Rain or Shine, Whales in Monterey Bay

Humpback Whales, Monterey Bay March 2022 Photo: Sydney Minges

It's been an exciting week of whale watching, with stormy weather one day and blue skies the next, still lots of whales and dolphins, birds, otters, sea lions and wonderful adventurous people!

Monday 3/21/22 Humpback whales and Risso’s dolphins. 3 humpbacks, 4 gray whales and Risso’s dolphins! The first humpback we encountered was a juvenile with some sort of entanglement, which we reported to the fabulous Marine Life Studies' Whale Entanglement Team.

Sunday 3/20/22 On Legacy, we got good looks at northbound gray whales along the Santa Cruz coastline. Seas were a little bumpy, so we enjoyed exploring the coastline for southern sea otters, California sea lions and surfers enjoying the swells.

Saturday 3/19/22 Multiple whales! We got good looks at both humpbacks and grays. There was light rain while we travelled but skies were dry for our viewing time with the whales.

Friday 3/18/22 Humpback whales, otters, nice weather all across Monterey Bay.

Thursday 3/17/22 It was a great trip! So many whales. As we headed out of the harbor we were greeted by a gray whale.  Further out we found a group of 6 gray whales. There was a spout in the distance, it was a humpback! We noticed more spouts and ventured out to see about 10 more humpback whales. Later followed a group of 4 humpbacks escorting a single gray whale.

Wednesday 3/16/22 Gray whales and a juvenile humpback whale.

Gray Whales Monterey Bay March 2022 Photo: Sydney Minges

Risso's Dolphins Monterey Bay March 2022 Photo: Sydney Minges

California Sea Lions Monterey Bay March 2022 Photo: Sydney Minges

Otter surveying the scene, Monterey Bay March 2022 Photo: Sydney Minges