Muir woods and Monterey Whale watching

[cornishfrogboy]

Re Monterey. We went with Monterey bay Whale watching. It was around 4 hours and from 0900 or so. We say Albatrosses, Sea Otters, Rissos Dolphins x 200, Grey Whales x2 and Humpbacks x 10. It was excellent, particular.y the Oceanographer, Will and his commentary.

Re Muir Woods, like the other posters, We used Dylan's tours. Again, highly reccomended (but not what you are seeking).

You will find photos and commentaries of both events on my trip report..

California N to South at Easter .

[jdouds]

Just read some bad news for you , 3 y old probably not allowed to go whale watching with S C.

[jdouds]

Would suggest Santa Barbara for southern stop

[Brennanhough]

Thanks for your advice- looked at sanctuary and the lates cruise that day is 10:30am so that would be too early anyway. Others have a 2pm cruise which would be a lot better. Any other suggestions of things to do in Monterey?

Think we will give Muir woods a miss if that’s the case. Will try and see some on the big Sur I think. We want to get plenty of stops in so might be a good chance to stretch our legs.

[grant_w]

There's plenty of other things to do in the Monterey area, especially if you like wildlife.
We did the following:
1) Elkhorn Slough Safari - A boat tour into the Elkhorn Slough where you see sea otters, sea lions, seals, loads of birdlife and its a great place for photos.
2) Monterey Bay Kayaks - we did a guided tour in Elkhorn Slough rather than in Monterey itself as there are more sea otters there but it was a great couple of hours kayaking in the slough with sea otters, sea lions etc swimming around us.
3) Monterey Bay Aquarium - one of the best I've been to.

I'd go back to all in a heartbeat, loved all of them

[red cuillen]

We stayed in a nice Holiday Inn at Watsonville, as we didn't fancy the crowds in Monterey. Moss Landing State beach is nice, will probably see the sea otters in the slough there, I also saw the plovers running up and down the beach from their nests (as per pixar shorts - Piper). Had planned to do the inland Elkhorn national esturine reserve but of course it was closed that day I'd chosen (mondays I think). Moss Landing itself btw is rather industralised, the beach is best accessed off Jetty Road. The Elkhorn Slough Safari sounds good! My family did the Monterey Aquarium, nice to do once they said but very expensive and busy!