Sorry about the duplicate post - forget to specify California.

Can anyone recommend a company for whale watching out of Monterey? Is there a time of day that is best? We would be going end of August - does this mean close to zero chance to see a whale?

Thanks!

I don't think whales have quite come down by way of Monterey by then, but I could be wrong. I just remember seeing lots mid-August up by the San Juan Islands and up Victoria way during this time period.

In any event, can't recommend a company, but I've seen several companies near the end of Fisherman's wharf and since they have been in business forever, they must be reputable.

August isn't good whale watching time, but I'd go out on a boat anyway. It is lots of fun and you will likely see other wild life - sea lions, otters, etc.

There was a hilarious thread a few weeks ago where a poster complained that the boat he was on left port 30min late, and by the time they got to the momma whale and her calf the 'show' was over.

The one valid point he had was that smaller boats are allowed to get closer than the big ones, and not all boats cost the same.

I don't recall which co he used, but his complaint about 'missing the show' was a hoot. Somebody forgot to inform the whales they were on a schedule for the paying customers I guess.

I was just there about a month ago, and I think the best company is the one over to the right as you walk down the wharf. I think you'll figure out which one I mean, I think it's name is Monterey Whale Watch or something obvious. I think it's this one:

http://www.montereywhalewatch.com/

They have sightings on there, check it out (there were 11 whales sighted in Monterey Bay on 8/1). This year has been one of the best ever in terms of humpback sightings. I don't know about August, but when I was there in July, they were sighting one or more whales every day. It varied as to whether it was in the morning or afternoon, though. YOu can ask them about that, it may be random. They just said you obviously have a better chance if you go for the longer trip (4-5 hours).

My experience there in Monterey, and on the Atlantic is that all these tour boats go to the same spots to see the whales. If one boat finds a whale, they all follow suit and hang out in the same spot.

Your difference will be in cost and boats. Some boats have nice indoor seating and outdoor decks, some are smaller with virtually no indoor seats: glorified fishing boats, if you will.

These little boats won't have radar, they just chase the big boats.

Same whales, different boats and ticket prices.

Choose what you want for comfort.

Also, if they guarantee a whale sighting, the guarantee is typically limited to another trip with the same company. Only good if you are a local. And a sighting doesn't have to be more than a tail on it's way down.

That being said, we would do it again. Just be aware of the fog off the bay. It limits visibility.