Whale watching is an educational and family-friendly activity you can safely enjoy outside. The National Marine Sanctuary in our own backyard is just waiting to be explored.
Did you know that the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the second largest National Marine Sanctuary in the nation? The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated a National Sanctuary in 1992. It encompasses 4,601 square nautical miles–extending from the Gulf of the Farallones to Cambria, south of Big Sur.
The Sanctuary is centered around the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, which is the largest and deepest submarine canyon on the west coast and the only one that approaches so close to shore. This canyon supports an incredible diversity of deepwater marine mammals and seabirds. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon–reaching over 12,000 feet deep.
April is Orca and Humpback Whale season. Both of these animals are incredible to see in the wild. On a whale watching tour, you may also see different species of dolphin and other species of larger whales, like Gray Whales, Blue Whales, and Fin Whales.
Fun facts about Orcas
- The Orca, or Killer Whale, is actually the largest species of dolphin. There are many different ecotypes of Orcas, and they all have specific food preferences.
- Orcas are a matriarchal society - which means the females are in charge.
- Different groups of Orcas can speak different dialects.
- Orcas are the second most widespread animal in the world - only second to humans. You can find Orcas in every single ocean.
- Orcas can even scare Great White Sharks.
Fun facts about Humpback Whales
- Humpback Whales can reach a length of about 50 feet. That is about the size of a small school bus.
- Even though Humpback Whales are so large, they eat some of the smallest food like tiny fish and krill.
- Humpback Whales have no teeth. Instead, they have something called baleen plates, which are made out of keratin. They use their baleen plates like a giant strainer.
- Only male Humpback Whales sing - and their songs can travel for many miles underneath the water.
- Humpback Whales have their own fingerprint on the underside of their tail.
To download a printable copy of the whale drawing to color click here.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch is owned and operated by a Marine Biologist who has a passion for education. All trips are led by experienced Biologists and are fun for the entire family. Kids can learn what marine biologists do and how to become one For more information check www.gowhales.com.