Sanctuary Cruises on The Monterey Bay | Whale & Dolphin Watching

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Sanctuary Cruises offers marine biologist-led whale watching, marine wildlife learning adventures and special event private charters on the Monterey Bay. With over thirteen years in operation and owner-led trips, we are especially suited for the serious wildlife enthusiast seeking the highest quality experience.

We run trips with smaller groups, usually around 25 passengers, sometimes less, sometimes more, but never more than 30 people.

Owners Captain Mike and Marine Biologist Dorris run the trips as a team to ensure you have the best possible experience with the Monterey Bay Wildlife.

We run longer trips which means more time to find and spend with the animals. And we make sure everyone gets a great view of the animals or your next trip is free.

You also get closer to the water from our sea-level viewing decks to experience close-up marine wildlife encounters. Have you ever been blown in the face by a whale?

Our 72-hour cancellation policy gives you more flexibility - in case "life happens".

We offer the best marine wildlife experience on The Bay. We guarantee it or your next trip is free. We also run 99% biodiesel in our brand new, clean burning John Deere engines.

Check out The Captain's Log for regularly updated details on what's happening out there.

Months

January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December

Duration

Half-day (3-6 hours)

Vessel types

Small boat (0-50 passengers)

Times and prices

Depart daily from Moss Landing Harbor "A" Dock.

Prices: $48.00 per adult, $38.00 per child under 13.

Check out www.sanctuarycruies.com for details.

About our skippers and naturalist guides

Captain Michael Sack, Life-long Waterman and Adventurer

Michael Sack is the Captain and Co-owner of Sanctuary Cruises marine wildlife tours on the Monterey Bay. Sack holds a Merchant Mariner's 100-ton Master Credential issued by the United States Coast Guard. He has been an avid seafaring waterman for 30+ years. Surfing, sailing, boating, diving and fishing has been and continues to be a major part of his life.

Other activities Captain Mike is into include snowboarding, wakeboarding, mountain biking, wild mushroom foraging, photography and videography.

Most of the photographs and video found on the Sanctuary Cruises website were taken by Captain Mike.

Dorris Welch, Purveyor of all things marine and marvelous

Dorris learned to sail right here on Monterey Bay as a child and has been fascinated with the ocean and its inhabitants ever since. Dorris completed her graduate studies in marine biology and education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She completed her undergraduate studies in Wildlife Biology at Humboldt State University in northern California where she developed her lifelong interest in both marine mammals and in birding. While a student at UCSC she worked at Long Marine Lab working with invertebrate research. She moved on to the marine mammal research realm and had the pleasure of working with dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters and the esteemed and beloved Dr. Kenneth Norris. She moved up to the education director position overseeing the aquarium, exhibits and all public programs. She has worked with dolphins, sea lions, seals, octopus, abalone and sea stars and spent plenty of time both on and in the water, in research vessels, kayaks and scuba gear. She learned to dive while working at Point Lobos State Reserve logging many hours underwater as well as ashore interpreting the delights of our coastline to visitors. She especially loves sharing her knowledge and experiences with others and helping others to see the natural world with a new sense of wonder. She has led natural history tours throughout California and beyond and is the author of several publications on California natural history and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

When Dorris is not aboard the Sanctuary we have knowledgeable and personable marine biologists and naturalists to provide our quality customer service and marine interpretation.

Facilities

Access to wheelhouse • Carbon neutral • Hands-on materials (bones, shells etc) • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • PA system • Posters / displays / maps • Reading material available • Restrooms / toilets on board • Scenic backdrop to encounters • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Use a code of conduct