Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

Updated January 25, 2023.

Whale watching season is here in Monterey Bay!

If you are in the area, we invite you to join us on a morning half-day voyage among whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, seals, and otters. No two days are ever the same in the incredibly rich marine environment of Monterey Bay. Humpback whales have migrated into the bay, with recent sightings of them as well a blue whale, pacific white-sided dolphins, northern right whale dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, black-footed albatross, and much more.

Half-day Voyages on Sea Wolf II

We have partnered with Monterey Bay Whale Watch to offer half-day voyages aboard the Sea Wolf II* departing from Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. Ted Cheeseman will be your naturalist aboard, ready to tell you about his PhD research on humpback whales and to discuss the biology, ecology, and conservation of the ecological gem of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

In response to COVID-19 we strongly advise you to be fully vaccinated. We are taking precautions to sanitize — see below — so we feel that we can operate responsibly during these crazy times. We will be on the water for three and a half to four hours (10:00am to about 2:00pm). Cost is $88 per person. Please book directly through Monterey Bay Whale Watch online (links below), and if you have any questions, please contact Ted directly.

Cancellation Policy: The trip cost will not be charged until the morning of the voyage when you check in before boarding, but if you must cancel please be courteous and notify the office as soon as possible.

Note: When calling be sure to ask for the “Cheesemans’ Voyage.’”

  • May 21, 2023 guided by marine biologist Ted Cheeseman: BOOK NOW!
  • June 18, 2023 guided by marine biologist Ted Cheeseman: BOOK NOW!
*note: All voyages are aboard the Sea Wolf II unless noted specifically in that trip’s listing above

Prefer a Private Charter Voyage?

If you prefer a private charter voyage for you and up to four others in your immediate circle, we are also partnering with Fast Raft Ocean Safaris for outings from Moss Landing with a maximum of five plus Ted Cheeseman (marine biologist) or Scott Davis (professional photographer) and Captain Kate Spencer as crew and naturalists. The complete charter costs $1,400 for a half day, $2,000 for a full day, depending on availability. For more details and how this operates in light of COVID-19, please contact Ted directly.

COVID-19 precautions taken aboard Sea Wolf II

They are following all CDC guidelines to protect both passengers and crew.

  • Sanitizing stations will be placed throughout all of vessels and in the wharf office area
  • All passengers, boat crew, and office employees will be required to wear face coverings during embarkation and disembarkation, and while inside the ship’s cabin. Masks are not required aboard while outside.
  • The crew will be wearing gloves when possible
  • The crew is required to wash their hands frequently
  • The vessel will be cleaned and sanitized between each trip

Please take every precaution, personally, to not join if you may have been exposed to COVID before the voyage and/or are experiencing any symptoms. Please note that all travel is at your own risk; neither Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris nor any of our agents can be held responsible or liable in any way for keeping the shipboard environment 100% exposure-free.

Questions?

For any questions, please email Ted Cheeseman directly or call him at 408-315-2267.