Monterey Bay Whale Watch is often featured in a variety of print, web, and television news about exciting and unusual happenings with whales and dolphins in Monterey Bay, California. Our company is predominantly selected for interviews on current happenings as some of our marine biologists have been active here for over 30 years and are well known from nature documentaries and previous stories. We are knowledgeable about all marine life and give expert scientific based information on all topics about Monterey Bay.
FEATURED NEWS
February 25, 2025 – abc News: Thousands of dolphins swim together in California’s Monterey Bay
February 25, 2025 – AP News: Rare video captures super pod of 2,000 dolphins breaching and playing off Califoria coast
January 29, 2025 – ABC 6: “Super pod” of 1,500+ dolphins, whales recorded by drone camera off California coast
January 29, 2025 – AP News: A miles-long cluster of dolphins has been filmed leaping and gliding across Carmel Bay off the central coast of California, forming an unusual “super pod” of more than 1,500 of the marine creatures.
November 3, 2024 – Daily Mail: Read featured stories about how mysterious clicking sounds reveal rare apex predator lurking in California: ‘Sounded like a human machine’
October 11, 2024 – SFGATE: Read featured stories about killer whales spotted doing seemingly ‘cruel’ act by Central California coast.
VIEW ALL NEWS
February 25, 2025 – abc News: Thousands of dolphins swim together in California’s Monterey Bay
February 25, 2025 – AP News: Rare video captures super pod of 2,000 dolphins breaching and playing off Califoria coast
January 29, 2025 – ABC 6: “Super pod” of 1,500+ dolphins, whales recorded by drone camera off California coast
January 29, 2025 – AP News: A miles-long cluster of dolphins has been filmed leaping and gliding across Carmel Bay off the central coast of California, forming an unusual “super pod” of more than 1,500 of the marine creatures.
November 3, 2024 – Daily Mail: Read featured stories about how mysterious clicking sounds reveal rare apex predator lurking in California: ‘Sounded like a human machine’
October 11, 2024 – SFGATE: Read featured stories about killer whales spotted doing seemingly ‘cruel’ act by Central California coast.
September 30, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee: Read feature stories Four pods of killer whales, including a newborn calf, visiting Monterey Bay and delighting whale-watchers.
September 23, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee: Read feature stories of the spotting of a famous mother-and-son orca duo, Glacier, a 57-year-old male, and his 67-year-old mother, both of whom are unusually old for orcas, as most males live to around 30 and females to about 50.
August 26, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee: Read feature stories about a pod of 10 killer whales displayed dramatic behaviors like leaping out of the water and catching seabirds
August 26, 2024 – KSBW8 Action News: Read feature stories about Marine biologist Nancy Black reporting that a group of orcas, including an adult female and her offspring, was spotted in Monterey Bay engaging in active behaviors like breaching and tail-slapping after feeding on sea lions earlier in the day.
August 7, 2024 – A Fox26News interview with Colleen Talty: Read featured interview about how Monterey Bay is the prime spot for whale watching this summer, with humpbacks being the most common, often seen in large groups feeding on anchovies and sardines, along with sightings of blue whales, killer whales, and even a rare sperm whale.
April 3, 2024 – KTLA 5 News: Read feature stories about Killer Whales hunting Minke Whale – ‘Extremely Rare’: Orcas seen hunting minke whale off California coast
April 3, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee: Read feature stories about Killer Whales hunting Minke Whale – Orca pods combine to hunt sea creature off California. See ‘once in a lifetime’ video
March 4, 2024 – Yahoo! news features Monterey Bay Whale Watch video – Beautiful footage shows Killer Whales spotted on ‘Incredible Day’ off California coast
Killer Whales in Monterey Bay
January 24, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee reports on Killer Whales rapidly approaching boat – Watch as four killer whales — including a baby — torpedo toward tourist boat in CA
January 1, 2024 – The Sacramento Bee reports on baby Killer Whale viewed from Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat – ‘Adorable’ baby killer whale plays and swims off Northern California coast
December 11, 2023 – The Sacramento Bee reports on Killer Whale predation on Minke Whale – Boaters witness ‘incredible’ moment 17 predators hunt creature in rare encounter
November 27, 2023 – Los Angeles Times reports on rare Killer Whale activity – Killer whale punts a sea lion 20 feet in the air to show calf how it’s done
November 6, 2023 – Sacramento Bee reports on unusual behavior of Humpback Whale calf – Baby sea creature plays with sea lions as CA boaters watch in awe
November 1, 2023 – The Advocate of Contra Costa College reports on Ric O’Barry’s visit to Monterey Bay and the Monterey Bay Whale Watch fundraiser for The Dolphin Project – Dolphin Project activist visits Monterey Bay
Oct. 2023 feature stories about the rare white Killer Whale as seen by Monterey Bay Whale Watch crew and passengers. October 20, 2023 – The Carmel Pine Cone: Rare albino killer whale seen Sunday in bay.
October 19, 2023 – People: Whale Watchers Stunned by Sighting of ‘Super Rare’ White Orca Named Frosty
October 17, 2023 – USA Today: Watch: ‘Super rare’ white orca hunts with pod off Monterey
October 17, 2023 – SF Chronicle: ‘Striking white’: An unusual orca calf was seen swimming in Monterey Bay
October 16, 2023 – KSBW 8 Action News: Video: Rare all-white killer whale spotted in the Monterey Bay
Oct. 16 – Fox 11 Los Angeles: White Killer Whale spotted hunting with pod in Monterey Bay
August 4, 2023 – The Sacramento Bee reports on offshore Killer Whales spotted on Monterey Bay Whale Watch trip – ‘Elusive’ creatures – known for hunting sharks – spotted in rare California encounter
July 9, 2023 – SFGATE reports on sighting of Cuvier’s Beaked Whales on Monterey Bay Whale Watch trip – ‘Incredibly rare sighting’ of beaked whale in Monterey Bay
June 2023 feature stories about very large group of Killer Whales. June 30, 2023 – CBS8: Rare video shows pod of 30 killer whales playing, socializing off California coast
June 15, 2023 – Business Insider: Some of the 30 killer whales captured doing flips and playing near boats in California were the same orcas that attacked a pair of gray whales and tried to eat them alive
June 13, 2023 – The Guardian: Whale of a time: pod of 30 orcas bring killer moves to a California bay
June 12, 2023 – SF Chronicle: Video shows largest group of Killer Whales yet off California Coast
June 2023 feature stories about Killer Whales attacking Sea Lions. June 7, 2023 – Los Angeles Times: Two dozen killer whales spotted celebrating a hunt off the San Francisco coast.
June 6, 2023 – SF Chronicle: Video shows new group of Killer whales devouring sea lions on California coast
June 1, 2023 – SF Chronicle: Unusually large group of killer whales is hunting off California’s coast. Their method is ‘pretty brutal’
April 2023 feature stories about survival of orphan whale Aria. April 19, 2023 – NBC Bay Area News video: Orphan Whale Spotted in Monterey Bay
April 19, 2023 – Mercury News: A ship killed her celebrity mother. How Aria the orphan whale survived to play in Monterey Bay
April 2023 feature stories about killer whales attacking adult gray whales. April 4, 2023 – SF Chronicle Whale attack video: Watch dramatic footage of orcas wrestling with migrating gray whales
April 4, 2023 – NBC Bay Area: Drone Footage Captures Pod of Orcas Attacking Two Gray Whales in Monterey Bay
April 4, 2023 – Daily Mail (UK): Gruesome moment two gray whales are forced to fend off ferocious attack from THIRTY killer whales in five-hour battle off California coast
April 4, 2023 – CNN: Drone footage captures rare whale attack
April 3, 2023 – KSBW 8 Action News: Drone footage captures orcas attacking gray whales in the Monterey Bay
April 2, 2023 – SFGATE: Rare footage shows 30 orcas attacking whales in Monterey Bay
March 2023 feature stories about rare North Pacific Right Whale sighting in Monterey Bay. March 13, 2023 – SFGATE: Critically endangered whale spotted in Monterey Bay
March 8, 2023 – The Mercury News: Rare endangered whale glimpsed in Monterey Bay
March 6, 2023 – San Francisco Chronicle: Rare North Pacific Right Whale spotted in Monterey Bay Sunday morning
March 6, 2023 – KSBW Action News 8: North Pacific Right Whale spotted in Monterey Bay Sunday morning
March 5, 2023 – KION46: Rare North Pacific Right Whale sighting in Monterey Bay
Nov. 2022 feature stories about the dog Skipper observing a whale from a Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat. Nov. 8, 2022 – DailyPaws.com: Curious Aussie Meets Super-friendly Humpback Whales up Close in Viral Video
Nov. 3, 2022 – Newsweek: Watch the adorable moment dog meets a friendly humpback whale
Nov. 2, 2022 – USA Today: Watch: Curious dog enjoys close encounter with ‘friendly’ whale
Nov. 1, 2022 – KTLA 5 News: Dog meets friendly whale on whale watching excursion in Monterey
November 21, 2022 – KSBW Action News 8 reports and shows video of Monterey Bay Whale Watch documenting an unusual event – First ever documented humpback whale calf seen off Monterey coast
November 21, 2022 – Monterey Bay Whale Watch marine biologist is interviewed in video from KION News Channel 46 – Dead fin whale found on Monterey State Beach
October 4, 2022 – Newsweek reports on Humpback Whale and Orca interaction observed from a Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat – Humpback Whales Spotted Charging Orca Trying to Hunt in Monterey Bay
September 7, 2022 – KTLA5 News shows video of Humpback Whales interacting with crew and passengers on Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat – ‘Very rare’ encounter with 3 humpback whales captured on video off the coast of Monterey
September 7, 2022 – NBC Bay Area shows video of Humpback Whales interacting with crew and passengers on Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat – Humpback Whales Put on Show for Whale Watchers Off Monterey
July 29, 2022 – Nancy Black and Alisa Schulman-Janigar were involved in Radiolab podcast. The Humpback and the Killer
April 13, 2022 – Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Nancy Black are featured in Part 4 of Our Great National Parks, narrated by Barack Obama and available for streaming on Netflix. Our Great National Parks
October 30, 2021 – Mercury News: Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Nancy Black are mentioned in a Mercury News article. Rare white dolphin – ‘Casper’ – spotted days before Halloween in Monterey Bay
August 20, 2021 – Tom Stienstra: Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Nancy Black are mentoned in travel articles. Rare 90-foot blue whales spotted in Monterey Bay – and humpbacks are jumping, too.
August 12, 2021 – National Geographic: Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Nancy Black are mentoned in travel articles. Why Monterey is the Serengeti of marine life.
March 14, 2021 – KION: Colleen Talty is quoted in a KION News feature. Casper Spotting: The search for the elusive white dolphin.
February 9, 2021 – USA Today: Nancy Black is quoted in a USA Today article about extraordinary Killer Whale behavior. Orcas play with stinging jellies ‘like a dog plays with a ball’
Feb. 6, 2021 – Underwater photos of Orca, by Tony Kallman. Left and middle photos with Sea Nettle.
January 29, 2021 – NBC Los Angeles California Live video: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories. Ross’ Epic Whale Watching Adventure.
January 20, 2021 – Safina Center: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories. Humpback Intervenes at Crime Scene, Returns Next Day with Friend – Never before witnessed: humpback whales investigate gray whale calf carcass.
December 2, 2020 – Mercury News: Nancy Black is quoted in a Mercury News article about a major wildlife success story. What’s behind the big increase in porpoises off Northern California?
September 1, 2020 – Mercury News: Nancy Black is quoted in a Mercury News article featuring a drone video. Orca whale pod frolics in kelp bed near Pebble Beach.
May 2020 – See and listen to a dolphin encounter in this underwater video clip including dolphin sounds recorded using our hydrophone.
May 17, 2020 – Monterey Herald: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories. ‘Frosty,’ the white killer whale, pays a visit to Monterey Bay.
May 9, 2020 – KRON TV: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories. Technology allows you to have fun exploring Monterey Bay from home.
February 19, 2020 – KSBW: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about sightings in Monterey Bay. Orcas spotted early in Monterey Bay.
February 13, 2020 – Mercury News: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about sightings in Monterey Bay. Unusual dolphins and whales team up for feeding frenzy in Monterey Bay.
January 27, 2020 – SFGATE: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about sightings in Monterey Bay. Rare whale sightings surprise sightseers in Monterey Bay
January 23, 2020 – KSBW: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about sightings in Monterey Bay. VIDEO: Dolphins and whales splash around in the Monterey Bay
September 13, 2019 – USA Today: Nancy Black was interviewed for a USA Today article about a group of older female Killer Whales. Orcas dubbed ‘Golden Girls’ grab spotlight off Monterey
June 22, 2019 – New York Times: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whale visitors from the northwest. Pod of Killer Whales Makes Rare Visit to Monterey Bay
June 20, 2019 – Los Angeles Times: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whale visitors from the northwest. A pod of killer whales — with a new calf — swims into Monterey Bay for the first time
June 20, 2019 – KRON4 TV: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whale visitors from the northwest. Rare killer whale pod spotted in Monterey Bay
June 20, 2019 – San Luis Obispo Tribune: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whale visitors from the northwest. Pod of ‘very playful’ killer whales from NW spotted in Monterey Bay — for the first time ever
June 4, 2019 – SFGATE: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in news stories about rare Baird’s Beaked Whales. ‘Most mysterious of all whales’: Rare, weird-looking whales spotted off Monterey coast.
June 2, 2019 – KTVU: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in news stories about rare Baird’s Beaked Whales. Rare Sighting of Baird’s Beaked Whales in Monterey Bay.
April 28, 2019 – KRON4: Nancy Black is quoted in an article about Killer Whales attacking a Gray Whale calf. Graphic video shows killer whales attacking, killing gray whale calf in Monterey Bay.
April 27, 2019 – KRON4: Nancy Black and a Monterey Bay Whale Watch video about Killer Whales tossing a salmon into the air and chasing seabirds were featured in a news article. Very rare sighting of killer whales in Monterey Bay.
April 2019 Video: Killer Whales from Puget sound visit Monterey Bay; “Very Rare Sighting! Southern Resident Killer Whales In Monterey Bay, 35-40+ critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales – including L Pod members – a three-month-old calf (only the second encounter filmed) and several juveniles. They are most often seen in Puget Sound; we first spotted them in Monterey Bay in 2000, and last confirmed here in 2011. Fantastic to see these salmon-eaters here again! (Video taken with high zoom lenses and cropped to show detail). Filmed by FAA licensed drone pilot Mike Kauffmann.”
April 5, 2019 – San Jose Mercury News: Endangered killer whales make an appearance in Monterey Bay
April 4, 2019 – Monterey Herald: Washington-based killer whales seen in Monterey Bay appear to have left
April 2, 2019 – San Luis Obispo Tribune: Endangered pod of killer whales spotted in Monterey Bay — for the first time in 8 years
April 1, 2019 – Seattle Times: Puget Sound’s southern-resident orcas wow Monterey Bay, California, in rare sighting
April 1, 2019 – SFGATE: Famous pod of orcas seen in Monterey Bay for first time since 2011
April 1, 2019 – Q13Fox: ‘Lucky,’ the newest southern resident orca calf, seen swimming off California coast
April 1, 2019 – USA Today: Endangered orcas venture south in desperate hunt for salmon
March 19, 2019 – uk.news.yahoo.com: Lone Orca Swims With Dolphins and Humpback Whales in Monterey Bay. Title correction: The Orca and dolphins were in different areas.
January 18, 2019 – SFGATE: Nancy Black was quoted in an SFGATE article about a newborn gray whale. Rare newborn gray whale seen migrating through Monterey Bay.
August 16, 2018 – SFGATE: Nancy Black was quoted in an SFGATE article about Blue Whales. Blue whale sightings spike off California coast
May 8, 2018 – SFGATE: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in an article about Killer Whales. Watch killer whales take body surfing to the next level in Monterey Bay
April 27, 2018 – SFGATE: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whales. Record number of killer whales show up to feast in Monterey Bay
April 20, 2018 – KSBW: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whales. Orcas hunt gray whale calves in Monterey Bay
April 17, 2018 – SFGATE: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whales. Tourists watch stunned as killer whales hunt, eat gray whale calves in Monterey Bay
April 13, 2018 – Monterey Herald: Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured in articles and TV news stories about Killer Whales. Killer whale season in the Monterey Bay
March 12, 2018 – SFGATE: Monterey Bay Whale Watch drone videos feature migrating Gray Whales and Humpback Whales. Mesmerizing drone video shows whales playing, feeding in Monterey Bay
March 12, 2018 – KSBW News: Monterey Bay Whale Watch drone videos feature migrating Gray Whales and Humpback Whales. DRONE VIDEO: Gray whales dancing in the Monterey Bay
January 19, 2018 – KION TV: Nancy Black interview and drone video feature Gray Whale migration. Gray Whale Migration
January 9, 2018 – SFGATE: Nancy Black interview and drone video feature Gray Whale migration. Beautiful drone video shows pod of 12 gray whales migrating through Monterey Bay
November 19, 2017 – Mercury News: Monterey Bay Whale Watch was featured in a Mercury News article about Blue Whales. Blue Whales invade Monterey Bay
July 11, 2017 – British Telecommunications (BT): British Telecommunications listed Monterey Bay Whale Watch as the company to go with to see blue whales in Monterey Bay. Where to see blue whales in the wild: 5 places around the world
June 8, 2017 – CBS News: Monterey Bay Whale Watch drone videos are featured in news articles. Killer Whales chase down blue whale in rare drone footage
June 4, 2017 – Sacramento Bee: Monterey Bay Whale Watch drone videos are featured in news articles. Sea Lions, Humpback Whales share meal in Monterey Bay video
May 25, 2017 – National Geographic: Nancy Black was interviewed about Killer Whale activity in Monterey Bay. Killer Whales Attacked a Blue Whale — Here’s the Surprising Reason Why
May 3, 2017 – DailyMail.co.uk: Nancy Black was interviewed about Killer Whale activity in Monterey Bay. “Whale wars! ‘Altruistic’ Humpbacks are battling rampaging pod of Orcas off the coast of California trying to stop them killing Gray calves and seals
May 2, 2017 – SFGATE: Nancy Black was interviewed about Killer Whale activity in Monterey Bay. Humpback Whales Interfere as Killer Whales Fed on a Gray Whale Calf
April 28, 2017 – National Geographic Ocean Views: Read an article by Jodi Frediani about Killer Whales in Monterey Bay. A Date with Killer Whales
April 29, 2017 – Huffington Post: Nancy Black was interviewed for several articles about activity in Monterey Bay. Watch orca pack hunt yet another whale calf during ‘unprecedented’ killing spree
April 29, 2017 – Monterey Herald: Nancy Black was interviewed for several articles about activity in Monterey Bay. Biologist: Orca attacks on gray whales up in California bay
April 28, 2017– Mercury News: Nancy Black was interviewed for several articles about activity in Monterey Bay. Large number of orcas seen killing gray whales in Monterey Bay
April 26, 2017 – SFGATE: Nancy Black was interviewed for several articles about activity in Monterey Bay. Whales putting on rare, spectacular show in Monterey Bay
April 25, 2017 – Earth Touch News: Nancy Black was interviewed for several articles about activity in Monterey Bay. Drone films orcas feasting on a gray whale carcass
April 23, 2017 – NBC Bay Area: Nancy Black was interviewed for an article about Killer Whales, including video footage captured from a drone. Killer Whales feasting in Monterey Bay
February 2017 – grindtv.com: A Pacific white-sided dolphin did a series of spectacular backflips during our trip on Feb. 16 – caught on video/stills by Slater Thomas Moore. The article includes an interview with Nancy Black and a link to her Master’s thesis paper. Dolphin stuns boaters with series of backflips across the water; video
January 2017 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Article about our spectacular sighting when a pod of six killer whales caught and tossed a Pacific white-sided dolphin into the air. Nature’s fury displayed when killer whales hunt on Monterey Bay
October 27, 2016 – The Daily Mail, UK: Suzi Eszterhas photographs a mom/pup pair of sea otters. She’s otter-ly devoted! Mother otter keeps her newborn pup dry as the pair swim together
August 10, 2016 – Mother Nature Network: Humpback whales rescuing animals from orcas. Humpback whales around the globe are mysteriously rescuing animals from orcas
July 20, 2016 – Marine Mammal Science: Humpback whales interfering with killer whale attacks on other species. Humpback whales interfering when mammal-eating killer whales attack other species: Mobbing behavior and interspecific altruism?
July 20, 2016 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Large numbers of humpback and blue whales in the Bay. Humpback, blue whales storm Monterey Bay
June 3, 2016 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: This is one of the best whale watching years ever. Whales flooding the Monterey Bay
April 25, 2016 – San Francisco Chronicle: Whale watchers film orca attack in Monterey Bay. On April 23 whale watchers with the Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat tour observed a pod of killer whales attacking a baby gray whale right off Cannery Row.
April 25, 2016 – The Telegraph, UK: Picture of the Day. This is the moment a hungry killer whale toyed with a seal and sent it flying into the air. Photo by Jodi Frediani
August 2015 – PBS and BBC: BIG BLUE LIVE Television Event featured Monterey Bay marine life. PBS and BBC presented BIG BLUE LIVE, a Three-Part LIVE Television Event showcasing marine life along America’s West Coast, including Monterey Bay. The show aired on the BBC starting August 23 and on PBS starting August 31.
October 16, 2014 – KSBW: Photographers Alisa Schulman-Janiger and Jodi Frediani featured on KSBW. PHOTOS: Epic humpback whale breaches in Monterey Bay – Featuring photos taken on Monterey Bay Whale Watch trips by Alisa Schulman-Janiger and Jodi Frediani
October 15, 2014 – GrindTV: Spectacular whale breach photos by Jodi Frediani featured on GrindTV. Whale breach a bit too close for comfort – Breaching humpback whale launches from the water in Monterey Bay and splashes down only yards from awe-struck passengers, rocking their boat Article by Pete Thomas, featuring photos by Jodi Frediani
September 23, 2014 – Monterey County Weekly: Photographer Jodi Frediani and Monterey Bay Whale Watch featured in Monterey County Weekly. PHOTOS: A local photographer captures the giant world of whales in Monterey Bay – Featuring photos by Jodi Frediani taken on Monterey Bay Whale Watch trips
April 27, 2014 – San Francisco Chronicle: Monterey Bay Whale Watch featured in San Francisco Chronicle. Monterey Bay’s bustling marine life brings trouble, too – A pack of 20 killer whales attacked a mother gray whale and its calf.
November 27, 2013 – CBS News: Unprecedented numbers of whales & sea lions feeding in Monterey Bay. On Thanksgiving eve, a feast for whales in Monterey Bay
November 25, 2013 – The New York Times: Unprecedented numbers of whales & sea lions feeding in Monterey Bay. With Extra Anchovies, Deluxe Whale Watching
October 22, 2013 – Pete Thomas Outdoors: Killer Whales in Monterey Bay. Diving whale stars in amazing Monterey Bay Sunset photo – Pete Thomas Outdoors – Sunset Humpbacks! Read the story behind naturalist Katie Dunbar’s capture of a lava-colored waterfall cascading off the flukes of one of the hundreds of humpback whales that have been gorging on anchovies in Monterey for nearly two months.
July 5, 2013 – KSBW: Video of Killer Whale “Fat Fin” breaching next to the boat. Monterey Bay teeming with whales – Killer Whales appeared joyful as they breached near the boat
June 30, 2013 – The Monterey County Herald: Blue Whales in Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay seeing a lot of majestic blue whales – About 2,000 are fattening up along California’s coast.
June 12, 2013 – KSBW: Amazing Killer Whale photos by Daniel Bianchetta. PHOTOS: Orca whales frolic in Monterey Bay
May 8, 2013 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Strong winds lead to an abundance of krill, attracting Humpbacks and other marine mammals. Humpbacks back in the Bay: Strong winds make food abundant
May 6, 2013 – San Francisco Chronicle: Killer Whales tracking and devouring Gray Whales in Monterey Bay. Orca packs devouring gray whale calves in Monterey Bay
February 14, 2013 – KSBW: Blue Whales in Monterey Bay (very unusual for this time of year). Blue Whales spotted in Monterey Bay
January 14, 2013 – Monterey County Herald: Killer Whales hunting dolphins in Monterey Bay. Killer whales seen attacking dolphins in Monterey Bay
January 14, 2013 – Monterey County Herald: Killer Whales hunting dolphins in Monterey Bay. Killer whales on the hunt in the Monterey Bay
October 2012 – World Whale Watch Conference: Monterey Bay Whale Watch is runner-up for Responsible Whale Watch Award for 2012. At the World Whale Watch Conference, held the day before WhaleFest 2012, Monterey Bay Whale Watch placed as runner up for the Responsible Whale Watch Award for 2012!
July 29, 2012 – Sacramento Bee: Once again, exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. North state whale watchers spotting more blue whales this year
July 24, 2010 – Sacramento Bee: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Whales crowd Monterey Bay to feast on krill bonanza
July 12, 2010 – Pete Thomas Outdoors: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Large blue whale gathering a boon for Monterey tourism
July 11, 2010 – San Francisco Chronicle: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Best of times for whale watchers off Monterey
July 7, 2010 – KGO Channel 7 News: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Blue whale sightings on rise in Monterey Bay
July 7, 2010 – Monterey County Herald: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Blue whales visit Monterey Bay in search for food
July 7, 2010 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Blue whales, drawn by multitude of krill, emerge for a feeding frenzy
July 6, 2010 – KSBW article and video: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Spotting Of 28 Blue Whales ‘Once In Decade Event’
July 6, 2010 – KION article and video: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. Rare Blue Whales in the Monterey Bay
July 6, 2010 – KION article and video: Exceptional number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales feeding on krill in Monterey Bay. An Extraordinary Number of Blue Whales and Humpback Whales Arrive to Monterey Bay
July 6, 2010: Killer Whales from Puget Sound Resident L-Pod were spotted off Monterey
January 27, 2008: On January 27, 2008 Monterey Bay Whale Watch sighted about 40 members (some identified as L Pod) of the Southern Residents best known from Puget Sound and an endangered group of whales in Monterey Bay. These Killer Whales were seen again on February 2.
Feb. 26, 2008 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Endangered killer whales emerging in Monterey Bay
Feb. 25, 2008 – Santa Cruz Sentinel: Video featuring Nancy Black: Killer whales visit Monterey Bay
January 28, 2008 – SeattlePI.com: Puget Sound orcas feeding in California — again
January 28, 2008 – SeattlePI.com: California here we come, say Washington’s (hungry) orcas
On November 15, 2008 Nancy Black gave a presentation about Orcas in a Changing World at the ACS Conference in Monterey.
On May 31, 2007 Nancy Black gave a presentation about Killer Whales: Their behavior and ecology in California Waters at the ACS Monterey Bay Chapter meeting.
Read March 28, 2007 Seattle Times article: Orca pod shows off newest member, named L109 for now
Read January 30, 2007 San Francisco Chronicle article: 5 dozen killer whales believed to be hunting salmon off S.F. coast
Blue Planet – Seas of Life TV special was shown on Animal Planet. Monterey Bay Whale Watch is featured in Episode 1 – Ocean World, and in Episode 9 – The Making of the Blue Planet.
Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet featured Monterey Bay Whale Watch in the television show Caught in the Moment, Episode Seven: Monterey Bay. For details see Caught in the Moment on the Animal Planet website.
The Gray Whale Obstacle Course PBS Special originally aired on July 19, 2006, and was shown again on August 16 at 8 p.m. Part of a series of Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures, this special traces the Gray Whale migration from Alaska to Baja California and back. In Monterey Jean-Michel interviews local killer whale expert and biologist Nancy Black. Local scenes include killer whales attacking a gray whale mother and calf.
Killer Whale Attack Caught on Tape KNBC-TV, Los Angeles (April 2006).
Spring and Summer Sea Life in Monterey Bay California Tour and Travel (2005).
Monterey Bay Whale Watch sponsored a fund-raising whale-watching boat trip for the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS/MB) on Sunday, August 21, 2005.
On August 2, 2005: Nancy Black gave a presentation entitled Orcas: Behavior and Ecology of Killer Whales at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA.
On May 25, 2005, a story about Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Nancy Black, and Killer Whales was featured on the CBS Evening News.
On May 11, 2005, Nancy Black and Monterey Bay Whale Watch were featured on the Today Show on NBC.
The BBC film “Killer Whale: Killer Culture” was featured on the Discovery Channel on September 14, 15 and 21, 2004. Nancy Black and Richard Ternullo of Monterey Bay Whale Watch were scientific consultants on the film project for parts filmed in Monterey Bay as well as in Alaska.
Chasing the Killers: Killer whale researchers document the recent violence of Monterey Bay Monterey County Weekly (June 2004).
Orcas feast on harvest of gray whale calves San Francisco Chronicle (May 2004).
Watching’s better than killing, says man who’s done both Dolphin World (Oct. 2003).
Killer Whales — Killing Other Whales National Geographic News (March 2003).
February 25, 2025 – abc News: Thousands of dolphins swim together in California’s Monterey Bay
Nancy and her team were instrumental in achieving the unachievable, making TV history and finding a Blue Whale during a live broadcast to millions of viewers across the US on PBS, and across the UK on the BBC. Big Blue Live was one of the most ambitious live natural history documentaries ever attempted, carrying a vital message of hope and celebration of probably the greatest conservation success story on the planet – the protection and recovery of Monterey Bay. The ultimate (impossible) goal was to find a Blue Whale on live TV, and Monterey Bay Whale Watch achieved this not once, but twice!!! Thank you to Nancy and indeed the entire community of whale watching operators of Monterey Bay who helped make Big Blue Live a success.
~Adam White and Angela Haines, “Big Blue Live” 2015
Monterey Bay Whale Watch makes dreams come true. The team of professional and passionate biologists care deeply about the ocean and understand the importance of connecting guests onboard with Monterey Bay and the incredible diversity of marine life that call the Bay home. The individual attention given to each guest during the expedition is as much a gift as the voyage itself. As we looked through binoculars scanning the horizon for whale spouts, sea lion aquatics, pancake- shaped sunfish and numerous pelagic birds – the crew patiently answered questions, infusing each of us with fascinating marine biology facts. The morning fog began to lift as the boat headed towards a flurry of birds, I looked beside the boat awe struck as rafts of sea lions kept pace with the boat. We’d been cruising for nearly an hour when a tall teenage boy yelled “There, there!” and pointed off the port side of the vessel. Every passenger ran to his side, looking fervently into the blue abyss while collectively holding their breath. The naturalist aboard began explaining over an intercom that humpback whales, on average, come up every 7 – 15- minutes for air. Less than a minute already felt an eternity. We needed confirmation, with our own eyes and finally, magically it emerged. What began as two glorious humpback whales turned into an unimaginable feeding frenzy of 33 whales within the hour. On the ride back to the harbor passengers, who were strangers only hours before, leaned into each other sharing photos and fish tales of the miracle they had just witnessed.
~Angela Hains, Environmental Storyteller and formerly with the Monterey Bay Aquarium