Whale watching tours plan for future reopening with modifications

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) People are enjoying recently reopened restaurants at the Monterey Fisherman's Wharf, but owners of tourist attractions are wondering when they will be able to join them.

Whale watch and boating tours on the wharf have been closed since March.

Owner of Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center, Nancy Black, said she is ready to reopen this Summer. Black said she is already preparing her boats for that day.

Black plans to limit the number of people on each tour. She said she has installed sanitation stations inside the boats. Social distancing reminders are already placed throughout the loading dock.

"All of our crew is highly trained on this. They're going to keep everything clean. They will sanitize all boats between trips and throughout the trips as well. Everybody will be wearing masks," said Black.

Black said she typically books full tours throughout the Summer.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center had to lay off their entire staff during the shutdown. Black said she hopes to bring employees back after they reopen.