California

Find 3 pelagic birdwatching trips in California, United States, departing from ports including Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA, Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA.

Monterey Bay Pelagic Seabird Cruise

Monterey Seabirds

United States › California
  • Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA
  • Year-round with peak August–October; 8-hour and 12-hour departures available on selected dates (predominantly weekends during peak season); see montereyseabirds.com for current schedule and booking
  • $125 per person (8-hour Monterey Sea Canyon); $160 per person (12-hour offshore Albacore Grounds)

Pioneer Canyon Pelagic Birding Trip

Alvaro's Adventures

United States › California
  • Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA
  • Multiple dates per year; peak dates August–November, with winter pelagics (February–March); also departs from Monterey, Morro Bay, and Bodega Bay on selected dates; see alvarosadventures.com/pelagic-dates-2026.html for current schedule
  • ~$200–$210 per person; see alvarosadventures.com for current pricing

San Diego Offshore Pelagic

San Diego Pelagics / Buena Vista Audubon

United States › California
  • Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
  • Selected dates, August–November
  • $130–$180 per person

Further Reading

When to Go Pelagic Birding in the United States

A seasonal guide to pelagic birding across the US, covering the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.

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Best Pelagic Birding Trips on the US East Coast

A regional guide to the top pelagic trips from Cape Hatteras and New England canyons to Florida's tropical seabirds.

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Best Pelagic Birding Trips on the US West Coast

A regional guide to West Coast pelagics: Westport's shearwater flocks, Oregon's Heceta Bank, San Diego's tropical rarities, and Alaska's seabird colonies.

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