Monterey Bay is a dream destination for wildlife photographers due to its rich biodiversity and accessible opportunities to capture a wide variety of marine and terrestrial species. Here one can capture images of sea otters floating in kelp forests, humpback whales lunge feeding at the surface, and harbor seal pups learning to swim in tidal waters. The region is also a renowned destination for bird photographers, with pelicans, cormorants, egrets, and herons found year-round. The bay’s mudflats and beaches also serve as vital stopover points for migratory shorebirds, including sandpipers, whimbrels, and willets, while large flocks of dunlins gather in the winter months.
For landscape photographers, the Big Sur coastline, just south of Monterey, is one of the most iconic landscapes in California, with its towering cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, creating a perfect backdrop for dramatic sunset and sunrise shots.
Wildlife viewing in Monterey is done by pontoon boat, ocean vessels, kayak, and on foot. Accommodations range from charming boutique hotels to luxury hotels with an ocean view. Â
Give us a shout! Suzi and her expert team are happy to talk to you.
Suzi Eszterhas is a professional wildlife photographer based in California. With over 20 years of experience leading photo tours, Suzi shares her knowledge and exclusive access to incredible locations
all over the world. She has a loyal following of photographers of all levels who join her in expeditions so booking ahead is essential.Â
She has photographed over 100 magazine covers and features stories, which include TIME, Smithsonian, BBC Wildlife, The New York Times, Audubon, Ranger Rick, and National Geographic Kids. Her ability to tell compelling visual stories has made her a sought-after photographer, with her work also featured on GoodMorningAmerica.com and TodayShow.com. She is also the author of more than 29 books, including her recently released coffee-table book New On Earth: Baby Animals in the Wild. Suzi was awarded as the Outstanding Photographer of the Year by the North American Nature Photography Association and has won numerous awards in many competitions, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. Suzi also plays a key role in the photography world as the jury chair for the prestigious Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition, further cementing her reputation as a leader in the field.
Suzi’s tours sell out early, but we do get cancellations. Just email us to get on a waitlist.
And make sure to sign up to our mailing list to receive tour announcements.
The journey begins with a personal call with Suzi to discuss your interests and dream destination.
From there, she will craft a customized itinerary, curating a one-of-a-kind wildlife adventure
tailored just for you. It’s easy! Simply email us to get started.
CST # 2097753-40
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. All images Copyright Suzi Eszterhas.
