About Sanctuary Cruises
Sanctuary Cruises is a marine wildlife tour operator based at Moss Landing Harbor, positioned directly above the head of the Monterey Submarine Canyon — one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth and the single best whale watching location on the California coast. Founded by marine biologist and naturalist Captain Michael Sack, the company operates a 43-foot biodiesel-powered vessel purpose-built for small-group wildlife encounters, with a maximum of 28 passengers per trip to ensure everyone gets an unobstructed view.
Tours run year-round, capitalising on the canyon's extraordinary productivity: grey whales migrate past in winter and spring, while summer and autumn bring massive aggregations of humpback whales, blue whales (the largest animals ever to live), and orcas that feed in the nutrient upwelling zone. On any given trip, passengers also encounter Pacific white-sided dolphins, Risso's dolphins, sea otters, elephant seals, and pelagic seabirds including albatrosses and shearwaters. Every cruise is narrated by trained naturalists who provide real-time species identification and ecological context.
What distinguishes Sanctuary Cruises from larger whale watch operations is their commitment to science-grade naturalism on a small, agile vessel. Their biodiesel power plant, small group sizes, and departure from Moss Landing — the closest harbour to the deep canyon — means shorter transit times to whale habitat, lower environmental impact, and a more intimate, educational experience. For serious wildlife enthusiasts, this is the gold standard of Monterey Bay whale watching.
