Whales & Dolphins of Monterey Bay

Tour Code: USA03

A 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.

9 days from
£4,495
Land only price from
£3,945
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Highlights

Summary

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!

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly San Francisco; transfer Carmel Valley
Day 2/7
A full programme of whale-watching cruises combined with land-based marine mammal and birdwatching excursions, based in Carmel Valley
Day 8
Depart San Francisco
Day 9
Arrive London
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What's Included

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
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 27th Aug – Thu 4th Sep FULL £4,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,945
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£945
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

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!

Wed 3rd Sep – Thu 11th Sep FULL £4,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,945
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£945
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

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!

Wed 10th Sep – Thu 18th Sep SPACES £4,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,945
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£945
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Marcus John
Marcus John

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

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 26th Aug – Thu 3rd Sep SPACES £4,695
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995
Wed 2nd Sep – Thu 10th Sep SPACES £4,695
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£995

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.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

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!