Where is the best place to see whales in San Francisco?

Whale watching south of SF Santa Cruz's position just above the Monterey Bay makes it a key feeding point for migratory whales. Take a walk along West Cliff (Pleasure Point is a great spot) and you can watch the surfers while you're at it. Check out Santa Cruz Whale Watching for tours.



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The best time for whale watching in San Francisco is from December – May, as you'll have the best opportunity to see more than one type of whale. That said, you can spot other species during different months, so you shouldn't discount an opportunity just because it doesn't fall within this time frame.

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It's easier for whale-watching tours to see them in Monterey Bay because the canyon is so close to the beach, while the Farallon Islands require a miles-long boat ride from San Francisco, and the water still may not be deep enough there, Black said.

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Calm Waters: Mornings often offer relatively calmer waters due to reduced wind activity. This can enhance your whale-watching experience by providing more stability and a smoother ride, allowing for better observation and photography opportunities.

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We were able to see over 20 humpback whales, dall's porpoises, and a small mola mola, not to mention a ton of sea lions feeding among the whales. The boat was nice and not crowded, and the company did a great job making sure everyone followed proper safety protocol for covid-19. I would definitely recommend!

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Monterey has a larger population and more of a modern feel to it than Carmel. It has a popular strip mall and wharf on the coast and a well-known aquarium. Here are a few of the best things to do when visiting Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium.

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The best destinations in the world for whale watching
  • Hervey Bay, Australia. ...
  • Silver Bank, Dominican Republic. ...
  • Maui, Hawaii, USA. ...
  • Juneau, Alaska, USA. ...
  • Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. ...
  • San Juan Islands, Washington, USA. ...
  • Puerto Madryn, Argentina. ...
  • Monterey, California, USA.


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