Whale watching had been on my bucket list for as long as I could remember. Maybe it was the thought of seeing something so massive, so alive, out in the open ocean that drew me in. Or maybe it was just the fact that I’ve always loved the idea of nature being vast, wild, and a little unpredictable. Either way, I finally decided to make it happen, and Monterey Bay seemed like the perfect place to check it off my list.
Why Monterey Bay? Well, for one, it’s one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. This stretch of the California coast boasts a unique underwater canyon that creates the ideal habitat for all kinds of marine life, from playful sea otters to massive whales on their migration journeys. With year-round opportunities to spot different species, it felt like a no-brainer.
Setting the Scene
I booked my tour for a Saturday morning, eager to catch the calm waters and improve my chances of sightings. The day started early—too early for my teenager, who grumbled the entire car ride—but I was buzzing with excitement. As we pulled into the harbor and saw the boats lined up against the rising sun, I knew this was going to be special.
The air smelled like salt and seaweed, a sharp contrast to the usual scents of coffee and toast that fill my mornings. People were already gathered around the docks, chatting excitedly as they waited to board. I could hear snippets of conversations: “I hope we see humpbacks,” “Maybe orcas today!”—the anticipation was contagious.
Boarding the Boat
Once we boarded the boat, the captain gave a quick safety briefing and a rundown of what we might see. Humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, even orcas—they all made their appearances in Monterey Bay, depending on the season. For us, it was peak humpback season, and the guide explained we’d likely spot them feeding.
The boat wasn’t fancy, but it was sturdy and comfortable. I found a good spot near the railing, determined to have an unobstructed view. My family spread out a little, with my youngest glued to his phone (despite my protests) and my spouse chatting with another group about photography tips.
As the boat slowly motored out of the harbor, I leaned on the railing and soaked it all in. Sea lions lounged on buoys, barking loudly as if to remind everyone this was their territory. The water sparkled in the early light, and every now and then, a curious seagull would swoop low, searching for scraps.
The First Sighting
It didn’t take long before the captain cut the engine and pointed toward the horizon. “There, at 2 o’clock!” he said through the loudspeaker. Everyone scrambled to look. At first, I couldn’t see anything, just endless blue. But then, a sleek black fin broke the surface, followed by a spout of water shooting into the air.
A humpback whale. My first whale.
It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing something so enormous and majestic that close. The whale moved with such grace for its size, gliding through the water as if it owned the ocean—which, let’s face it, it kind of does. The guide explained that humpbacks can grow up to 60 feet long, about the size of a school bus. Watching it, you’d never guess something so big could be so peaceful.
The whale dove, and we all waited breathlessly to see its tail rise into the air. When it finally did, there were audible gasps and cheers from the group. It was like something out of a nature documentary, only this time, I was the one leaning over the railing with a camera in hand.
A Feeding Frenzy
As we moved further out into the bay, the captain spotted more activity. This time, it was a pod of humpbacks feeding alongside a group of sea lions and diving seabirds. The guide explained that this was a common sight in Monterey Bay, where krill and small fish are abundant thanks to the nutrient-rich waters of the underwater canyon.
The scene was chaotic in the best way. Whales lunging out of the water with mouths wide open, sea lions darting in and out of the waves, birds diving like missiles—it was a feeding frenzy, a reminder of how interconnected life in the ocean really is.
At one point, two humpbacks surfaced right next to the boat. I could hear the rush of their exhale, see the barnacles encrusting their skin. They were so close I could almost feel the splash of water as they dove again. My youngest, finally off his phone, stood frozen next to me. “Dad, did you see that?” he asked, his voice full of awe. I just nodded, too stunned to speak.
Learning Along the Way
One of the things I loved most about the tour was how much I learned. The guide was a marine biologist who clearlyloved sharing her knowledge. She talked about migration patterns, feeding behaviors, and even the threats these whales face, from ship strikes to climate change. It was eye-opening, to say the least.
For instance, I didn’t know that humpbacks are known for their “songs,” complex vocalizations that can travel for miles underwater. Or that blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, also visit Monterey Bay during certain times of the year. It made me realize just how little I knew about the creatures that inhabit our oceans.
The Unexpected Bonus
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we spotted a pod of dolphins. They came out of nowhere, racing alongside the boat like kids chasing a ball. There must have been at least 20 of them, leaping and spinning as if they were putting on a show just for us.
The entire boat erupted in laughter and applause. It was pure joy, watching these sleek, playful creatures slice through the water with such speed and energy. Even the captain seemed impressed, noting it was a relatively rare sight for that time of year.
Heading Back
As we made our way back to the harbor, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. For the whales, the dolphins, the sea lions, the birds—for the entire ecosystem that had allowed us this glimpse into its world. My family seemed to feel it too, even my teenager, who begrudgingly admitted that “it was actually kind of cool.”
The harbor came into view, and I found myself wishing we could stay out on the water a little longer. But as we docked and stepped back onto solid ground, I knew this was an experience I’d carry with me for a long time. It wasn’t just about checking something off my bucket list. It was about being reminded of how big and beautiful the world is, and how important it is to protect it.
Closing Reflections
Whale watching is an experience everyone should try at least once. Don’t hold off waiting for the “perfect” time or location—just go. Monterey Bay is an incredible place to begin, but no matter where you go, the memories you make will stay with you forever. For me, it was a day filled with awe, wonder, and a deep sense of connection—a powerful reminder that the best adventures often come from stepping out of our routines and into the wild.
