Whale Watching in Morro Bay: Humpback and Gray Whales

Spot humpback and gray whales migrating along the California coast

A three-hour whale watching tour in Morro Bay takes you several miles into the open ocean to observe humpback whales from May through November and gray whales from December through May, with expert guides explaining whale behavior and migration patterns. The boat includes a restroom. Bring warm layers, sunscreen and a camera. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

The experience

The tour runs three hours and heads several miles offshore into open ocean where humpback and gray whales travel during their migrations. From May to November, humpback whales are the main draw. You'll watch their acrobatic breaches and tail slaps. From December to May, the focus shifts to gray whales making their 12,000-mile migration between Arctic feeding grounds and breeding lagoons off Mexico. Beyond whales, the boat passes dolphins, sea birds and sea lions, so there's marine life to watch throughout the trip.

An expert guide in English shares knowledge about whale behavior, migration routes and the ocean ecosystem as you're out on the water. The boat has a restroom on board, which matters on a three-hour trip. Bring water, snacks, warm layers, ocean wind cools fast, sunscreen and a camera. The guides will point out where whales are surfacing so you can frame your shots. The tour is family-friendly and works for all fitness levels, though the boat's motion and open-ocean setting mean it's not suitable for people with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, and it's not recommended during pregnancy.

What’s included

• Three-hour whale watching tour with expert guide in English.
• restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Morro Bay Whale Watching & Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks

Is this one for you?The boat heads several miles into open ocean, so expect motion and wind. The three-hour duration and offshore setting work best for travelers comfortable on the water and able to stand or move around the deck.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When do humpback whales appear in Morro Bay?

Humpback whales are present from May through November, when you'll see their breaches and tail slaps during their migration along the California coast.

What else might I see besides whales on this tour?

Dolphins, sea birds and sea lions are commonly spotted during the three-hour trip into the open ocean.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat has a restroom on board, which is useful for a three-hour outing on the water.

What should I bring for this whale watching tour?

Bring water, snacks, warm layers, sunscreen and a camera. Ocean wind can be cold even on mild days, and you'll want to capture photos of the whales.