Whale Watching Companies Thriving - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

MONTEREY , Calif- Fisherman's wharf is seeing the biggest impact. Central Coast News talked with all four whale watching companies out there today. They all said they've seen business double and on the weekend sometimes tripled their regular totals. We're talking about raking in tens of thousands of extra dollars, "It's been nothing short of spectacular," said Benji Shake. People are scrambling to check out the rare sight blue whales in Monterey Bay .

Benji Shake owns Princess Monterey Whale Watching Company. He said the company is so busy right now there's a waiting list for weekends and most people are making reservations days in advance, "People are coming from all over the country. Even the locals are coming and that might as well be like coming from another country because the locals never come!" said Shake.

It's no wonder why a lot of you can't get enough of the whales. You can see them literally coming right up to the boats and after a trip out on the bay people are staying to dine and shop, "The restaurants are doing well the candy stores. I've got a friend that has a jewelry store he ran out of whale tails," said Chris Arcoleo, owner of Chris' Fishing Trips.

While the extra cash is a huge help to these local businesses they say the money is nothing compared to seeing their customers so excited, "You got to see these people come off the boat they are absolutely insane," said Arcoleo.

Submitted by Shannon Hogan, Central Coast News