Feeding Humpback Whales and Sea Lions in Monterey Bay

Mirror-calm surface conditions greeted us across Monterey Bay this morning, with light southeast winds under two knots providing exceptional visibility. We documented approximately 45 humpback whales across the area, continuing a strong multi-day aggregation concentrated over rich forage grounds.

Surface activity was widespread throughout the morning. Whales engaged in repeated pectoral slapping and full breaches, while several groups worked in close association with an estimated 1,500 California sea lions to corral baitfish near the surface. In autumn, these multi-species feeding aggregations are typical of the bay's productive waters, with sea lions often driving schooling fish toward the surface where humpbacks capitalize on the concentrated biomass.

Several whales approached Sanctuary during our morning drift, surfacing quietly alongside the vessel before resuming foraging dives. With water temperatures around 62°F and virtually no swell, watching their movements beneath the glassy surface offered clear insight into their feeding dynamics.

Runs of calm weather paired with this density of feeding animals provide an excellent window into late-season foraging behavior in the bay.