Choose a half- or full-day private whale watching trip for up to 6
Half day (2.5 - 3 hours) & Full day (5 hours)
Up to 6 people
Private charter, Captain, Toilet
Explore Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on a private charter tailored to where you want to go and what you want to see. Cruise with a local captain and set up for photography and wildlife viewing from a USCG-certified Stabicraft boat.
Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and a safety orientation, and all passengers must sign a pre-boarding waiver. Snacks are not included.
If Oceanic Expeditions cancels due to weather or safety advisories, they will reschedule or refund. To reschedule after a customer cancellation, Oceanic Expeditions requires at least one week of advance notice.
Dress in layers and pack warm clothing. Bring items like fleece, a warm jacket, a wind jacket, long pants, and closed shoes.
Bring enough water for yourself and feel free to bring snacks (snacks are not included). Pack light—there is space for one small bag/daypack per person.
Use the toilet on the boat or the public restroom at Moss Landing Marina. Use the restroom before your trip if you can.
7881 Sandholdt Rd, B DOCK, Moss Landing, CA 95039
Mike and Mary run an exceptional operation that consistently delivers intimate, memorable whale watching experiences. Their small boat capacity (often just 5-6 passengers) creates what reviewers describe as a "private tour" feel, where everyone gets unobstructed views without fighting crowds. The couple's ability to track down wildlife is remarkable—guests regularly spot humpback whales within minutes, and lucky groups have witnessed orcas hunting sea lions or traveling with calves. Their genuine passion for marine life shines through, and people appreciate how well-maintained and clean the vessel is. The extended tours are particularly popular, giving more time to connect with the whales and the bay's ecosystem. A few reviewers mentioned last-minute cancellations due to low booking numbers, which caused frustration since this policy wasn't clearly communicated upfront. Solo travelers or couples should confirm the trip is running before making travel plans around it. That said, the overwhelming majority rave about this being the best whale watching they've experienced—the personal attention, Mike's expert captaining, and Mary's hospitality create something special that larger tour boats simply can't match.
Amazing trip! I had the incredible opportunity to see humpback whales for the first time, an unforgettable experience and a dream for photography. Being so close to the water made it even more exciting. It did get a bit chilly and foggy, but having the option to move inside the cabin was a great feature. The boat was stable and comfortable, and of course, the whales were absolutely spectacular.
Jeff
March 20, 2026
Amazing trip! I had the incredible opportunity to see humpback whales for the first time, an unforgettable experience and a dream for photography. Being so close to the water made it even more exciting. It did get a bit chilly and foggy, but having the option to move inside the cabin was a great feature. The boat was stable and comfortable, and of course, the whales were absolutely spectacular.
Jeff
March 20, 2026