Adventure Brief
Honor a loved one with a serene unattended burial at sea in Monterey. Experience this memorable and calming farewell on the beautiful Pacific waters.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Honor a loved one with a serene unattended burial at sea in Monterey. Experience this memorable and calming farewell on the beautiful Pacific waters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with mostly seated time on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Monterey Bay has a rich maritime history, serving as a key port for fishing and trade since the 18th century.
Conservation
Local organizations prioritize protecting marine habitats and promote sustainable practices for all ocean activities.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Honor a loved one with a serene unattended burial at sea in Monterey. Experience this memorable and calming farewell on the beautiful Pacific waters.
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.
Trip Lengths
3–12 hrs
Short cruises to full-day expeditions
Tour Types
Multiple trip types
Whale, pelagic, memorial, naturalist
Expert Guides
Marine naturalists
Guest experts and local researchers
Seasonal Specials
April–May orca search
Timed for peak migrations
Book sunset cruises, pelagic seabird trips, Ted Cheeseman naturalist voyages, seasonal killer whale searches, or a burial at sea today.
Plan for Weather Variability
The Pacific Coast weather can change quickly; bring layers to stay comfortable on the boat.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete any necessary arrangements smoothly.
Sea Sickness Preparedness
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing remedies or medication for a comfortable experience.
Respect Local Environmental Laws
All burials follow strict regulations to ensure sustainability and protect marine life.
Layered Clothing
Helps adjust to changing temperatures and ocean breezes throughout the trip.
Motion Sickness Medication
Recommended for those sensitive to seasickness during boat trips.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against coastal wind and occasional rain showers.
fall
Sun Protection
Includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to guard against strong sun exposure on open water.
summer