CITY OF THE LOCATION GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Custom Charter: Private whale-watching aboard Sanctuary from City of the location
Private two-hour charters launch from Moss Landing aboard Sanctuary—an intimate, biodiesel-powered vessel with marine biologists on board to guide year‑round wildlife encounters.
Custom Charter: Private whale-watching aboard Sanctuary from City of the location.
Whale watching on Monterey Bay is a year‑round proposition, and Sanctuary Cruises’ private charters from Moss Landing are designed to give a small group relaxed, extended time with the animals; the operator reports whales and/or dolphins on well over 95% of their trips and staffs voyages with marine biologists aboard the stout, sea‑kindly Sanctuary.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Year‑round cetaceans and a rich marine cast
Monterey Bay yields different species across the seasons—humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales, orcas and a steady procession of dolphins—along with sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds and pelagic visitors that make each charter unpredictable and memorable.
Sanctuary: a small, efficient platform
The Sanctuary is a 43‑foot Delta Marine twin‑engine vessel that runs pure biodiesel; she offers a comfortable cabin with upholstered seating and outside areas both covered and uncovered for closer-to-water viewing.
When to expect which visitors
Spring brings gray and humpback whales and orcas; summer opens the season for blue whales as well as abundant dolphins and pelagic life; fall and winter each have their own mixes of humpbacks, orcas and gray whales—making Monterey Bay productive in every season.
What the day feels like
What the charter feels like
A private charter aboard Sanctuary feels intimate and unhurried: small groups spend extended time searching the bay, with marine biologists narrating behavior and identification while the crew eases the boat around feeding flanks or holds position to let the animals decide the encounter.
THE WILDLIFE
Year‑round cetaceans and a rich marine cast
Monterey Bay yields different species across the seasons—humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales, orcas and a steady procession of dolphins—along with sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds and pelagic visitors that make each charter unpredictable and memorable.
THE VESSEL
Sanctuary: a small, efficient platform
The Sanctuary is a 43‑foot Delta Marine twin‑engine vessel that runs pure biodiesel; she offers a comfortable cabin with upholstered seating and outside areas both covered and uncovered for closer-to-water viewing.
THE SEASONS
When to expect which visitors
Spring brings gray and humpback whales and orcas; summer opens the season for blue whales as well as abundant dolphins and pelagic life; fall and winter each have their own mixes of humpbacks, orcas and gray whales—making Monterey Bay productive in every season.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private charter suits—and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters run year‑round; different species peak by season (e.g., humpbacks spring–fall, blues in summer, grays in winter). Trips are scheduled from Moss Landing—advance booking is strongly recommended as cruises can sell out.
Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof outer layer if you plan to ride outside; wear flat‑soled, securely laced shoes. Bring a hat, polarized sunglasses with a keeper, sunscreen, camera with extra batteries/storage, and binoculars if you use them. Snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks are allowed but no glass or coolers; a snack bar is available on board.
The operator offers relief bands for rent, ginger snacks and aromatherapy and recommends staying on deck for fresh air, focusing on the horizon, and bringing remedies or pre‑treatment if you are prone to motion sickness.
Sanctuary has a single restroom on board and carries life jackets for all passengers; the operator limits guest numbers to about 85% of the vessel’s USCG capacity to keep charters small and comfortable.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do you guarantee a whale sighting on every trip?
No—nature is not guaranteed—but Sanctuary Cruises reports seeing whales and/or dolphins on well over 95% of trips; if you do not see a whale or dolphin you will receive a whale check to return for another trip for free, subject to availability.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Advanced purchase is strongly recommended because cruises often sell out well in advance.
What happens if weather makes the trip unsafe?
Cruises will proceed in light rain or mild weather; if the captain determines conditions are unsafe the cruise may be cancelled up to one hour before start time, with options to reschedule or receive credit.
Are children allowed on board?
Children are welcome, but children under 5 are not permitted; a 1:1 adult/child ratio is required for children ages 5–8 and a reduced rate applies for children 12 and under.
How close will the boat get to whales?
The crew maintains respectful approaches—never head on—and will often ease along a whale’s flank or put engines in neutral to let animals determine the interaction; if whales approach, the boat will stop engines and wait.
Are dogs or service animals allowed?
No; dogs and all animals, including service animals, are not allowed on board.
Are pregnant women allowed on cruises?
Healthy pregnant women are permitted during their first two trimesters, but should avoid travel if prone to seasickness or if there are other risk factors.