killer whales more often than the summer season.

It depends on which species you’re hoping to see—Monterey Bay offers incredible wildlife year-round.

• February–March: Peak season for gray whales. We also often see several dolphin species and occasional humpbacks that didn’t migrate.

• Mid-April–Mid-May: The highest chances of spotting killer whales (orcas).

• May–December: Prime season for humpback whales. August through September is peak feeding season, and we’ve observed dramatic lunge-feeding behavior well into November.

• November–December: Humpbacks are still present, and orcas may appear sporadically. This is also a great time of year for beautiful sunset trips.

No matter the season, every trip offers a unique experience on the water.

Our trips accommodate up to 6 passengers. For groups of 4 or more, we recommend booking a private charter for the most comfortable and personalized experience.

I personally like to use 100-400mm lens. It's the best for both close range and long distance, and is the perfect size for whale watching when things can pop up anywhere.

Our trips are run aboard a 27-foot Robalo, designed for comfort, speed, and an exceptional wildlife-viewing experience.

The vessel is fast and stable, allowing us to reach active wildlife areas quickly and spend more time with the animals. It features comfortable seating, a spacious deck for photography and viewing, and a low-profile design that offers excellent sightlines close to the water.

For added convenience, the boat is equipped with a restroom and modern amenities, making longer trips more comfortable for all guests.

Whether you’re here to capture photos, enjoy the scenery, or simply experience Monterey Bay up close, our boat is built to deliver a smooth, safe, and memorable adventure.

The trip is 3-3.5 hours which gives us the maximum amount of time to provide the best trip possible.

We also offer 6+ hour ALL DAY trips to give our selves more time to look for exotic whales, head down to Big Sur, or look for Orcas and Blue whales

Monterey is known to have varying weather out on the ocean. Remember to dress in layers. It’s usually around 10 degrees colder out on the water. A sweater and windbreaker are a must. I will try my best to let you know days before if the ocean looks to be unpleasant for photography and whale watching. I will offer to refund or reschedule.

A private charter offers the most flexible and personalized way to experience Monterey Bay.

With exclusive use of the vessel, your trip can be fully customized to match your interests. Whether you’d like to focus on photographing humpback whales, dedicate time to searching for orcas, or cruise along the coastline to view landmarks like Bixby Bridge from the water, we’ll tailor the experience to you.

Private charters are ideal for photographers, couples, families, and small groups who want a quieter, more focused, and more immersive adventure on the ocean.

For the comfort and safety of all guests, age requirements vary by trip type.

• Open Party Trips: Ages 16 and up

• Private Charters: Ages 12 and up

Our vessel is designed for speed and extended time on the water, and trips may involve longer runs and changing ocean conditions. For this reason, we recommend these experiences for guests who are comfortable remaining seated, holding on when needed, and enjoying a more adventurous style of whale watching.