For a truly quintessential bed and breakfast experience that contrasts the rugged outdoors just off your deck featuring hawks gliding the thermals, whales in season, majestic woodscapes, and surf tossed beaches, it's The Whale Watch Inn, in Gualala, Mendocino County. The Whale Watch Inn is a romantic, Wine Country bed and breakfast.
Featuring an ocean view from EVERY first class, uniquely designed room this is a perfect Northern California getaway. Even the walk to your own individual, one of a kind suite is lined with a carefully tended riot of exotic plants and flowers.
Featuring an ocean view from EVERY first class, uniquely designed room this is a perfect Northern California getaway. Even the walk to your own individual, one of a kind suite is lined with a carefully tended riot of exotic plants and flowers.
Services
Whale Watch Inn is comprised of five separate buildings with a total of eighteen unique accommodations. These range from romantic hideaway honeymoon suites to rooms with a more traditional bed and breakfast atmosphere. Each accommodation offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and/or Anchor Bay cove, private bath, fireplace and private deck area.
We invite you to bring your dog on vacation. We have designated rooms that are dog friendly near our Dog Run. We will gladly provide you with a pet bed, blue pet towel, water bowl and food dish in the room during your stay. There is an additional Dog Fee of $30 per dog per stay; maximum of two dogs per room.
Your wedding can be incredibly unique and completely customized to fulfill your vision down to the very last detail. We have several locations to choose from for both your ceremony and your reception. Depending on the size of the group, it can be held indoors in the Whale Watch Room (up to 60), outdoors, on the grounds (with or without a tent) or even on the beach.
The Mendocino Coast offers a host of outdoor activities. Over 12 state parks, beaches and preserves are within a short drive of the Inn. Water sports, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing and diving are yours to experience. Mendocino County is also the home of some of the best wineries in the country.
The following restaurants are within 15 miles of Whale Watch Inn. Innkeepers will be happy to share their personal recommendations with you as well as make reservations and give directions. Menus are available to assist you in making your selections. These restaurants accept credit cards and will accept personal checks unless noted.
Reviews (22)
Cozzie Wozzie
Aug 25, 2021
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David Washington
Dec 26, 2020
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Ariel H.
Oct 12, 2019
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This inn exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Miren, the hostess, makes you feel so welcome. The room we booked is extraordinarily large and spacious, with a fireplace and heat. The views and the access to the beach are divine. CALL THE PROPERTY DIRECTLY TO BOOK A ROOM. (When I was looking online under Expedia, it said the property was sold out which turned out not to be true. Also, because the owners do not have to pay a commission, you can often get a better deal, something to remember no matter where you book.)
I have never had a better breakfast, one that was brought to our room no less
I have never had a better breakfast, one that was brought to our room no less
Laura T.
Aug 05, 2019
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Amazing place, beautiful views and incredible service
I would highly recommend the Whale Watch Inn to anyone staying on the Mendocino Coast. The rooms are clean and offer incredible views of the ocean. The owner, Miren, is a delightful person and made us feel like part of the family. She served breakfast in the room each day, and they offered wine and cheese in their well-pointed common room called the Whale Room. This room had books, games, refrigerator, coffee, and a microwave in addition to the stunning views.
I would highly recommend the Whale Watch Inn to anyone staying on the Mendocino Coast. The rooms are clean and offer incredible views of the ocean. The owner, Miren, is a delightful person and made us feel like part of the family. She served breakfast in the room each day, and they offered wine and cheese in their well-pointed common room called the Whale Room. This room had books, games, refrigerator, coffee, and a microwave in addition to the stunning views.
Jean J.
Mar 19, 2019
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Cassandra Vanempel
Nov 03, 2018
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Erik Gokbora
Jul 22, 2018
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Suzy V.
Jul 12, 2018
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What a lovely place. We came here for a babymoon and this inn surpassed our expectations. Everything was absolutely lovely. It has all the amenities I wanted - a fireplace in the room, views, two-person tubs, king size beds, private beach access. We picked the Crystal Sea room, and after seeing the other rooms I remain convinced that this is the best room. The bed has a view when you wake up including a skylight, and they bring a gourmet three-course breakfast to your door every morning. The juice is fresh squeezed and the pastries homemade.
Mirena and Robert are absolutely spectacular hosts.
Mirena and Robert are absolutely spectacular hosts.
Chanel H.
Jul 08, 2018
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After my boyfriend fell violently ill on a trip up the coast, we ended up veering into the Whale Watch Inn to see if the had any vacancies so that he could recover. (Gosh I really need to learn how to drive stick shift in case of emergencies). The couple running this bed and breakfast were so hospitable and let us relax in the whale room (most amazing community room ever) regardless if we decided to stay the night or not. So glad we did! While the property is on the older side and could use some updates, everything was perfectly clean, functional and comfortable. It was a million dollar view from
Tessa D.
Jun 13, 2018
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We LOVE this place! Our new favorite little getaway :) The lady we checked in with was so sweet and kind to show us around the property and tell us a little history on the place. Our room is so so clean and comfy with an amazing view, a couple chairs on the porch next to a juccuzz. We got to bring our little dog with a warm welcoming. I can't say enough, oh and huge, warm and delicious breakfast, eggs, sausage, potatoes and fruit!!! This place is so awesome! Love it and can't wait to come backxo
Pallavi S.
May 29, 2018
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This place is just amazing . Our room had amazing views and this place had access to a private beach .
The room had some some journals written by people who had visited this place earlier . It was fun to read through them . The check in ans our process was smooth . Hospitality was great. They also serve you hot breakfast in the morning which was tasty as well as filling . All in all it was an amazing experience .
The room had some some journals written by people who had visited this place earlier . It was fun to read through them . The check in ans our process was smooth . Hospitality was great. They also serve you hot breakfast in the morning which was tasty as well as filling . All in all it was an amazing experience .
Ken A.
May 07, 2018
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First off, I have to say Robert and Miran were wonderful people. They were kind and courteous and very friendly. They served us breakfast that was decent. I could not figure out what the butter and jam was for, then I was reading reviews and saw there were supposed to be croissants - not a big deal.
This place has potential but needs work. They are working on it but there is a lot more work to do. The interiors are dated and musty. Bath fan was super loud. Bath spa did not work. There was construction and maintenance stuff all over the place. Our freezer was hanging out - kinda weird.
I can
This place has potential but needs work. They are working on it but there is a lot more work to do. The interiors are dated and musty. Bath fan was super loud. Bath spa did not work. There was construction and maintenance stuff all over the place. Our freezer was hanging out - kinda weird.
I can
Tyler Hill
May 06, 2018
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Caerley H.
May 06, 2018
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We were lucky enough to have our elopement ceremony at the Whale Watch Inn because my now-husband and I stayed at their breathtaking B&B on our first anniversary, and left enchanted. We knew when it came time to plan the small ceremony we both wanted, this was the perfect place to go.
It's a mixture of all the best things that California has to offer! You get sweeping views of the coast, you're in Sonoma (a mecca of food and wine), and the beachy locals are incredibly laid back and welcoming to travelers.
Miren and Robert (the Whale Watch Inn owners) bent over backwards to make
It's a mixture of all the best things that California has to offer! You get sweeping views of the coast, you're in Sonoma (a mecca of food and wine), and the beachy locals are incredibly laid back and welcoming to travelers.
Miren and Robert (the Whale Watch Inn owners) bent over backwards to make
Wendi A.
Apr 04, 2018
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Go for the views, stay for the hospitality!
We had been beach hoping and leisurely driving south on 1 all day when our Airbnb plans flopped. After several No Vacancies between Fort Bragg and Gualala, we came across Whale Watch Inn by the Sea. It was late so we had no idea of the view but the hosts were incredibly welcoming and lit a fire as soon as we entered the room. The room was outdated and a bit musty, however, it was clean and cozy. The bathroom was spacious and the bed very comfortable. Upon waking, the beautiful view was a huge surprise. Breakfast was a nice addition; fresh pastries, carafe
We had been beach hoping and leisurely driving south on 1 all day when our Airbnb plans flopped. After several No Vacancies between Fort Bragg and Gualala, we came across Whale Watch Inn by the Sea. It was late so we had no idea of the view but the hosts were incredibly welcoming and lit a fire as soon as we entered the room. The room was outdated and a bit musty, however, it was clean and cozy. The bathroom was spacious and the bed very comfortable. Upon waking, the beautiful view was a huge surprise. Breakfast was a nice addition; fresh pastries, carafe
Chris Brandt
Sep 17, 2017
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This place is awesome. The view is spectacular. The host is super friendly and the room and area is perfect. Breakfast was above parr and did I mention the view? Really a EXCELLENT B & B. Beach access. Very much want to stay her again... Highly recommend this location.
Just because this isn't on the top of the list doesn't mean it shouldn't be. They just don't play the marketing game. Why would they need to, word of mouth works well for them..
Just because this isn't on the top of the list doesn't mean it shouldn't be. They just don't play the marketing game. Why would they need to, word of mouth works well for them..
Julia Blania
Sep 16, 2017
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Lourdes V.
Nov 23, 2016
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We just got married this year and after packing and moving two houses into one, we needed some R&R and we found it at the Whale Watch Inn. We drove from Novato through the Bodega Bay fog in November and were blessed to have sunny weather as soon as we arrived. Our room was lovely, the Pacific room overlooking the ocean; we enjoyed seating in the window seat. The two person bathtub and the sounds of the waves contributed to our romantic weekend away from the stress of moving. We enjoyed making a simple dinner at the Whale Watch room and sharing some champagne. The bed was very comfortable!
Ruthie V.
Mar 24, 2016
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Yet another wonderful stay at this resort. It was Valentine's Day weekend and supposed to rain but it didn't and the weather could not have been better!
The new owners are super nice and committed to make your stay enjoyable. Mirren was very helpful with suggestions on where to eat and other places of interest.
We stayed in the Silver Mist Room. A room I stayed in on my honeymoon back in 1996 when the place was probably almost new. Things were different back then but I won't compare because it's not fair to the new owners but I will say that the furnishings and décor
The new owners are super nice and committed to make your stay enjoyable. Mirren was very helpful with suggestions on where to eat and other places of interest.
We stayed in the Silver Mist Room. A room I stayed in on my honeymoon back in 1996 when the place was probably almost new. Things were different back then but I won't compare because it's not fair to the new owners but I will say that the furnishings and décor
M. Kelly R.
Dec 28, 2015
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Recently re-opened, under friendly new management, the Whale Watch has come out of a rather difficult period. That said, there is nothing quite like this Mendocino gem. We just returned from spending a wonderful, long Christmas holiday weekend there, where we stayed in the "Bath Suite". Perched near the bluff's edge, with a spectacular sunrise view of the CA coastline, through well-manicured trees, a fireplace near the foot of the bed with plenty of wood or easy-light logs, a wonderful, nice-sized hot tub room with two walls of windows overlooking the nearby bluffs and water below
Caroline Schumacher
Sep 02, 2015
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Amazing! I stayed here for a week long work trip and loved it! The owners are lovely and made me feel at home from the moment I arrived. The other 24 people in the training I was attending were jealous when I told them about my stay. No one else had such amazing views accompanied with such delicious breakfasts! I would love to come back!!
Stefanie Kraus
Jul 16, 2010
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We had the most wonderful time here! The location is incredibly romantic, tucked away in the middle of nature, views of the ocean from our room and the only sound we heard was the waves crashing at the cliff. But the very best was the private hot tub on the deck, where we could soak in the water while breathing in fresh air and listening to the sound of the ocean. In the morning, a wonderful breakfast basket was delivered to our door with fresh waffles, fruit and homemade muffins - easily the best breakfast ever. Everything was just perfect :-)
