Whale Excursion at Moss Landing, California

Photo by Peg Spencer

Watery spray from the whale blasted up right next to the boat with a sound that was from the books, from the movies, and one I'd been dreaming of hearing in person for as long as I could remember. We off the coast of Moss Landing which is just north of Monterrey on a whale excursion.

Early this morning we arrived at the Moss Landing Marina, a light layer of clouds covered the sun giving the morning a gloomy appearance. Despite the low light, my mood was light, nervous, and anxious excitement. I was going on a whale watching trip with my mom and we were filled with curiosity of exactly what the day would bring.

Photo by Peg Spencer

As the time to gather neared, we left the car and wandered over the the assigned meeting location for the journey. The sun began to peak out as the clouds began to roll away. I new this was a good sign as clear days, make it easier to spot whale spouts when they came up for air. As the captain and first mate explained the safety rules, my stomach jumped a little, nervous at the concept of being on a smaller boat than I was accustomed from previous whale/dolphin excursions, nervous at the possibility of sea-sickness. The what-if's kept rolling through my head.

Photo by Peg Spencer

After the rundown of safety rules our tour group headed down the docks to the boat. After spying the boat, mom paused and said "That's it? That's awfully small." I smiled, put on my brave face and told her it would be great, but I too was a little anxious about the size of the craft. We boarded, the crew gave final safety instructions and a little tour of the boat as the captain and other crew pushed off from the dock and we motored out of the marina toward the open ocean. We stayed near the read of the boat to start our journey, watching the water, bouncing over the waves, and listening to the roar of the engines. The sun was bright and sky clear. It wasn't long before a spout was seen and off we went in the direction of the whales.

Photo by Peg Spencer

Over the next few hours we spent much time near a drop-off in the water where Humpback Whales, Seals, and various other sea life came to feed. We watched in amazement as the sides, backs, tails, and heads of the whales would breach the surface and sink back down. When a blowhole appeared, a spray of water would come up as the whale took a breath before sinking back into the water. Fascinated by the sight I hung over the edge of the boat with many others, all jockeying for position along the rail to watch the whales. A few more daring souls hung off the front (highest and bounciest point) of the boat. The cautious ones hung back, utilizing the benches, staying in the shade and watching the whales from a little farther away. No matter the position in the boat, all stared in awe at the views.

Time was finally up, many growing hungry as the day progressed along, ready for a good lunch. Some exhausted from the early morning start and a day in the sun. We eagerly turned our attention back to shore, ready to depart from the boat and head on our ways, memories of whales and seals all swirling in our heads. Finally as we docked and departed I felt a mix of happiness to be off the boat and moving about again and sadness as I was once again leaving the water. It was a day to remember, and a day with amazing sights, smells, and sounds.