My Private whale watch trips run out of 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. 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 what whales you are looking for.

February to March is peak time for Gray whales. We can also have a variety of dolphin species and random Humpbacks that didn’t migrate.

Mid-April to Mid-May is the highest chances of seeing Killer whales.

May to December is really good time to see Humpback whales. August - September is the peak for feeding. We had lunge feeding all the way into November.

November to December We sill have humpbacks around and also can be another good time to see Orcas randomly throughout the months. This can be a good time of year for sunset trips as well.

My trips accommodate up to 3 people maximum. I only do private trips. This means you wont have to go with someone you don’t know and you wont need to fight for space on the boat.

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

The boat is a 20ft Cabo that is designed for you to capture the perfect shot.The vessel is very stable with a low to the water perspective that can make you feel like you are right in the action. The back of the boat has a very open deck that will allow you to get low and capture eye-level shots that can take a photo from good to First-Class.

There is limited seating. The boat is made to go fast and get out there to spend the most time with animals. Monterey bay will keep you on your feet looking at all the amazing marine life and scenery it has to offer.

The trip is 3-31/2 hours which gives us the maximum amount of time to provide the best trip possible.

You can extend up to 2 hours. It’s $125 per hour added.

Monterey is known to have varying weather out on the ocean. I will try my best to let you know days before if the ocean looks to be not pleasant for photography and whale watching. I will refund or reschedule if that's possible.

Remember to dress in layers. It’s usually around 10 degrees colder out on the water. A sweater and windbreaker are a must.

You wont have to reach over anybody to get good looks at the marine life! You will have a private boat all to yourself for photography and enjoyment. I am the only private boat on the bay. Most companies are taking 25-150 people.

12+ years of age. Due to the limited seating and speed of the boat.