13th Annual Whalefest Monterey

What: 13^th Annual Whalefest Monterey and 2-Day Symposium

Where: The 2-day Whalefest Monterey event is held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park. GPS to 201 Washington Street in Monterey, CA. Whalefest Monterey features a 2-day Symposium with world-renowned marine experts at Heritage Harbor, located adjacent to the Recreation Trail and just steps away from the Wharf.

This year’s lineup includes presentations of cutting edge research findings from MBARI, Moss Landing Marine Lab, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Marine Mammal Center and more. We’ll also learn about MBARI’s new research ship and the latest efforts of Marine Life Studies and the Whale Entanglement Team, as well insights into incredible underwater whale photography.

The Symposium is held at an indoor venue generously made available by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  When: Saturday, March 18^th and Sunday, March 19^th 2023, from 11 am – 5 pm

More details:  One of the many engaging activities at Whalefest include the 2-day Symposium with cutting-edge presentations by marine experts and others about important issues impacting the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and beyond. In addition to the Symposium, Whalefest features dozens of interactive hands-on exhibits, live music and other great activities for all ages.

This free family friendly event includes the popular Gyotaku and Scrimshaw activities on Old Fisherman’s Wharf and a return of the “world famous” Abalone Races.  Yes, people have a chance to sponsor individual abalones and watch them in an exciting race crawl to the finish line!  No harm is done to the abalones, being exposed to daylight, they merely are heading back into a shady spot. Monterey Abalone Company will host the Abalone Races in front of Rockfish Grill and Moss Landing Marine Labs will be the non-profit recipient of the sponsorships.

There are also musicians, boat displays and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous non-profit organizations. For photo ops, there are several costumed marine animals walking around the event as well as the Bag Monster. 

In addition, Save the Whales returns with Dee, the 43-foot inflatable whale model on Sunday, March 19^th only.  You can go inside of it and see its internal organs! This very popular exhibit will be on Custom House Plaza where also most of the other booths are located.

Weather and other conditions permitting, there will be up to four boats at the California Dock at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf including the Current’Sea (Marine Life Studies research and WET® vessel), the Coast Guard's 43’ foot boat, the Sheila B. research vessel from Moss Landing Marine Lab and The Pearl (Monterey Fire Boat).

Both Princess Monterey Whale Watching and Monterey Bay Whale Watch will have informative booths about whales and whale watching on the Wharf. 

On the Causeway and on Custom House Plaza will be sailboats from the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, and the Science Seafloor ROV. In addition, we may have a Hawaiian outrigger canoe and a US Coast Guard 29’ foot boat on display.

Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will conduct two 60-minute free Wharf Walks at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. (Meet outside of Harbor House at the head of the Wharf). 

Weather permitting, whale watching tours, fishing, sailing and glass bottom boats will be operating from the Wharf (many at discounted rates). Wharf restaurants will be serving lunch and dinner. Wharf shops will also be featuring marine-themed merchandise.

Whale watchers come from around the world to view hundreds of whales, orcas, dolphins and pelicans who come to feast on a “krill and anchovy buffet” in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout the year, this “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World” offers sightings of 15 species of whales, 10 species of dolphins, 2 species of porpoise, 6 species of pinnipeds and 1 species of Fissiped (sea otter).

For the current schedule which is subject to change, see below.   

Information: For a complete schedule and detailed descriptions, please go to the 13th Annual Whalefest Monterey page on www.whalefest.org or www.montereywharf.com.  

Phone: 831-238-0777 or email info@montereywharf.com 

Volunteers and Event Sponsors Sought for Whalefest Monterey

Volunteers are being sought to staff Whalefest Monterey during March 18 and 19, 2023. Corporate sponsors to help underwrite the event costs are also needed. For more information, contact info@montereywharf.com or 831-238-0777.