Whales & Dolphins of Monterey Bay

Hazel was an absolute gem! She dealt admirably with having to make last minute decisions due to changes in weather which meant that boats could not go out. She was calm and cheerful which made us feel the same way and her enthusiasm was second to none. She kept us informed every step of the way and involved us all when necessary. We particularly liked the fact that, if she didn't know something, she endeavoured to find out and involved us in her research for the answers. She was totally dedicated to making sure that we had a fabulous holiday. Highlights included seeing breaching whales, sea otters, Risso's dolphins and Californian Condors.

L.H. Clywd, Sep24

The whole programme was excellent and we were lucky that the weather remained good for the week. Sightings of the whales and dolphins were spectacular and we could not have wished for better. Marcus John's knowledge of birds was excellent and he was efficient in running the whole schedule. Hazel Pittwood was also excellent in her knowledge of the marine mammals and was very good at ensuring all arrangements were carried out successfully. Hazel was especially patient and understanding with a guest who had communication difficulties. Both leaders were pleasant, helpful and very good company.

A.B. Lincolnshire, Sep24

Overall a great trip with a great group of people. We saw the expected whales and dolphins with a few bonus sightings. Watching a group of Humpbacks lunge feeding, and having the boat surrounded by over 100 white sided dolphins were my highlights.

C.W. Cumbria, Sep 24

I cannot praise Tom and Marcus enough! They were both incredible tour leaders who were knowledgable, funny, and really brought the group together. They made sure we had everything we needed and made each day a fabulous time. Their enthusiasm was infectious and no one ever felt awkward about asking even the simplest of questions. Every day was jammed pack - and that was a good thing! From day one, driving from the hotel, there were wonderful sights to see and every day provided something new. Sometimes it was a new warbler, others a new dolphin species we hadn't seen yet on the boat. While there was some down time for meals, the pace was exciting and it felt like we were really making the most of our time in the USA. My favourite moments were on the boat out at sea to find cetaceans and then visiting San Simeon to view the elephant seal colony.  On the Friday it was a calm sea with hardly any waves and the sun brightly shining. Our amazing skipper found a cow-calf pair of humpback whales, who were soon joined by an escort whale. The baby was clearly very happy and healthy as we spent the next hour (or even more) just watching them breach over and over again. Between breaches the baby was pec slapping the water and then tail slapping or going under the boat to check us out. It was an unforgettable experience and incredibly special. Our skipper also made certain to make sure the boat never bothered the baby or the mother, so we could comfortably watch these whales knowing we weren't disturbing them.

K.R. Glamorgan, Aug 24

We had very comfortable accommodation in Carmel that was our base as we went out nearly every day whale watching. On our first morning we came across a magnificent blue whale, it was going to be hard to beat that but with huge pods of dolphins, humpbacks breaching and sea otters our hopes were more than satisfied. Naturetrek organised the trip very well and the two guides we had with us were extremely knowledgeable about the mammals and birds.

J.B. Devon, Sept 18

Very good trip - interesting in all the areas and aspects covered...Visit to Ventana was very interesting - even for a non-birder person like myself. Appreciate the fact that the leaders were very aware that not all of us were on the trip for birds, and that Peter and Ian took time to explain/describe what we were seeing, thus has begun to foster an interest!...Overall - had a great week, Peter and Ian were very good tour leaders and I enjoyed the company of my fellow travellers.

L.J. Herefordshire

Trip leaders worked hard and delivered in all areas - organisation, bird and whale watching, and identification. And in my case, Peter put in a great deal of effort to ensure my gluten-free diet was well catered for. Nothing seemed too much trouble for either Peter or Ed, which contributed greatly to the great holiday we all enjoyed.

M.C. Leicestershire

This was a superb trip. We were lucky in all respects: wonderful wildlife, great weather, gorgeous scenery, first class food and accommodation, and above all informative, friendly and caring team leaders.

E.O. Hertfordshire

Having Peter Dunn as our leader made all the difference. He managed to be all things to all the group. His good humour and efforts to show everything of interest was appreciated by us all.

E.W. Suffolk

The group was led by Peter Dunn whose knowledge and expertise is second to none. Peter once again proved to be an excellent leader who went out of his way to ensure all members of the group achieved the maximum benefit from their time in California.

W.B. Aberdeenshire

Our trip leader, Peter, was excellent and took great care to ensure everyone was looked after and had every opportunity to see the variety of birds and Whales. I really wanted to see Whales on this trip and it was lovely to have the opportunity to spend 4 hours plus Whale watching and getting to see some fantastic sights such as the Blue Whales and Humpbacks lunge feeding. Lovely to have breakfast and evening meals provided - the food was very good.

J.D. Essex

Staying at one base for the duration of the holiday and being able to come back after a day out, relax and then eat without having to go out again worked well on this holiday. Food, quality and location of hotel excellent. Boat trips excellent. Lots of Whales and wildlife seen every time - saw the Blue Whale! Leader Peter Dunn excellent, ensured everyone was looked after and very knowledgeable - spotted things we would have missed on our own. Loved the tree frogs.

B.B. Kent

Pete Dunn's experience and knowledge of having done the trip for many years and Tom Brereton's enthusiasm complemented each other making this a very special trip. The adaptability of the leaders was essential due to weather conditions and fire incidences. The concentration of whales and sea birds will remain with me for a very long time. The local services used were well researched and the staff on them were very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Time was made to see The Big Sur whose scenery was stunning and well worth the long day. The journey also gave us the opportunity to see the Elephant seals which were in the area another exceptional wildlife experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone who are interested in wildlife in all its forms or just whales and dolphins.

L.D. Nottinghamshire

I saw the BBC programme with Matt Baker in Monterey Bay and made the decision that I would like to see the sea life in Monterey Bay for real. I looked on the web and found a trip with Naturetrek that fitted the bill. In all there were 16 of us plus the two tour leaders. It was a lovely group and both leaders were very knowledgeable about the wildlife, and enthusiastic about all members of the trip seeing all the wildlife. The Lodge we stayed in was comfortable and welcoming, with excellent food. Apart from the Blue whale, we saw everything and more. Every one of our five trips on the Bay produced something special, and the land trips were well organised. The condor appeared almost as if he had been messaged to appear! I would recommend this trip to all wildlife enthusiasts.

S.J. Nottinghamshire

The trip was well planned with lots of opportunity to see Whales and birds. Peter Dunn always on hand to point out and explain all about the local wildlife. After long days out, returning to Carmel Valley, all of the dining arrangements had been taken care of. The food was excellent (breakfast and dinner) and was great to be able to talk about the events seen with the other participants.

M.H. Oxfordshire

The Whale and Dolphin boat trips were excellent. We were so lucky to have such superb sightings of not only Cetaceans but sea mammals and birds. The Contenta Lodge (Acacia) was first class. We had excellent service from the staff, the food was first rate by American standards. The rooms were spacious and the surrounding area was beautiful - we had a lovely outdoor swimming pool plus a hot tub. It was so convenient to have the food included.

R.T. & J.M. Devon

Excellent leader: Put himself out to help everyone and accommodate all people's interest. Excellent problem solving, very good knowledge/experience of a range of wildlife. Flexible accommodation and meals.

P.P. Norwich

Well planned and organised in advance - from provision of catering on site to the planning of venues where we could watch wildlife. Sightings of whales and birds and excellent contributions from the group all enhanced this holiday. A special thanks for providing two blue whales.

M.R. Devon

The whale watching trips were brilliant. The group size worked very well and everybody got along. The knowledge and expertise of the leaders were excellent, both on the boats and the land-based trips. It was great to come back to the hotel for a swim and relax in the hot tub.

Mr S & Ms C. Cheshire

Good mix of pelagic and land tours with knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour leaders. As our first trip to the States we loved California and hope to return to explore more of this country.

J.E. Lancashire

I had personally gone for the whales and dolphins, but the enthusiasm shown by both Ed and Ian on all aspects of the trip was so contagious that I was swept away by all aspects. The accommodation was above expectation and the food was excellent.

T.E. Lancashire

Boat trips were well done and fantastic. The land trips were also very good with excellent guides. I like the fact we got sufficient time to relax when we returned to the hotel in the evening.

C.H.

Both of the leaders were excellent. The hotel was delightful, and food very good. It was a well balance itinerary - we saw a wide range of species and I learnt a great deal. The group of people worked very well.

S.H. London

We saw so much and it was wonderful to share the enthusiasm and experience with fellow travellers and trip leaders alike. A special thank you to our leaders who went to great lengths to make sure we saw so much and share their knowledge with us.

P.D. Nottinghamshire