Whale Watching in Moss Landing
Moss Landing sits directly over the Monterey Submarine Canyon, one of the largest and deepest underwater canyons in the world. Deeper than the Grand Canyon in places, it pulls cold, nutrient-rich water close to the surface and concentrates an incredible amount of marine life right off the harbor.
What that means for you is simple. The whales are close. We regularly find them one to two miles outside the harbor mouth, and on many days we are watching whales within minutes of leaving the dock.
Whales feed along the edge of the canyon, and Moss Landing puts you right on top of it. Other harbors in the bay have to run much farther to reach the same water we are already sitting in. Less time motoring out means more time with the whales.
More than whales
The harbor itself is one of the richest wildlife spots on the Central Coast, and the show starts before you ever leave the dock.
You will find excellent birding throughout the harbor, along with sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals that live here year-round. Be ready with your camera. Some great moments to capture on the way out of the harbor.
Where to stay
Inn at Moss Landing Point. If you want to stay close to the boat, this is the spot. It sits right at the harbor, which means you are minutes from the dock on the morning of your trip and steps from the beach, the slough, and the restaurants the rest of the time.
What makes it work for a whale watching weekend is the location. You are not driving in from Monterey or Santa Cruz before an early departure. You wake up, grab breakfast, and you are on the boat. After the trip you can walk to a kayak rental, head up the slough, or just watch the otters and harbor seals from shore.
It is a quiet, low-key kind of place, which fits Moss Landing. No crowds, no resort sprawl, just an easy base for a couple of days on the bay. Use code “IMLP10” for 10% off
Make a Day of It
Moss Landing is small, but there is plenty to do around your trip.
Explore Elkhorn Slough. After booking your whale watching trip with Enocean Tours, you can head up the slough on a guided tour boat. The slough is a protected estuary packed with otters, seals, and hundreds of bird species, and it is one of the best wildlife paddles and cruises in California.
Rent a kayak. You can also rent a kayak right in the harbor and paddle up the slough on your own. It is calm, scenic, and a great way to spend the part of the day you are not out on the bay.
Where to eat
Lemongrass Restaurant. Easily the best Thai food in the Monterey area. If you want one meal in Moss Landing, make it this one.
Moss Landing Cafe. Our go-to for breakfast. Local, easy, and the right way to start a morning before a trip out on the water.
The Power Plant A great place to grab a coffee or pastry before a whale watching trip. PRO TIP: Make sure you give your self plenty of time before the trip starts.
Book Your Whale Watching Trip With Enocean Tours
Enocean Tours is a small-boat whale watching operation based right here in Moss Landing Harbor. We carry just six passengers, which means no crowded rails, real room to move, and eye-level views you will not get on a big boat.
We have spent over a decade on Monterey Bay as licensed captains and photographers. We know where the whales are, when they show up, and how to put you in the best position to see them. Every trip is run by people who know this water, this bay, and the wildlife that lives here.