Monterey Bay, California · whales
Monterey Bay, California whale watching
Few bays on Earth pack as much life into one stretch of coast as Monterey. A deep underwater canyon pulls food close to shore, so the season almost never truly ends — grays slide past in winter and spring, humpbacks work the bay through the warmer months, and blue whales arrive in summer. Park the rig near Capitola, wake to sea fog burning off, and let the day's sightings decide the plan.
Typical season
Year-round — gray whales in winter and spring, humpbacks spring through fall, blue whales in summer
Whales to look for
Gray whale, Humpback whale, Blue whale
Where
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA)
Nearest RV base
New Brighton State Beach, Capitola
Watch it honestly
Which whales you'll see depends on the month, and seasons shift year to year — check the sanctuary's current visitor guidance before you time the trip.
Time it with the official source: NOAA — Monterey Bay NMS whale seasons .