Captain Christian Pebbles
Bodega Bay Whale Charters
Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean are excellent locations for whale watching for many reasons. A few of those reasons are the bay, the quick access to the Pacific Ocean for vessels and the food supply for the whales in the surrounding waters.
During the winter and spring seasons, the gray whales frequently appear alongside their offspring. They find respite and nourishment in the outer Bodega Bay, which serves as a resting and feeding area for them. On the other hand, humpback whales are often observed during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Whale watchers particularly favor these majestic creatures due to their captivating behaviors. They often exhibit remarkable activity, such as breaching and slapping the water’s surface with their pectoral fins or tails. Humpback whales can be spotted offshore, where their food source is located, and they have even been seen in the outer bay when schools of anchovy are present. Over the past years, the population of humpback whales has experienced significant growth, with multiple pods regularly sighted during the different seasons.
The blue whale is massive and cannot be confused with other whales due to its size. Its massive beauty is a remarkable sight, and when you do, you will never forget it. The blue whale usually shows up offshore in the summer and fall seasons. The killer whales, also known as Orcas, have been seen more often out of Bodega Bay in recent years. They have been seen between June and December but are rare sightings compared to the humpback and gray whale. The minke whale is smaller than the humpback whale and is not seen as often. They often travel alone or in pods of two and they have been spotted primarily in the summer and fall seasons.
Of the previously mentioned whales, in my fifteen years of operating my vessel out of Bodega Bay, the most common are the mighty humpback whale and the gray whale. Both whales are friendly and majestic. As a visitor to their environment, I always respect their space and give plenty of distance. With that said, it is not uncommon for them to approach a vessel out of curiosity.
Whale sightings are never guaranteed but if you don’t go you will never know. If you plan on visiting Bodega Bay and wish to experience these amazing and majestic mammals, there are two options: from land or the water. From land, the ideal location is the Bodega Head where you can visualize them when they are close to the coastline. You can watch them blow spouts of water as they exhale and see their fluke as they dive deep.
The other is from the water. There are private charter boats that are operated by sea captains with years of experience from Bodega Bay that will provide you with the experience of a lifetime. Here you can get up close and see the barnacles on the whale, hear the mighty spouting from the blowhole, and even make eye contact with a whale. Whatever choice you make will be a good one.
As Jane Goodall once said, “Whales, like elephants, are so social and intelligent.” Well, I can validate that through my experience, and I would love for you to experience it also.