Whale Watching in Humboldt County

Pick a clear, calm day. Bring your binoculars and watch for their spouting.

Optimum viewing months are September-January and March-June. Early morning hours are the best.

The southern migratory season is September - January as the whales make their way to Baja. 
Between March and June, these spectacular mammals return to their northern waters.

The best place to see them is from the water. The experienced and knowledgeable guides from Kayak Trinidad will take you on an unforgettable journey.

The best observation sites on land in Humboldt County are high on the cliffs overlooking the waters.  Shelter Cove, Sinkyone Wilderness State Park otherwise known as the Lost Coast Table Bluff just south of Humboldt Bay - Hookton Rd/Loleta Exit off Hwy 101 Hike to the overlook on Trinidad Head Sue-Meg State Park, north of Trinidad, along the Rim Trail Or just head for the beach.

Here's a link to our "Top Ten Beaches."

Whale Facts:
Grey whales may reach up to 50 feet in length and weigh up to 45 tons. They travel 70 - 80 miles per day at a rate of three to five miles per hour. During their migration the whales will travel in small groups and stay fairly close to the shoreline. During the March-June migration, the whales lead their new-born calves back to the Arctic waters. Look for the blow --- a puff of steam standing up to 12 feet off the water. Where there is one blow, others are sure to follow as they tend to travel in groups of two to six.

Open Map
Close Map