How soon should I book a private charter?

It’s best to book several weeks in advance, especially for large groups, to guarantee availability and customize your trip.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

Yes, you can bring your own refreshments, but please check with Monterey Bay Whale Watch for any restrictions.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the trip?

Trips may be rescheduled or refunded due to unsafe weather conditions to ensure passenger safety.

Are there restroom facilities on the Blackfin?

Yes, the Blackfin is equipped with restrooms for passenger convenience.

Is the charter suitable for children and seniors?

Absolutely, the trip is family-friendly and accessible to guests of all ages.

Will I see whales and marine life on every trip?

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, Monterey Bay is a rich habitat and your knowledgeable crew maximizes chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other wildlife.

Private Charter Adventure in Monterey, California | Private | Boat Tour

Set sail on a one-of-a-kind private charter with Monterey Bay Whale Watch aboard the luxurious Blackfin, designed to accommodate up to 120 passengers. Whether you're planning a corporate outing, a special celebration, or a group adventure, this customizable experience offers flexibility from one to eight hours on the stunning Monterey Bay. Cruise through rich marine habitats while enjoying personalized service and breathtaking ocean views. Your group can tailor every detail of the trip, from departure times to onboard activities, to ensure a memorable day on the water. The Blackfin provides ample space and comfort for large groups, featuring modern amenities and knowledgeable crew ready to share fascinating insights about the bay’s marine life. From spotting playful sea otters and majestic whales to enjoying the fresh ocean breeze beneath California’s beautiful skies, this private charter transforms a group gathering into an extraordinary adventure. Ideal for guests seeking privacy, customization, and an immersive coastal experience, this trip combines excitement and relaxation with the stunning natural backdrop of Monterey.

About Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Monterey Bay Whale Watch is a Monterey-based charter operator specializing in whale watching and pelagic wildlife excursions across Monterey Bay and adjacent offshore waters. The operator offers a range of trips—from short three-hour sunset cruises to full-day twelve-hour pelagic and whale-watching voyages—designed for photographers, families, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Guided sailings combine experienced captains with marine naturalists and guest experts, including a dedicated Ted Cheeseman four-hour Humpback Whale naturalist cruise and seasonal killer whale search trips offered in April and May.

Safety and vessel readiness are prioritized: trips operate from fully equipped boats with life-saving equipment and experienced crew trained in marine wildlife protocols. Sightings commonly include humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, orcas, dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds such as shearwaters and albatrosses. Pelagic seabird trips focus on offshore species and often coincide with feeding events that attract large marine predators.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch also facilitates unique services like unattended burials at sea with a waitlist option for families seeking a maritime memorial. Reservations are recommended—especially for full-day pelagic trips and seasonal specials—due to limited capacity. The operator emphasizes education, ethical viewing practices, and compliance with federal and state marine wildlife regulations, making it a trusted choice for visitors seeking responsible, informative, and memorable ocean experiences.

Vessels are spacious and fully equipped for photography, with indoor seating, raised viewing decks, and restrooms for comfort on longer voyages. The company routinely collaborates with local researchers and contributes sighting reports to regional marine databases, reinforcing credibility and conservation-minded stewardship.