Whale-Watching

Thousands of gray whales pass close by the Monterey Coast on their annual migration between the Bering Sea and Baja California, and a whale-watching cruise is the best way to see these magnificent mammals close up. The migration south takes place from December through March; January is prime viewing time. The whales migrate north from March through June. Blue whales and humpbacks also pass the coast; they're most easily spotted in late summer and early fall.

Fast Raft Ocean Safaris. Naturalists lead whale-watching and sightseeing tours of Monterey Bay aboard the 33-foot Ranger, a six-passenger, rigid-hull, inflatable boat. The speedy craft slips into coves inaccessible to larger vessels, and its quiet engines enable intimate marine experiences without disturbing wildlife. Children ages eight and older are welcome to participate. From April to November, the boat departs from Moss Landing Harbor North Boat Launching Ramp. 32 Cannery Row, Suite F2, Monterey, California, 93940. 408/659–3900; www.fastraft.com. From $185.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch. The marine biologists here lead three- to five-hour whale-watching tours. 84 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California, 93940. 831/375–4658; montereybaywhalewatch.com.

Princess Monterey Whale Watching. Tours are offered daily on a 100-passenger high-speed cruiser and a large 100-foot boat. 96 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California, 93940. 831/372–2203; montereywhalewatching.com.