Dolphins stampede through Monterey Bay - Shutterstock / Erin Underwood

Monterey Bay

united-statesmonterey-baywhalessea-otterspelagic-birding

Dolphins stampede through Monterey Bay - Shutterstock / Erin Underwood

United States|North America

united-statesmonterey-baywhalessea-otterspelagic-birding

Monterey Bay

United States|North America

Wildlife

Access

Stay

Safety

Photo

Crowds

Cost

Birding

Monterey Bay is one of North America's most accessible marine-wildlife photography hotspots, known for whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds, shorebirds, and world-class pelagic birding trips. It combines high wildlife payoff with excellent infrastructure and year-round potential.

14°

Clear

Gallery

Wildlife Species

Humpback whale, gray whale, blue whale, and dolphins

Common

Marine Mammal · Best time: Seasonal boat trips

Sea otter, sea lion, and harbor seal

Common

Marine Mammal · Best time: Shoreline and kelp areas

Albatrosses, shearwaters, auklets, and jaegers

Uncommon

Bird · Best time: Pelagic trips

Shorebirds and coastal raptors

Common

Bird · Best time: Tides and migration

Geography

Terrain: Deep submarine canyon, kelp forests, beaches, rocky shore, estuaries
Elevation: Sea level coastal and offshore
Climate: Cool Mediterranean coastal
Area: Central California bay and marine ecosystem

Weather

Best Months: AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Avg. Temperature: 8-22°C
Rainfall: Dry season is most comfortable, but marine wildlife is productive across much of the year
Humidity: 55-90%