12th Annual Whalefest Monterey

Whalefest Monterey, an "edutaining" family friendly event, will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza - Monterey State Historic Park. It includes fun activities for all ages, musicians, boat displays and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local organizations.

Whalefest Monterey benefits many local and national marine organizations that educate, inspire, and empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). Of special note is that in 2022, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will be celebrating its 50th anniversary of ocean protection and the 30th anniversary of the local Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The event will also feature a 2-day Symposium with world-renowned marine experts and historians at Heritage Harbor adjacent to the Recreation Trail and just steps away from the Wharf. The Symposium is held at an indoor venue generously made available by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It will follow their COVID protocol which requires proof of vaccination or negative test within 24 hours to enter as well as wearing masks, subject to change.  For current information, see website.

Whalefest Monterey will feature many educational and engaging displays from local, regional and national non-profits.  Live and on-line.

Whale watchers come from around the world to view hundreds of whales, orcas, dolphins and pelicans who come to feast on a “krill and anchovy buffet” in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Throughout the year, this Whale Watching Capital of the World offers sightings of 15 species of whales, 10 species of dolphins, 2 species of porpoise, 6 species of pinnipeds and 1 species of Fissiped (sea otter).