Whale Watching Tips

Discover Northern California's
Whale Watching Tips

Whale Watching Tips for a Successful Venture

Having spent many years whale watching in almost every way imaginable, we have some tips we'd like to share with you. California whaling can be as simple as driving or hiking along the coast, or just picking a spot to sit anywhere along Northern California's coastal roads, rocky bluffs, and sandy beaches.

Whaling cruises are a popular choice as you can go to the whales rather than waiting for them to come to you.

If you're really brave, paddle a canoe or kayak out into the ocean - many people have done it and been real up close and personal. Not sure we can recommend it, though!

You might even be able to do some whale spotting from the air by plane, helicopter, or even in a blimp.

But before heading out, continue reading to learn how to plan your trip, where to go to increase your odds of success, what to look for when you get there, and what to bring along, whether you opt for whaling trips ashore, asea, or aloft.

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Northern California Whale Watching Tips

Whale and Whale Footprint CC Stacina

Northern California whaling is some of the best - with at least eight species of whale, you can whale watch all year round!

Here are our tips to help you make the most of your next whale seeking trip.

Northern California whaling is some of the best -with at least eight species of whale, you can whale watch all year round!

Here are our tips to help you make the most of your next whale seeking trip.

Pick a spot that's known for its spotting whales: Of course, you might happen to spot a whale or two from almost anywhere along the California coastline if you're in the right place at the right time, but there are areas that are renowned for whale sightings - that's where you want to be!

Pick a spot that's known for its spotting whales: Of course, you might happen to spot a whale or two from almost anywhere along the California coastline if you're in the right place at the right time, but there are areas that are renowned for whale sightings - that's where you want to be!
Plan your trip for peak whale watching season:

December to May - Gray whales are migrating, with the peak month being February

June to September - Best time to see whales that Summer off Northern California, like Orcas

August to October - Best time to see Humpbacks and Blue whales.
Choose a calm, clear day if possible:
Whales are much easier to spot if the sea isn't choppy.
Be prepared to be patient as well:
Although whales are giant creatures, they're not always easy to spot; be patient!
Things to bring along:
   A good pair of binoculars;
   A camera or video cam with a decent zoom lens;
   Sun screen and sun glasses;
   Warm clothes, in case it turns nippy;
   A picnic lunch, snacks, and something to drink

How to whale watch, and what to look for: when you're on a whale spotting trip, this is how to go about it and what you'll be looking for...

Scan the surface of the water rather than looking down into it
Look for a blow, or spout - when the whale surfaces after a dive, he'll blow the air out through his blow hole, creating a misty vapor jet
Also look for whale footprints, especially if you're on a high promontory or in a boat or plane - you may be able to spot the glassy mark a whale makes on the surface of the ocean, almost like an oil slick (see the photograph above)

Plan your trip for peak whale watching season:

December to May - Gray whales are migrating, with the peak month being February

June to September - Best time to see whales that Summer off Northern California, like Orcas

August to October - Best time to see Humpbacks and Blue whales.

Choose a calm, clear day if possible:
Whales are much easier to spot if the sea isn't choppy.
Be prepared to be patient as well:
Although whales are giant creatures, they're not always easy to spot; be patient!
Things to bring along:
   A good pair of binoculars;
   A camera or video cam with a decent zoom lens;
   Sun screen and sun glasses;
   Warm clothes, in case it turns nippy;
   A picnic lunch, snacks, and something to drink

How to whale watch, and what to look for: when you're on a whale spotting trip, this is how to go about it and what you'll be looking for...

Scan the surface of the water rather than looking down into it
Look for a blow, or spout - when the whale surfaces after a dive, he'll blow the air out through his blow hole, creating a misty vapor jet
Also look for whale footprints, especially if you're on a high promontory or in a boat or plane - you may be able to spot the glassy mark a whale makes on the surface of the ocean, almost like an oil slick (see the photograph above)

Monterey Bay Center; CC will9516

For more whaling tips and information, click on any of the links below:

Tips for When You're Ashore
Tips to help you spot whales from ashore
Planning Your Whaling Trip Ashore
What you need to know for spotting whales from Northern California shores
Tips for When You're Asea
Tips to get the most of your whaling from a boat
Planning Your Whaling Trip Asea
What you need to know for arranging your trip from a boat
Tips for When You're Aloft
Tips to help you get the most from spotting whales from a plane
Planning Your Whaling Trip Aloft
How to plan a whaling trip from the air
Whale Videos
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Discover Northern California's
Whale Watching Tips