What is the minimum age to attend?

Minimum age is 16; attendees under 18 must follow any guardian or operator requirements.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No—wildlife is unpredictable; however, Monterey Bay’s upwelling and the nearby submarine canyon make sightings likely during summer months.

Where do we meet for the boat departures?

Meet at Moss Landing Harbor — 7881 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA — by 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure.

Yes; three nights at the Inn at Moss Landing Point are included in the retreat price.

What should I know about parking?

Harbor parking is available with a $15 permit at the Harbor Master’s office; limited free street parking exists on Moss Landing Road.

Can you help with post-processing?

Yes; two evening review sessions include guidance on culling, exposure, and color work in Lightroom and workflow tips.

On the Water with Whales: Monterey Bay Photography Retreat in Moss Landing

Slater Moore Photography Retreat is based in Moss Landing, California, and centers on Monterey Bay and the Elkhorn Slough—two of the West Coast’s richest marine habitats. Over three nights and four days, up to four photographers move from harbor to open water and back again, chasing feeding humpbacks, curious dolphins, floating kelp, and the shy faces of sea otters at golden hour. The format is simple and intense: two private morning whale watches from Moss Landing Harbor, an evening on Elkhorn Slough, and two workshop sessions that carry lessons from capture to final edit. Monterey Bay’s defining features—deep submarine canyon, cold upwelling, and a productive coastal shelf—make marine life unusually abundant here. The retreat gives you access to those elements at close range: private charters launch from Moss Landing Harbor (7881 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA), and small group size means photographers can position for bow shots without jostling. On the slough, narrow channels and low tides produce intimate vignettes of otters and shorebirds against marsh grasses and mudflats. What sets this weekender apart is its focus on craft. Two mornings on the water are followed by detailed image reviews taught by an experienced coach. You’ll learn how to anticipate a whale’s breach, frame a dolphin pod at speed, and clean up exposure and color in Lightroom during evening critiques. Lodging and most meals are included at the Inn at Moss Landing Point, with an introductory dinner at Lemongrass to plan the weekend. Expect classic Monterey Bay species: humpback and blue whales during summer months, frequent dolphins, harbor seals, sea otters, and a complex cast of gulls, terns, and pelicans. Weather can shift quickly—summer fog gives way to glassy mornings or wind-driven swell—so flexibility is part of the itinerary. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the bay’s regular upwelling and the proximity of the Monterey Submarine Canyon stack the deck in photographers’ favor. Practical details are intentionally clear: meet at the harbor by 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure; parking and a Harbor Master office are on site; the retreat runs Friday through Monday in August 2026. For a photographer serious about wildlife and finishing images, this retreat pairs time on the water with targeted feedback, small-group attention, and the rare chance to practice and process shots while the subject remains close. Contact information and booking are provided with the reservation; call or text 831-238-3320 for questions. Wilderness etiquette, distance for marine mammals, and sanctuary rules are observed throughout the weekend. Participants leave with a sharper eye, a curated set of edited files, and practical workflow tips for future field shoots, while small group dynamics ensure individualized critique and repeatable techniques that improve shooting and post-processing for years to come ahead.

On the Water with Whales: Monterey Bay Photography Retreat in Moss Landing

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