Entire home

Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat

If the whales are out there, this chair on the deck is perfect to whale watch.

You are welcomed by our Whale Watch Bear.

The spacious deck looks out to the ocean---great for whale watching.

Large craftsman home showcasing native redwood paneling.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Air conditioning
Washer
Fireplace

Explore the area

Mendocino, CA

Russian Gulch State Park
Agate Beach
‪3 min drive‬
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Lower Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Mid-level Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat

This Pacific Ocean retreat is ideal for those seeking peace, quiet, and spectacular sunsets. The Whale Watch House is located in one of Mendocino’s best-kept and most-exclusive coastal neighborhoods just one mile north of the historic Mendocino Village .

This craftsman beauty features an open floor plan. Through the many large picture windows you will enjoy unparalleled views of the blue Pacific Ocean while your privacy is ensured by the surrounding grove of mature cypress trees. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and biking just outside the front door. The main entrance to Russian Gulch State Park and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse are both within walking distance.

Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon glass of wine on the large deck and watch the seals, migrating whales, as well as an abundance of wildlife including black tail deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, foxes, brown pelicans and other sea birds.

Book your reservation now so you too can revitalize and relax to the soothing sound of waves crashing on the rocks below. You will experience why first time visitors become repeat guests.

Keywords: House

Property manager

Harvey and Jackie Moranda 530-519-9383 (J) 530-514-2095 (H)

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

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Like a View from the Bow of a Ship watch local surfers or migratory whale travel

Sea view
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

On ocean bluff. Must be supervised.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Small dogs only.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys

Turn off the heat.

If you have time start a load of towels.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

In addition to $50 pet fee-- there is additional $500 pet deposit, refundable

Covid 19 may require a booking to be cancelled. We must adhere to the Counties requirements. If so, guests will receive a full refund.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mendocino

Located in Mendocino, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and Kelley House Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Sea Glass Museum and Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Mendocino, CA

What's nearby

Agate Beach - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
Mendocino Art Center - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Caspar Headlands State Beach - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse - 7 min drive - 3.6 km
Mendocino Headlands State Park - 9 min drive - 4.2 km

Getting around

Santa Rosa, CA (STS-Sonoma County) - 133 min drive

Restaurants

‪Goodlife - ‬5 min drive
‪David's Restaurant & Deli - ‬12 min drive
‪Rhody's Garden Café - ‬10 min drive
‪Frankie's Ice Cream Cafe - ‬5 min drive
‪Patterson's Pub - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park and within 3 miles (5 km) of Russian Gulch State Park and Agate Beach. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Lurene R.

11 Jun, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place, Incredible Location, Will Come Again

This was a very special getaway with our family and our stay was 5 star!! It was perfect in every way.Hope to come again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Nick V.

17 May, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, quiet location

If you're looking to unwind, this is your spot. Comfortable, quiet, private, and close to town.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Terry T.

14 Jun, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home, deck & ocean views. Nice kitchen, bedrooms, beds, 3 baths, big windows, hot tub. Noticed musty smell when we first walked in. Would have preferred mowing was done before arriving. Overall positive & enjoyable stay. Thanks!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

20 May, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whale watch

Been there before, a few years back and they have updated many aspects of the house. Well done. Hosts we a pleasure to deal with!!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sunny E.

27 Mar, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning View!

Such a wonderful property, close to town with an amazing ocean view. We saw seals and whales, and enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the waves. Hosts were very easy to communicate with. It was the perfect place for our girlfriends getaway!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

11 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short Stay

The property is amazing, I wish we could stay for whole week. Such a fun house, in a beautiful spot, and sooo relaxing!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie B.

17 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whale Watch

This is a great property

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luz G.

22 Nov, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly stay on the stunning Mendocino Coast

We enjoyed our stay so very much! A great place to be with family.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tammy F.

13 Jan, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Weekend

We had a great stay at Whale Watch. We loved looking for whales from the deck and having our morning coffee and afternoon wine out there as well. It was a beautiful place to unwind after the holidays. Thank you for sharing your home.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica M.

19 Feb, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views!

This property was perfect for our low key bachelorette weekend. We all fit comfortably. The ocean views are amazing! The deck was perfect to sit and relax and watch the waves come in. The heater worked great and we loved the additional heaters in the bathrooms. The community is also beautiful. We saw deer on the property and in the neighborhood every day. The property could use some updates (bed sets and bathrooms), but the furniture was nice and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this property and I hope to come back in the future!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

17 May, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great ocean view!

Great location to all of the surrounding beaches and great ocean views from the house.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda J.

19 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect views

This is a lovely house in a great location, between Fort Bragg and Mendocino. The house is a great setup with 2 areas to gather inside and the perfect deck to gather outside. I would love to spend days on that deck watching the surf…

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol W.

9 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls retreat

Fabulous views— comfy family home —great neighborhood—well stocked home—

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lloyd K.

29 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Special

The views on this property lived up to the pictures. It was a wonderful weekend and the house worked out well for three generations; my wife and I, my son and his wife, and their daughter. The kitchen well equipped and the beds were comfortable. The hot tub was also an added bonus.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas F.

23 May, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whale watch

Great time lots to do nearby

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey G.

10 Jan, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family New Year

We had a wonderful stay. The view cannot be beat. We look forward to our next visit.

Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

William N.

15 Jul, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

Weather was incredible! Whale watch is a great name, as we saw a few throughout the stay from a distance. Very quiet and relaxing location.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

15 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Whale watch house

We stayed for seven days at the whale watch house to celebrate birthdays and And had the most amazing time. The house sits right on the ocean and we could hear the waves as we slept at night. We had fires in the fireplace in the evening. The kitchen is completely stocked with everything you could possibly think of that you might need. The town of Mendocino in Fort Bragg has the best little shops and restaurants. Can’t wait for our next visit

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie H.

17 Dec, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Communing with Dear Friends and Nature

We are a group of 3 couples who don't get to see each other much or enough. We spent 3 glorious days at Whale-Watch connecting each other and nature. The space is big enough , each couple With a comfy bed and bathroom, and a living , dining kitchen area that overlooks the sea. Gorgeous views, and intimate enough space to spawn great conversations as we cooked, hung out, watched the waves and ate our meals. The kitchen had everything a good cook wants and needs! We saw deer, otters, seals, and bioluminescent waves. We were close to areas for foraging and waking in the woods . It was perfect. We will be back!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

korrie B.

14 Dec, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place!

We absolutely loved the whale watch! The home was beautiful and well stocked with kitchen amenities! We will definitely be back.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

23 Jun, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Never Disappoints

Great property in a great location. The ocean view cannot be beat. This is a very comfortable and accommodating home. Unfortunately, the cool and windy conditions this year kept us inside most of the time. However, the view is nearly as good as being outside on the deck.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

15 Feb, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, relaxing whale watching adventure

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing weekend with beautiful views. This house has everything you need and is very comfortable. We saw whales and sea lions right from the back porch, and enjoyed the hot tub while watching the waves. We will return!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol W., Fair oaks, ca

6 Aug, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect girls trip

Our time at Whale Watch was fabulous again. We enjoy the home in any weather as it is always beautiful. We saw several whales this year Looking forward to coming back next year!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

MARY S.

2 Dec, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ocean views

Relaxed on deck to gorgeous ocean views. Very private.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Patricia R., Florence, USA

4 Oct, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

My daughter (Maine), her best friend (CA Bay Area) and I (Oregon) met in Mendocino for a 4 night vacation. The location is beautiful; the home is lovely; and we had a great time.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Harvey and Jackie Moranda 530-519-9383 (J) 530-514-2095 (H)

We are mostly retired now. Harvey is a rancher -- and these ranchers never completely retire. Jackie is a retired school teacher. We are finally getting to the place where we have more time to enjoy the coast and all it has to offer. Our children and grandchildren (Idaho and Arizona folks) love to get their 'ocean fix' over here at Whale Watch House. A special treat for them is to ride the Skunk Train and to hunt for treasures on the many beaches. But, for us, just being here is very special.

Why they chose this property

We are used to country living; that is, lots of privacy. When we first saw Whale Watch House nestled in among the many mature trees, we knew we had found our quiet, coastal retreat with all the privacy we enjoy. Every time we walk up those steps to the deck, come around the corner to the front door, and see that ocean out in front of us . . . . well, we know all over again that we made the right decision to make Whale Watch House our coastal home-away-from-home.

What makes this property unique

We are looking out for the safety of all our guests, so this home has been equipped with hand rails in all bathrooms and along the two sets of stairs inside. Automatic night lights on the inside stairs. Lower bedroom has a door for easy access from the small yard, so easy to bring suitcases in. Suitcase stands in all bedrooms.