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Whales near San Francisco

The best San Francisco whale watching

The Whales of the Bay cruise from Pier 43 and the Monterey Bay trips south of the city: here is how to pick, with honest advice on seasickness on the open ocean, the best season and the drive to Monterey.

By the Things to Do in San Francisco editorial team 6 tours compared Prices checked 22 October 2026

See our 6 picks
A humpback whale raising its tail in Monterey Bay
Short answer

The best whale watching near San Francisco leaves from Monterey Bay, about two hours south. From the city itself, one 2.5-hour cruise goes out past the Golden Gate. Humpback and blue whales are most common from March to August, and gray whales from December to February.

Our 6 picks for whale watching

One cruise from San Francisco, four shared trips from Monterey Bay and one private sail. All have free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

Whale watching trips compared

Whale watching trips compared
TourFromDurationWho it suitsWhy we picked it
Monterey Bay whale watching with a biologist 4.8 (2,523)€67
per person		3–4 hoursVisitors who want the best chance of whalesThe most-reviewed trip: 4.8 from 2,523 reviews.
Monterey Bay dolphin and whale boat tour 4.7 (2,315)€55
per person		3 hoursBudget visitors in MontereyThe cheapest shared trip, from €55, with 4.7 from 2,315 reviews.
Monterey whale watching with a marine guide 4.6 (518)€62
per person		2.5 hoursFamilies who want a shorter tripA short trip with a guide, at 4.6 from 518 reviews.
Whale watching cruise from Moss Landing 4.5 (208)€64
per person		2.5 hoursVisitors who want a sighting guaranteeThe only trip with a sighting guarantee, at 4.5 from 208 reviews.
Whales of the Bay cruise from San Francisco 4.6 (65)€67
per person		2.5 hoursVisitors with no carThe only whale trip that leaves from the city, at 4.6 from 65 reviews.
Private whale watching sail in Monterey 4.9 (6)€846
per group up to 6		3.5 hoursGroups and celebrationsA private boat for your group, at 4.9 from 6 reviews.

  • Monterey Bay whale watching with a biologist

    €67 per person3–4 hours 4.8 (2,523)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Visitors who want the best chance of whales
    Why we picked it
    The most-reviewed trip: 4.8 from 2,523 reviews.

  • Monterey Bay dolphin and whale boat tour

    €55 per person3 hours 4.7 (2,315)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Budget visitors in Monterey
    Why we picked it
    The cheapest shared trip, from €55, with 4.7 from 2,315 reviews.

  • Monterey whale watching with a marine guide

    €62 per person2.5 hours 4.6 (518)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Families who want a shorter trip
    Why we picked it
    A short trip with a guide, at 4.6 from 518 reviews.

  • Whale watching cruise from Moss Landing

    €64 per person2.5 hours 4.5 (208)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Visitors who want a sighting guarantee
    Why we picked it
    The only trip with a sighting guarantee, at 4.5 from 208 reviews.

  • Whales of the Bay cruise from San Francisco

    €67 per person2.5 hours 4.6 (65)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Visitors with no car
    Why we picked it
    The only whale trip that leaves from the city, at 4.6 from 65 reviews.

  • Private whale watching sail in Monterey

    €846 per group up to 63.5 hours 4.9 (6)

    More details
    Who it suits
    Groups and celebrations
    Why we picked it
    A private boat for your group, at 4.9 from 6 reviews.

Group size is stated for 3 tours only: Monterey Bay whale watching with a biologist, up to 50; Monterey Bay dolphin and whale boat tour, up to 65; Private whale watching sail in Monterey, private, up to 6. None of the 6 includes hotel pickup: you meet on site. All 6 offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Best time for whale watching near San Francisco

The best time for whale watching near San Francisco is March to August for humpback and blue whales. There is a chance of whales in most months:

  • December to February: gray whales pass going south, with a peak in mid-January.
  • March to June: prime time for humpback and blue whales, and gray whales head north again.
  • July and August: still prime time for humpback and blue whales.
  • September to November: still very good for humpback and blue whales.

From San Francisco or Monterey?

Go from Monterey if you can make the drive: there are more trips, and they have the most reviews. Monterey is about two hours south of San Francisco by car.

Go from San Francisco if you have no car. The Whales of the Bay cruise leaves Pier 43 and heads out under the Golden Gate Bridge. It also has views of Alcatraz, but the island is closed to visits from 26 October to 18 November 2026.

For a full day at sea, there are also trips to the Farallon Islands from San Francisco. They run on weekends from April to November and take about 7.5 hours.

Whale watching prices from San Francisco and Monterey

Here is what a whale watching trip costs:

  • Shared trip from Monterey: from €55 per person.
  • Cruise from San Francisco: from €67 per person.
  • Private sail in Monterey, up to 6 people: from €846 for the boat.

Tips for whale watching

  1. Plan for seasickness

    The open ocean can be rough. If you get seasick, take a remedy the night before and again in the morning.

  2. Wear warm layers

    Fog and wind make it cold on deck, even on sunny days. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves.

  3. Check the age and health rules

    Three Monterey trips are not suitable during pregnancy, and two are not for children under 3. Read the booking page first.

  4. Free cancellation

    All six picks let you cancel for free up to 24 hours ahead. That helps if the sea is too rough.

Whale watching: questions and answers

What's the best time of year for whale watching?
March to August for humpback and blue whales, with good trips through November. Gray whales pass from December to February.

Can you see whales in San Francisco Bay?
Sometimes. The Whales of the Bay cruise from Pier 43 heads out past the Golden Gate to look for gray, humpback and blue whales. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I wear for whale watching?
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, a hat and flat shoes with grip. It is often cold and windy on deck.

Can you go whale watching while pregnant?
Not on every trip. Three of our Monterey trips say they are not suitable during pregnancy. Check the booking page, and ask your doctor.

More bay trips, live

More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.

Live prices and availability from GetYourGuide load here.

More outdoors near the bay

Facts checked on 23 October 2026 against: NOAA Greater Farallones: seasons of the sea · Oceanic Society: whale watching · Commonwealth Club: Farallon Islands trip · NPS: Alcatraz Island.

Written by the Things to Do in San Francisco editorial team.