Accessible Whale Watching Boat Drops Anchor In Monterey Bay

Main cabin aboard Princes of Whales
Photo by Charles Pannell

You could say Heidi Tiura and Steph Dutton are mavericks, of sorts. After all, they captained the first non-smoking whale watching boat in Monterey Bay history. As their fleet grew, they moved their Sanctuary Cruises north to Moss Landing. Today Heidi and Steph still explore the waters of Monterey Bay, and just last year they offered up yet another first; their Princess of Whales luxury catamaran became Monterey Bay's first wheelchair-accessible whale watching boat.

Accessible "head" aboard
Princes of Whales
Photo by Charles Pannell

As an amputee, Steph has first-hand knowledge about the access obstacles people with physical disabilities face on a daily basis. He wanted the Princess of Whales to be wheelchair-accessible, so he had a boarding ramp and a threshold plate custom built for the vessel. Now, wheelchair-users can roll right on to the Princess of Whales. Once on board, they can either transfer to a seat in the main cabin or opt to wheel around outside on the main deck. There is also a compact accessible head (toilet) on board.

The twin-hulled Princess of Whales provides a comfortable and stable ride around Monterey Bay. Whales can be sighted in the Monterey Bay waters year round. The playful humpback whales are present in the spring, summer and fall; while the gray whales take up residence in the winter.

Steph and Heidi have a great respect for the whales and the marine environment. They never approach a whale head on; instead they try to ease in along their flanks or from behind. They maintain a respectful distance at all times, so as not to spook the whales. In turn, this gentle approach encourages the whales to move about more comfortably while the boat is in the area. Above all Steve and Heidi have a great love for these gentle giants. Their motto is, "Whales are for lookin,' not for cookin'!"

Sanctuary Cruises offers daily whale watching cruises aboard the Princess of Whales. All cruises depart from Moss Landing. Tickets for the three to four hour cruises are $35 for adults, and $25 for children under 12 years old.

Sanctuary Cruises is located at "A" Dock in Moss Landing, just 20 miles north of Monterey on Highway 1. For more information about Sanctuary Cruises' whale watching expeditions, visit www.sanctuarycruises.com or call (831)643-0128. Consult the Summer 2002 issue of Emerging Horizons for details about accessible tourist attractions and accommodations throughout the Monterey Bay area.