When planning a whale watching trip, it’s good to know what species of whales you might be able to find in your area as well as what time of year they should be present. Use the general guidelines below to get started.
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CA)
Humpack whale: April to December (August to November is best)
Minke whale: July to November
Blue whale: August to November (October to November is best)
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (CA)
Gray whale: December to April
Humpback whale: May to November
Blue whale: May to November
Minke whale: Year round
Fin whale: Year round, mostly in summer and winter
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (CA)
Gray whale: Winter and Spring
Humpback whale: Summer and Fall (May to October)
Minke whale: Year round, less common in winter
Blue whale: Summer and Fall (May to December)
Fin whale: April to September
Sperm whale: Year round
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CA)
Gray whale: Northern migration from December to February,
southern migration from mid-February to May
Blue whale: Late May to September
Sei whale: Late May to September
Humpback whale: May to August
Current Weather
Find the current marine weather wherever you plan to go whale watching. Check out NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. Just zoom in and click the buoy near your destination along the coast to get details.