Why Monterey
Most West Coast ports need a long run to reach genuinely deep water. Monterey does not. The submarine canyon is the largest and deepest on the west coast and comes close to shore, so there is more time on productive water, less time transiting, and a real chance of rarities within a day trip.
Trips depart from the Monterey Bay Whale Watch centre at 84 Fisherman's Wharf. Reservations are required. See the trip information page for preparation and directions. Seabird trips carry a two-week cancellation policy.
What you might see
The species list covers everything recorded on these trips: shearwater diversity, Black-footed Albatross, three jaeger species plus South Polar Skua, storm-petrels including the nearly California-endemic Ashy Storm-Petrel, and alcids from Rhinoceros Auklet to Tufted Puffin.