Chardonnay II
704 Soquel Ave, Suite A, Santa Cruz, CA
831.423.1213
One of the few whale-watching vessels to depart from the Santa Cruz harbor, the Chardonnay II is a 70-foot luxury sailing yacht that offers whale watching tours each February through April—the season during which gray whales pass through Monterey Bay on their epic annual journey from Mexico to Alaska.
Monterey Bay Whale Watching
84 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA
831.375.4658
Marine biologist Nancy Black is an expert on the orcas (killer whales) that reside in Monterey Bay, so a Monterey Bay Whale Watching cruise is a highly educational affair. The research-oriented outfit also tracks humpbacks by their markings and offers Christmas bird counting cruises.
Monterey Whale Watching
96 Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey, CA
831.372.2203
Year-round whale-watching trips on two of the biggest (100’ and 75’) and cushiest boats operating in Monterey Bay. An on-board marine biologist helps passengers figure out what they’re looking at, which can include blue whales, humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins and seabirds galore.
Randy's Fishing Trips
66 Old Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey, CA
831.372.7440
Trips depart daily from the wharf in Monterey, where passengers can expect to see humpbacks during the summer and fall months and gray whales during winter.
Sanctuary Cruises
7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, CA
831.917.1042
The only whale watching vessel that departs from the picturesque Moss Landing harbor, Sanctuary Cruises offers passengers the chance to see sea otters at play as well as sea lions and a variety of shorebirds. Gray, humpbacks, orcas, dolphins and the occasional blue whale are on display in the bay’s waters.
