Whale Watching on the Central Coast

From December to May you can watch gray whales from the bluffs here, because they migrate within a mile of shore. There are about 18,000 of them in the eastern North Pacific, by NOAA's 2025/26 estimate. Summer is blue whale season. They come to feed on krill in the upwelling zones, but they stay 5 to 20 miles out, so for them you need a boat.

The Species

Gray Whales

Gray whales make a 10,000-mile round-trip migration between their Baja California lagoon breeding grounds and their Arctic feeding grounds. They travel close to shore and can often be spotted from land.

• Southbound migration December through February
• Northbound migration mid-February through May (mothers with calves travel last, through May–June)
• Where to see them Any high coastal bluff, since the whales travel within a mile of shore

Blue Whales

Blue whales are the largest animals that have ever lived, up to 110 feet long. They gather off the Central Coast from late spring through early fall.

• Season June through October, peaking July–September
• Where to see them Offshore, typically 5–20 miles out; boat trips recommended

Humpback Whales

Humpbacks are the whales most likely to put on a show: they breach, lob their tails and sing. They're here most of the year but most abundant May through November.

Other Species

• Orcas (killer whales) transient pods, sometimes seen hunting gray whale calves in spring
• Minke whales small and fast, easy to miss but common offshore
• Dall's porpoise black-and-white "sprinters" that bow-ride boat wakes
• Pacific white-sided dolphins sometimes in pods of hundreds or thousands

Best Viewing Spots from Shore

Montaña de Oro State Park

The Bluff Trail looks out high over the open Pacific. During the gray whale migration, you can often spot spouts and flukes from the trail without binoculars.

Morro Rock

The base of Morro Rock has a 270-degree ocean view. Bring binoculars and watch for spouts offshore during the migration. Our Morro Bay travel guide covers the beach on its north side.

Point Buchon Trail

Access is through PG&E's Point Buchon Trail, from the south end of Montaña de Oro (sign in at the trailhead). The trail runs along high sea cliffs above the surf.

Pismo Beach Pier

A popular whale-watching spot in gray whale season. Walk to the end of the pier early in the morning for the best chance of a sighting.

Boat Tours

Blue whales and most offshore species are out of sight from land. From Morro Bay, Sub Sea Tours runs three-hour whale-watching trips: gray whales from December to May and humpbacks from May to November. Virg's Landing also runs whale-watching trips from the harbor.

Tips for the Best Sighting

Go early, when the sea is usually calmer and spouts are easier to see. A gray whale's spout is a heart-shaped puff up to 15 feet high. Pick a stretch of horizon and sweep it slowly, and watch for diving seabirds, which often mark the fish the whales are feeding on. A whale can stay under for 5–15 minutes between breaths, so give each stretch time.

Protecting What You Watch

Keep all boat approaches to 100 yards from large whales. If a whale approaches your vessel, put the engine in neutral and let it pass. These animals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.