Curious Humpback Whales and Dolphin Pods in Monterey Bay

Our morning charter aboard Ocean Spirit was highlighted by an exceptionally close encounter with three curious humpback whales. While observing a larger group of ten humpbacks in the bay, these three individuals detached from the pod and swam directly to our vessel, lingering just a few feet away to investigate us. The low profile of Ocean Spirit offered an intimate, eye-level perspective as these multi-ton animals slowly maneuvered alongside.

This type of approach, often referred to as friendly behavior, is a classic demonstration of humpback curiosity. When whales choose to initiate contact, they display remarkable spatial awareness, carefully controlling their movements near the boat. Nearby, a highly active feeding frenzy was underway, centered around a dense bait ball. Approximately fifty California sea lions and a massive school of eighteen hundred long-beaked common dolphins worked the bait, driving fish toward the surface.

The morning conditions were typical for mid-July, with a stiff northwest wind of 19.4 knots creating a light chop across the bay. Buoy 46042 recorded a cool water temperature of 54.5°F. Despite the breeze, the high concentration of marine life kept our focus entirely on the water, where the sheer volume of the dolphin pod stretched across the horizon.

Spending decades on these waters teaches us that every encounter is dictated entirely by the animals' choices. Today's quiet, mutual look between species reminds us of the privilege we have to share this dynamic ecosystem with them.