Monterey Bay
From its world-famous aquarium to unforgettable encounters with whales in its waters, Monterey Bay is a haven for marine wildlife enthusiasts. The deep submarine canyon near the coast provides an ideal habitat for a variety of marine mammals, including whales! As a result, it's no surprise that this is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent creatures. Humpback whales can be seen in Monterey Bay almost any time of year, but they are most common in the summer and fall. Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Mexico in the winter to breed and calve.
During the summer, they return to central California. From mid-April to mid-December is the best time to see humpback whales. It's thrilling to watch these playful whales breach, slap their fins, and lob their tails. This is also the best time of year to see blue whales, the world's largest animal. There's nothing like watching these gentle giants glide through the water. They can be found feeding on krill (tiny crustaceans) off the California coast from mid-June to October, when the food supply is plentiful.
Their bright blue color can be seen beneath the surface, as well as parts of their body as they breach the water. Because they can reach lengths of up to 100 feet, you'll usually only see one part of them at a time. In November, blue whales begin their migration to the waters south of Mexico. You can also see some of Monterey's year-round residents, such as orcas (killer whales), dolphins, sea otters, seals, and more at this time of year!
Gray whales have one of the most extensive migrations of any mammal. Every year, they travel approximately 6,000 miles from the Arctic to Baja California, where they breed and calve before returning. They begin their journey south in September and arrive in California in December. Gray whales can be seen in Monterey Bay from December to mid-April, when the waters are warmer. The calves are born between December and February and are always a treat to see while whale watching. Calves and their mothers have been known to approach boats and interact with passengers, making your encounter unforgettable!
Location: California
