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

Photo gallery for 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.
Crashing waves outside the front door.
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.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Mendocino, CA
  • Place, Russian Gulch State Park
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
    ‪8 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
On ocean bluff. Must be supervised.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Small dogs only.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you 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 trash
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Mendocino

Located in Mendocino, this vacation home is near a water park and on the waterfront. Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and Kelley House Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Mendocino Art Center and Sea Glass Museum. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Skunk Train are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
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Map
Mendocino, CA

What's nearby

  • Russian Gulch State Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Point Cabrillo Lighthouse - 8 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Skunk Train - 17 min drive - 18.2 km
  • Glass Beach - 23 min drive - 19.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪World's Largest Salmon BBQ - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Brickery Pizza - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Waiting Room - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Goodlife Cafe & Bakery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Little River Inn - ‬9 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat?

As of Apr 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whale Watch House: Oceanfront/Near Mendo Village/a Private Retreat on Jun 23, 2026 start from $560, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the 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?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

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

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 181 out of 192 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 192 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 192 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 192 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 192 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The views were amazing, house is fun and the property owner was wonderful
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 2nd time at the Whale Watch, first time was 10 years ago. We love the view and the nice neighborhood. The house is set up perfectly for guests. It’s very close to town. We will definitely be going back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were there for our 20th Anniversary. Stayed for a week. The view was amazing! Pictures do not do it justice. We saw many deer on the property. Sea lions swimming by, a few whale spouts and seals that were sleeping on the rocks right outside the property. We had every meal at the house, kitchen had everything we needed. Beds were very comfortable. We had our 3 little fur babies with us, there is a little dog run on the side of the house that was perfect for them. We were sad to leave but know we will be back again!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joyce P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everyone was professional and friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at Whale Watch House. The house has the most amazing ocean views and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great coastal home!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable home with beautiful location right on the ocean—home has all the supplies you need for cooking, sleeping and games/books—good restaurants, nearby, and places to go walking— my family looks forward to staying here every year
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our favorite place to stay on the Mendocino coast! 12/10
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Lynn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Description, reviews, photos were all spot on. Home was comfortable, sooo convenient, picture-perfect. Not one glitch in the communication, check-in or out, no problems at all with the house and its amenities. Couldn't be more convenient to Mendocino, Fort Bragg...the entire coastal area. We've been doing VRBO and local resorts for over 35 years and have two canine kids that travel with us half the time, and this property and management were welcoming to all of us! Oh! And whale watching...we sighted over 40 blows in the few days we were here...right from the front deck and THE LIVING ROOM!!! Dare you to beat that!!!! :-)) Worth every penny.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luz G.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lurene R.

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Nick V.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie B.

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

Beautiful views and peaceful area.

The views at Whale Watch are absolutely amazing. And it lives up to its name, we were able to see whales and sea lions. It was perfect for our family of 5 as a home base while we explored the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy G.

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

Spacious home with killer views!

We stayed at Whale Watch for 5 days and wow! Great location between Mendocino and Fort Bragg with amazing views overlooking the ocean. Spacious rooms and a stocked kitchen. Comfortably fit our group of 6. Would definitely recommend this stay for anyone looking for a tranquil getaway to the coast.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous location!

Views and atmosphere is amazing! Beds were super comfortable & everything was well appointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie B.

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

Whale Watch

This is a great property
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sunny E.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful home with a spectacular view! The home is well appointed, very clean, well kept, the kitchen has plenty of gadgets and appliances, and the furniture perfectly situated for maximum ocean viewing. The owners were easy to work with, they responded promptly, and the home directions were clear. We also liked the separate tv / family room. Our granddaughter (5) could play with her new friend there while we chatted with her mother. Fabulous home overall!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Awesome View

Loved it! It rained all weekend but still a perfect getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas F.

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

Whale watch

Great time lots to do nearby
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy F.

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

About the host

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

Host profile image
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.

Languages:

English

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