We spent a week in the Monterey Bay area, California, watching particularly marine mammals and birds both on land and in the water. We had five boat trips during the week, with many sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, sealions, sea otters, and birds. On land we saw elephant seals in great numbers on the beach, flocks of seabirds and many other native species. It was a truly wonderful trip. I have had many trips with Naturetrek and have never been disappointed. The tour guides are always very knowledgeable and good fun to be with. We may be a mixed bunch of travellers, but Naturetrek always make sure everybody is included and has a great time.
P.C. Devon, Sept 24
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Whales & Dolphins of Monterey Bay
Tour Code: USA03A 9-day holiday to California's Pacific seaboard to enjoy its birdlife and, particularly, the wealth of whales, dolphins and other exciting marine mammals for which Monterey Bay is justly famed.
£4,495 (Inc flights)
£3,945
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - August 2024
- Tour report - August 2023
- Tour report - August 2022
- Tour report - August 2022
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2009
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - August 2014
- Tour report - August 2013
- Tour report - August 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - August 2012
- Tour report - August 2011
- Tour report - August 2010
- Tour report - August 2017
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - August 2014
- Tour report - August 2018
- Tour report - August 2015
- Tour report - August 2019
- Tour report - August 2008
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - August 2015
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - August 2016
- Tour report - September 2006
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Summary
Humpback Whales leaping clear of the ocean, pods of dolphins swimming at the bows of the vessel, a Blue Whale escorting a youngster across the Bay and a menacing group of Orcas sending fishing California Sea Lions in a frantic dash to the safety of shore. These are just a few of the amazing sights experienced by participants on our annual Monterey Bay tours. The beautiful ‘Big Sur coast’ of California is an ideal setting for this wildlife tour which, in addition to whale- watching excursions, includes such highlights as Sea Otters, Elephant Seals, California Condor and a great selection of seabirds, all amid a setting that is strangely familiar from countless depictions on film and TV.
- Superb whale-watching
- Possibility of Orca & Blue Whale
- Entertaining Sea Otters floating on their backs while eating shellfish
- California Sea Lion & Northern Elephant Seal
- California Condor
- Opportunity to observe bird migration at a ringing station
- Fantastic selection of seabirds including albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels & skuas
- Impressive coastal scenery of the 'Big Sur'
- Comfortable hotel base in the Carmel Valley
Grading
Grade A. Easy walks only (all of them optional).
Northern California has provided the setting for so many films and novels that its landscape seems strangely familiar. Images of the mist-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge and the undulating streets of San Francisco are part of contemporary culture, yet there is an abundance of surprises to discover as we focus, during this holiday, on the natural history attractions of the coastline which many regard as the most picturesque in the United States. The California coast is renowned for its rich marine-life, particularly the wide variety of marine mammals, and there is no better location to search for these creatures than Monterey Bay, which offers some of the best whale and dolphin-watching in North America. During the summer and early autumn good numbers of Humpback Whales are found in the Bay, along with various other species of cetacean including regular appearances by Blue Whales, the largest mammal in the world. Always nomadic and unpredictable these enormous whales are nevertheless a regular visitor to the deeper waters of Monterey Bay and sightings will be an exciting possibility on every pelagic trip in August and September. Closer to shore, we will be looking along the coastline for a variety of residents including the entertaining Sea Otter, California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals and, at one location, the rare Northern Elephant Seal.
Our base for this single-centre holiday is the delightful Carmel Valley, which is just a short drive from Monterey. It is known for its sunny, fog-free days, comfortable nights and warm ambience. Our family-run hotel is set amongst attractive gardens and we will venture out from here each day, for at least four half-day excursions during our stay, enjoying the use of a specially adapted whale-watching vessel. These rich waters are protected within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the largest marine sanctuary in the United States, in which nearly 30 different species of cetacean have been recorded. It is the nature of these cruises that some will be far more productive than others, but the large whales are regularly sighted during August and September, and these trips also offer the chance to observe an exciting variety of seabirds, including such species as Black-footed Albatross, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, Ashy Storm Petrel, Sabine’s Gull, skuas, and both Cassin’s and Rhinoceros Auklet.
During the holiday we will also have the opportunity to spend time in search of seals, sea lions and Sea Otters. The latter, a delightful species, may be found in favoured bays, sometimes floating above beds of kelp whilst munching on Abalones. As a result of over-hunting for the fur trade, Sea Otters were almost extinct in California at the beginning of the 20th century but, in 1935, a small population of 94 was discovered and, with strict protection, this entertaining creature has gradually increased, each year witnessing the colonisation of a new stretch of coast.
The birdlife of coastal California is excitingly different from that found in inland areas of the state. Brown Pelicans and Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants are widespread along the coast, reflecting the abundance of fish in these waters, and, as we stop at various points along the coastline, we are also likely to see a variety of grebes, auks and sea-ducks. Rocky bays and sandy beaches, flanked by lines of Monterey Pines, are frequented by Heermann’s, Western and California Gulls, Black Turnstones, Surfbirds, Willets, Marbled Godwits, Wandering Tattlers and Black Oystercatchers, whilst passerine species may include Bushtit, Tri-coloured Blackbird and Brewer’s Blackbird. Our programme will be somewhat flexible but will include visits to the Carmel Valley, where Yellow-billed Magpie is one of the attractions, as well as Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and Moss Landing.
On one of the tour days we will follow the breathtakingly scenic Big Sur highway to the south where, in contrast to the previous days, we will switch our attention from the ocean to the trees and bushes of Andrew Molera State Park where large numbers of migrant landbirds can be found in favourable conditions. Nearby is the centre of the California Condor reintroduction scheme and, if we are fortunate, we may see one or two of these impressive but critically endangered birds soaring over the hillsides. Later in the day we have a further treat as we stop at a vantage-point to observe Northern Elephant Seals on one of their favourite beaches.
All too soon our stay in California will come to an end and we return to San Francisco to catch a flight back to Europe. Observing great whales at close quarters is a very special privilege and we are sure that many tour members will return from Monterey planning their next whale-watching holiday!
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel with a pool in Carmel Valley; all rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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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
Dates & Prices
2025
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
2026
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Seeing whales in the wild is one of the top 10 things most people want to do during their lifetime. Scanning the water, waiting to hear a blow or see a dorsal fin, is one of the top wildlife experiences in the world, and it can get addictive! A sighting of whales in their natural habitat is consistently rated in the top 10 wildlife experiences in the world. These gentle giants of the ocean hold a special place in our hearts. Our dedicated small group tours offer the thrilling opportunity of an up-close-and-personal encounter in the wild; scanning the water, waiting for the sound of a blow or the sight of a dorsal fin is both thrilling and addictive.
Naturetrek Whale Watching Tours
Our dedicated small group whale-watching holidays encompass a range of destinations all over the world to offer the best chance of sightings on short trips or longer cruises. Whether it’s a day excursion in the UK or an extended 14-day cruise to an exotic far-flung location, we offer the chance to encounter these giant cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the Polar regions.
Depending on the location, our itineraries can focus on one or several of the planet’s 86 key species, including Blue and Killer Whales, or form part of a broader wildlife-watching experience to encounter dolphins, birdlife and other marine species. Led by expert biologist or naturalist guides, our tours often allow participants to get thrillingly close to one of the most fascinating animals on Earth. We've been organising specialist wildlife tours for 32 years and our experience, passion and knowledge have earned us a reputation as the best in the business. Our range of whale-watching holidays is so popular that we are rapidly expanding our programme to include some of the most exciting, wildlife-rich places in the world.Why book a Naturetrek whale & dolphin watching holiday?
- Expert biologist-led & wildlife photographer-led holidays
- Dedicated whale-watching tours focusing on one or a few key species
- Many of our whale-watching tours offer the chance to see dolphins as well (and vice versa)
- A range of tours from day trips out on small boats to week-long liveaboard cruises
- A chance to look for cetaceans in all of the world’s oceans, from polar waters to the tropics
- A wide range of the world’s 86 species are seen on our whale-watching holidays, including Blue Whales & Killer Whales
- A wide range of the world's dolphin species have also been seen, from Bottlenose and Risso’s, to Spinner, Striped and Heaviside’s
Our specialist recommends...
Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager
Dolphin Watching – See Dolphins in the Wild
Seeing dolphins in the wild consistently ranks high on people’s lists of ’10 Things To See Before I Die’. Dolphins have captured the public imagination arguably more than any other animal – we marvel at their intelligence, grace and agility, as well as their apparent curiosity of their human observers.
Naturetrek Dolphin Watching Tours
Naturetrek offers the chance to watch dolphins all over the world, from the UK to the tropics and polar regions. Many of our dolphin tours also offer the opportunity to see whales. We offer:
- Dedicated dolphin tours focusing on one or a few key species
- Dolphin watching as part of a broader wildlife watching tour
- A range of tours from day trips out on small boats to week-long liveaboard cruises
- Expert biologist-led, photographer-led and researcher-led tours
- A wide range of the world’s dolphin species seen, from Bottlenose and Risso’s, to Spinner, Striped and Heaviside’s
Our range of dolphin watching holidays includes:
- A Maldives Cruise – a cruise through the turquoise waters surrounding the Maldives, searching for dolphins and whales as well as snorkeling over the reefs
- Monterey Bay – enjoying the dolphins, whales and bird life of California’s Monterey Bay
- The Azores – Look for Sperm Whales and other cetaceans
- Madeira – a 5-day holiday focusing on dolphin watching
Our specialist recommends...
Sara Frost - Tour Leader & Marketing Manager
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - September 2024
- Tour report - August 2024
- Tour report - August 2023
- Tour report - August 2022
- Tour report - August 2022
- Tour report - September 2019
- Tour report - August 2019
- Tour report - September 2018
- Tour report - August 2018
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - September 2017
- Tour report - August 2017
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - September 2016
- Tour report - August 2016
- Tour report - August 2015
- Tour report - August 2015
- Tour report - August 2014
- Tour report - August 2014
- Tour report - August 2013
- Tour report - August 2013
- Tour report - September 2012
- Tour report - August 2012
- Tour report - August 2011
- Tour report - August 2010
- Tour report - September 2009
- Tour report - September 2008
- Tour report - August 2008
- Tour report - September 2007
- Tour report - September 2006
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!