Adventure Collective
Private Whale Watching Expedition in Moss Landing, CA - Monterey

Private Whale Watching Expedition in Moss Landing, CA

Moss Landingeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–8 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly seated with gentle movement on board.

Overview

Set sail from Moss Landing on a private charter to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds up close. Choose from half- or full-day trips for a personal wildlife adventure.

Moss Landing, California

Private Whale Watching Expedition

Half (~3 hours)/ Full (~6 hours) day tour • Up to six passengers • Starting at $995

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About This Adventure

Embark on a personalized Private Charter trip in Monterey Bay, guided by an experienced captain and licensed drone pilot. Choose between half-day or full-day adventures to witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, and diverse seabirds. Capture stunning wildlife moments from a stable, low-to-water boat, ensuring an unforgettable experience with friends and family.

Duration

Half day (2.5 - 3 hours) & Full day (6 hours)

Rates

  • Half Day Private Charter- $995
  • Full Day Private Charter- $1,995

About

A Private Charter trip is tailor-made to you, where you want to go, and what you wish to see. Each trip includes our local, professional, experienced Captain/ Co-Owner who is also a licensed drone pilot with several years of experience filming wildlife here in Monterey Bay. There is a 6 passenger maximum capacity. A private charter trip is perfect to create an intimate experience with friends, family, or a photography/videography-focused trip. These trips are also perfect for those who wish to fly their own drones from the boat. Private Charter Trips vary from half-day trips (up to 3 hours) to all-day trips (up to 6 hours).

Species & Wildlife in the National Marine Sanctuary:

  • Humpback whales (March through November)
  • Killer whales (year-round)
  • Blue whales (Summer and fall months)
  • Various species of dolphins (Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Northern Right Whale Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, and Common Dolphins).
  • Sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and sea otters.
  • Seabirds such as albatross, shearwaters, and many more.
  • Possibility of Minke-whales and Fin Whales

Oceanic Expeditions whale watching trips are the way to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The personable, high-end experience offered by an experienced captain and professional photographer establishes the best angles for photography and sightseeing. Our new stable, low to the water USCG certified Stabicraft boat offers a comfortable, safe ride and exceptional viewing of the wildlife.

More info

Departing from Moss Landing, perfectly located between Monterey and Santa Cruz, the National Marine Sanctuary “hotspot” for whales, a well-known place where whales feed during the summer.

Seasickness

Come prepared. If you are sensitive to motion or you’ve never experienced an open ocean before, be precautious, and take motion sickness medicine one day prior to your trip. Dramamine is well-known in the U.S to help with motion sickness, and it's available at any drug store. If you prefer more natural methods, ginger candies before and during the trip can be of great help.

Restrooms

There is one enclosed restroom on the boat. There is also a public restroom available in Moss Landing Marina. We recommend using the restroom before trips.

Adventure Tips

Wear Layers

Coastal weather can change rapidly, so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the trip.

Bring Binoculars

Enhance your viewing experience with binoculars for spotting distant whales and birds.

Protect Your Electronics

Waterproof cases or dry bags are recommended to keep cameras and phones safe on the boat.

Motion Sickness Remedies

If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before departure to avoid discomfort.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pacific gray whale
  • Common dolphin

History

Moss Landing has a long history as a fishing village and marine research hub, contributing valuable knowledge to marine conservation.

Conservation

Oceanic Expeditions practices eco-friendly tours that minimize disturbance to wildlife and support local marine protected areas.

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Adventure Hotspots in Monterey

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Windbreaker or waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against wind and sea spray during the trip.

all specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Helps prevent sunburn during quieter, sunny days on the water.

spring specific

Polarized sunglasses

Essential

Reduces glare off the water for better wildlife viewing and comfort.

summer specific

Camera with zoom lens

Capture detailed photos of distant whales and seabirds.