Watch blue whales off California, where Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands host one of the largest summer gatherings of the species on Earth. From June to October, blue whales come to feed on dense krill drawn up by deep canyons close to shore, often seen alongside humpbacks and fin whales. It is one of the most accessible places anywhere to see the planet's biggest animal, best from July to October.
Watch blue whales off California, where Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands host one of the largest summer gatherings of the species on Earth. From June to October, blue whales come to feed on dense krill drawn up by deep canyons close to shore, often seen alongside humpbacks and fin whales. It is one of the most accessible places anywhere to see the planet's biggest animal, best from July to October.
Up to 90% sighting chance in California Coast: Monterey & Channel Islands (USA). Best months: August, September, July.
June to October, best July to October, when blue whales feed on summer krill blooms.
Monterey Bay, above the deep Monterey Canyon, and the Channel Islands off southern California, plus San Diego.
Around 55 to 90 US dollars per adult for a 3 to 4 hour trip (2026 prices); Channel Islands trips run about 58 dollars.
Humpback and fin whales, dolphins and sea lions; Monterey Bay has whales of some kind year round.
