Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) are a stocky species that can reach a length of 12m (40ft) and weigh as much as 36 metric tons (40 tons) The identifying features of this whale are the short dorsal fin and a row of "knuckles" running down the midline.

Each year gray whales
journey from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm breeding lagoons in Baja California (Mexico) and back again. This migration is the farthest than any other mammal.

The population of the Gray Whales is estimated to be 14,000 to 18,000 most living in the eastern North Pacific.

The annual Gray Whale migration can be seen from the shores of Monterey bay, Point Lobos and Big Sur. Whale watching tours are also available.