**Unfortunately, due to the unforeseen rise in fuel costs, we have had to add a $5/person fuel surcharge to all trips. We thank you for your understanding and value your continued support as we navigate through these difficult times**
Come and see whales year-round at one of the best places on Earth!
Our whale watch trips depart from Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf daily and guaranteed whale sightings! Join us on a cruise during your visit to Monterey and enjoy time with amazing wildlife in Monterey Bay. Our crew can’t wait to share their knowledge and passion with you onboard to ensure you have a memorable experience! Whale Watching in Monterey Bay is some of the best in the world due to the deep submarine canyon close to shore. Whales are sighted every day of the year and this is an amazing place for all marine wildlife!






























Current Season and Sightings
Summer / Fall Season (Mid-March through early December)
During the summer/fall season we are focusing on feeding whales that come to the bay to feast on small fish and krill. We expect to see humpback whales daily but we can also view blue whales, fin whales, gray whales (finishing migration), killer whales and a variety of other dolphin species. The summer / fall season can be very windy in the afternoon! The wind pattern we get from spring to mid-summer is great for the ocean, but can make it difficult for a boat ride. Please consider this when you choosing between your options.
We offer a morning tour (recommended) at 9am which is 3.5-4 hours in duration. We also offer an afternoon tour at 1:30pm which is 2.5-3 hours in duration. Whale sightings are consistent all day, but the morning sea conditions are usually more favorable. We like to take extra time searching a variety of areas around Monterey Bay in the morning, while the seas are calmer so that we can make our best route plan for the afternoon when the seas can be more choppy.
We typically run a 5pm Sunset whale watch tour in the summer months as well. For the 2021 season, we have also been running these for spring break. Enjoy the wildlife and then relax as you take in the beautiful sunset over the Monterey Bay!
The bay is always teeming with life! There are still opportunities to see several different species of dolphin, Humpback whales, Blue whales, and even Killer Whales on occasion!
Join us on a Monterey Bay whale watching trip and Learn more about seasons in Monterey Bay.
Winter Season (December-Mid March)
During the winter season we are focusing on migrating whales. The one of largest movement of mammals on earth happens just off the coast of Pacific Grove, CA – the south end of Monterey Bay. Gray whales pass by the coast, about a 30 min ride from Monterey Harbor. Due to the short distance from the “gray whale super highway” our trips can be shorter in duration for the winter time. We depart at 10am and 1:30pm daily during this time of year.
The bay is always teeming with life! There are still opportunities to see several different species of dolphin, Humpback whales, Blue whales, and even Killer Whales on occasion!
Join us on a Monterey Bay whale watching trip and Learn more about seasons in Monterey Bay.
Check out personal accounts of our trips on our review pages. We have reviews on Facebook, Yelp, and Trip Advisor. Or read two of our recent reviews below the photos. Can’t get enough of Discovery Whale Watch? Check out the options for gift cards!

Why Choose Discovery Whale Watch?
Join some of the best in the business! Our crew is passionate about marine life and has been working in the whale watch industry for years. Our trips depart from Monterey Harbor, which is an ideal place for local activities before or after your trip such as Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and the scenic coast line of Pacific Grove. In addition, it is the most convenient area to see the whales. We can easily view whales in any part of the Monterey submarine canyon system from our location. All of our whale watch and nature tours include narration and personal time with a naturalist who is well versed in local wildlife. Our naturalist team also participates in opportunistic whale research and helps our whale watch passengers become citizen scientists in cooperation with Happywhale! Learn more about our crew here.
