Whale Watching Safaris from Moss Landing offer the best access to the open-water feeding activities of humpbacks, blue whales, and oceanic dolphins.

Moss Landing is a special spot off the beaten track, half an hour from Monterey, where a raft of sea otters hangs out near the dock and the deep Monterey Canyon begins just outside the harbor. We're positioned at the heart of Monterey Bay with miles of open ocean habitat to explore, and after your tour, there are excellent restaurants to discover and the beautiful Elkhorn Slough Estuary right next door.

Spring-Summer-Fall Feeding Season Species:

• Humpback whales
• Blue whales, fin whales, and minke whales
• Killer whales (year-round, esp. mid-April to mid-May)
• Six species of dolphins
• Harbor seals, California sea lions, and sea otters
• Seabirds like albatrosses, shearwaters, auklets**

A Fast Raft whale watching cruise is an exhilarating way to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Your knowledgeable naturalist and captain will not only make sure you get the best sightings and photographic angles, we'll teach you about the lives of the marvelous animals that call our ocean home.

Weather on Monterey Bay

• Have you heard of chilly San Francisco fog? It's here too, especially in summer.
• Mornings are usually foggy and calm, then sunshine and wind chop come in the afternoon.
• The hotter it is on land, the colder out on the ocean -- so pack warm layers.
• Dress for snow if you're going whale watching in the summer.

Where Does the Moss Landing Whale Watching Safari Go?

• All over Monterey Bay and sometimes beyond!
• We may wind up near Santa Cruz or Monterey, or venture to the deep Outer Bay
• Sometimes we stay right near Moss Landing. It all depends on the whales...
• And the whales go where their food is. It varies.

Trip Length

• Three hours is standard, and longer trips are labeled in the booking calendar
• Three hours is usually enough to find and enjoy the best sightings
• Four-hour trips allow longer observation, farther travel, and looking for more species
• All-day tours are open-ended, usually at least six hours, customized to the wildlife enthusiasts on board
• For all-day trips, pack a lunch and be comfortable with backwoods restroom accommodations

What's Included

• Your captain and naturalist for the day
• Use of waterproof jackets and pants, and dry-bags for cameras
• Comfortable Mustang self-inflating life vests

What's Not Included:

• Food and drinks are not included. Feel free to bring snacks.
• Gratuities are always appreciated for a job well done.

Day of Your Tour:

• Be ready to board for our safety briefing 15 minutes before departure time.
• Arrive half an hour early to pay for parking, use the restroom, and gather your gear for boarding.

Seasickness

It's your responsibility to come prepared. If you're sensitive, or have never been on the open ocean, please start medication the day before. In the U.S. both Dramamine and Bonine are available at any drug or convenience store. There are more tips on our website and please email us with any questions. Thank you!

Citizen Science with the Happywhale Project

Each whale is unique and your photos can help scientists learn about them!

Meeting Location:

• Moss Landing Public Boat Ramp (north harbor) (Moss Landing, CA), near Elkhorn Yacht Club
• Note: Moss Landing is 25 miles north of Monterey, halfway to Santa Cruz.
• Also, our wildlife-rich location is away from the main harbor where all other boats load.
• Please read the driving directions and don't rely on Google.
• Be sure to pay for parking

What makes us so unique and different from other boats is our vessel. Our Ranger provides a low to the water, open platform that is ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. We can easily travel faster than other boats, allowing us to reach spectacular destinations and wildlife in a shorter time, though we are careful to moderate our speed in respect for the wildlife. Once we stop to enjoy a sighting, our engines are nearly silent at idle, and we often turn them off to soak in the natural sounds.