MOSS LANDING BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
RHIB Rush: Intimate, High‑Speed Whale Watching Out of Moss Landing
A fast, open‑air 2.5‑hour RHIB trip from Moss Landing that puts a six‑passenger group close to humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins and the other wildlife of Monterey Bay.
RHIB Rush: Intimate, High‑Speed Whale Watching Out of Moss Landing.
From Moss Landing you launch straight into the heart of Monterey Bay’s feeding grounds aboard Ocean Spirit, a fast, open‑air RHIB built for small groups. With a maximum of six passengers, the trip is designed to maximize time with wildlife—humpbacks, blue whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters and seabirds—while keeping transit time short and encounters personal and close to the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Small‑Group RHIB That Puts You Close to the Water
Ocean Spirit carries up to six passengers on a fast, open‑air rigid inflatable—an active, close‑to‑the‑water alternative to larger whale‑watching boats that favors personal encounters and photography.
High Sighting Rates and Seasonal Variety
Trips see whales and/or dolphins on well over 95% of departures, and the bay hosts seasonal species from humpbacks and blue whales to gray whales, orcas, dolphins and a wide array of seabirds and marine mammals.
Fast In‑and‑Out from Moss Landing
Leaving from Moss Landing places you near Monterey Bay’s feeding grounds so the RHIB can reach wildlife quickly, giving you more time on the water and less time in transit.
What the day feels like
What This Feels Like
This is an active ocean outing: open to the elements, close to the water, and paced by the animals. The RHIB’s speed and small group size let the captain move efficiently to where whales or dolphins are working the bay; when animals choose to approach, the crew stops and lets the encounter unfold on the animals’ terms. Expect spray, wind, brilliant seabirds and intimate encounters with whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters.
THE EXPERIENCE
A Small‑Group RHIB That Puts You Close to the Water
Ocean Spirit carries up to six passengers on a fast, open‑air rigid inflatable—an active, close‑to‑the‑water alternative to larger whale‑watching boats that favors personal encounters and photography.
THE WILDLIFE
High Sighting Rates and Seasonal Variety
Trips see whales and/or dolphins on well over 95% of departures, and the bay hosts seasonal species from humpbacks and blue whales to gray whales, orcas, dolphins and a wide array of seabirds and marine mammals.
THE ADVANTAGE
Fast In‑and‑Out from Moss Landing
Leaving from Moss Landing places you near Monterey Bay’s feeding grounds so the RHIB can reach wildlife quickly, giving you more time on the water and less time in transit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should exercise caution.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Warm layers, a waterproof outer layer and a secure hat; polarized sunglasses with a keeper cord and sunscreen; a camera or phone with a strap or secure pocket; secure, flat‑soled shoes (no heels, flip‑flops or open‑toed shoes).
Small snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks are allowed; please no glass, alcohol or large coolers.
Expect ocean spray and cooler temperatures on the water—dress warmly and consider motion‑sickness precautions if you are prone to seasickness.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do you guarantee whales on every trip?
No—nature is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed; however, the operator reports seeing whales and/or dolphins on well over 95% of trips.
How long is the trip?
Tours run approximately 2–3 hours, with the listed duration of 2.5 hours.
How many passengers are on Ocean Spirit?
Ocean Spirit carries a maximum of six passengers, making it a very small, intimate whale‑watching experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If wind, swell, fog or other ocean conditions make the trip unsafe, the captain may reschedule or cancel; guests may be offered a reschedule subject to availability or credit for a future trip.
Is there a restroom on Ocean Spirit?
No—Ocean Spirit is a small RHIB and does not have a restroom, so plan accordingly before departure.
Is this trip suitable for children?
It can be, but children must be able to remain seated, follow crew instructions and safely enjoy an open‑air ocean ride; contact the operator if you have questions about very young children.
Are life jackets required?
Life jackets are available for all passengers and the captain may require them depending on conditions; children must wear life jackets as required by law and crew instructions.
Can I bring a dog on the boat?
No—dogs are not allowed on Ocean Spirit.