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Optional Activities
Some activities are not included in the registration fee.
See below if additional fees are required.

3-Mile Coastal Trail Walk
Wednesday, September 16  |  9:00 AM
Optional and Free!

In town early but no morning plans? Put on your sneakers, grab a coffee, and join Amy and Jamie for a morning walk along the coast!

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved, scenic path stretching from Castroville to Pacific Grove. We will walk a small portion of that trail from the hotel to Lovers Point and back, which is about 1 ½ miles each way. It will be a great way to get some steps in, experience the bay, and hopefully spot some otters, sea lions, and whales along the way!

Walk & Shop Cannery Row
Thursday, September 17  |  10:00 AM
Guest / Spouse Meet-Up
Optional and Free!

Meet up with other guests and spouses and spend the morning exploring Cannery Row. This historic waterfront street is full of restaurants, galleries, shops, and stunning ocean views. This is a great opportunity to get to know the other guests, pick up some souvenirs, and scope out your lunch spot for later. The conference session ends at 12:30 PM today, so no rush getting back!

Kayak Adventure
Thursday, September 17  |  2:30 - 4:30 PM
Adventures by the Sea
Optional with Additional Fee

There is no better way to explore the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary than on a kayak!  After lunch on Thursday afternoon, meet other attendees at the water’s edge for a private kayak tour. Our knowledgeable guides will share information about the ecology of the Bay, the history of the area, and the biology and habits of the varied marine life. In abundance along the shoreline are harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, marine birds, and sometimes jellyfish and whales!

The $85 fee includes:  2-hour Adventures by the Sea guided tour, “sit on top” kayaks, dry bags for electronics, “splash gear” pants and jacket to wear over your clothes, and guaranteed wildlife sightings and fun with fellow attendees. The tour launches right underneath the Monterey Plaza Hotel, so no transportation needed!  Tour gratuity is not included.

Private Whale Watch Charter
Friday, September 18  |  2:00 - 5:00 PM
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Optional with Additional Fee

Let’s get out and see some whales!

This is your chance to get out on the water and experience a private 3-hour charter with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Our adventure takes place aboard the Sea Wolf II, a 70-ft single-deck vessel owned and operated by marine biologists, with capacity for up to 65 Pac-West attendees. On board you'll find restrooms, an indoor cabin, and a galley stocked with soft drinks, water, and snacks. Feel free to bring your own food or beverages — just no hard alcohol or glass containers.

The $115 per person fee covers the 3-hour charter. Transportation to/from Fisherman's Wharf, meals, drinks, and crew gratuity are not included.

Monterey whale activity is year-round, thanks to the remarkable depth of the Monterey Bay Canyon — a world-class habitat that draws whales close to shore to feed. In September, expect opportunities to spot humpbacks, blue whales, gray whales, orcas, dolphins, and much more. (Click here to see 2025 September sightings).

If you've never watched a humpback whale breach or lunge feed right in front of you, you're truly missing out — it's an experience you won't forget.