Top Monterey & Carmel Nature and Wildlife Tours

Look for whales during a boat tour from Monterey, the premier destination in northern California for winter whale watching. Learn about the majestic animals from a marine biologist or naturalist guide who shares detailed commentary about the whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and natural history of the region.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California's most famous whale-watching destinations.

Discover the natural and manmade beauty of 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike tour from Pacific Grove. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground without getting worn out. The tour is great for the whole family, with the option to ride tandem with children weighing up to 120 lbs (54 kgs). Along the way, learn about the area from your guide and make stops at impressive viewpoints.

Leave the mainland behind for the afternoon, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Monterey Bay, on this family-friendly whale-watching excursion. Grab a lifejacket and hop aboard: With your marine biologist guide’s assistance, you’ll look out for orca and humpback whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and much more as you cruise. As you go, take in the coastal views, and relax in the sea breezes.

If you’re looking to explore Point Lobos but find yourself short on time, this Point Lobos Nature Hike from Carmel-by-the-Sea fits in big highlights in just a little amount of time. A guide knows the best ways around the wooded and cliff-filled areas so you can see more of its beauty. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as otters, seals, deer, and sealions while you hike along with your small group.

Enjoy an independent sightseeing tour by Sea Car to discover Monterey Bay and the Central Coast at your own pace. Aboard a 2-seater, GPS-guided convertible that navigates itself, you can cruise along the Pacific shoreline or through town. Listen to recorded commentary about attractions like Monterey’s historical center, and admire views of the ocean. The scooter car tells you where to drive, from Cannery Row and more.

Discover a new side of Monterey—and get up close and personal with its wetlands and wildlife—on this family-friendly boat tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and hop aboard your electric-powered catamaran. The boat offers up-close views of the Elkhorn Slough, an estuary that’s home to animals ranging from sea lions and otters to bird species and more. Learn more as you go from your naturalist guide.

Explore so many wonderful spots in Big Sur with this self-drive audio tour that goes down the Pacific Coast Highway, California’s Highway 1. Just download the app, then get the map and password, and your route is all there, marked for you. You get to keep this information forever- it does not expire. You can go at your own pace, and choose where you want to stop and spend a little extra time.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and wine walking tour. With a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll learn about the history and gourmet culture of Carmel, an upscale enclave known for its charming architecture and cozy, small-town vibe, as you visit local eateries to sample locavore and ethnic dishes, chocolate, and wine. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

Drive through the streets of Monterey and Pacific Grove in a Sea Car, a 2-seat vehicle with GPS-enabled tour narrative. Skip renting a car and make your own way around Fisherman's Wharf, Lover's Point, and Cannery Row.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a self-guided audio tour Discover the seaside charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea—and enjoy an independent way to explore—with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the tour and set off at a time that works best for you. Your GPS-assisted tour works offline, and will guide you directly to the town’s top attractions, from local landmarks and art galleries to public parks and more. As you go, learn more about the town’s rich history.

We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and most comfortable boats operating in Monterey – the 110 foot Princess Monterey and the 100 foot Atlantis Monterey. Heated cabins with large windows for easy viewing and comfort in any weather. Indoor and Outdoor seating with a 360-degree walk-around deck. Optional VIP Upper Deck seating is available for an additional per person charge upon check in if space is available. Vessels exceeding all United States Coast Guard safety requirements with full inspections and certifications. Professional Marine Biologist and Naturalists to narrate the experience. We cannot take children under 3 years old or pregnant women on our trips

Sea Goddess Whale Watching promises a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience. Our whale watching tours depart from Moss Landing, right at the mouth of the Monterey Bay Canyon, one of the largest underwater canyons in the world! This nutrient-rich zone attracts all types of marine life, making Moss Landing the best place for whale watching tours in the entire Monterey Bay. With many migratory whales, we’re able to offer guaranteed whale sightings year-round. Since we our tours depart out of Moss Landing – Less Travel Time than Monterey wharf departures, and More Whale Watching Time! The Biggest & Nicest Boats on Monterey Bay with 360 Degree walk around deck, interior cabin with windows and clean bathrooms Premium VIP Upper Deck seating available (best for viewing) Favorite Whale Watching Tour by both locals and tourists Marine Biologist Tour Guides to narrate your experience FREE parking on street if available

From fairy-tale cottages nestled in the trees to millionaire mansions along the beach, the charm and beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea is unparalleled. While we take in the beautiful vistas, learn the history and stories surrounding some of our most famous buildings and residents. Conquer hills that you thought impossible with our powerful Pedego Electric Bikes! Hello fun.... The Carmel-by-the-Sea eBike Tour is a slow-paced tour covering approximately 12 miles. Part is focused on tree-lined streets in the sleepy neighborhoods of Carmel's "Golden Rectangle." When we ride the 3-mile Scenic Drive along the Ocean, it's hard to know which way to look.....gorgeous beach on on e side and gorgeous homes on the other! The variety of homes is stunning, including homes by Charles Sumner Green, and Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a favorite for architecture fans.

Monterey Bay is one of the greatest places in the world to find whales and with the added bonus of a sunset viewing in the summer/fall months, you can't go wrong! Each tour is narrated by a Naturalist/Marine Biologist onboard who can find the wildlife, tell you fascinating facts about the animals, and answer all of your questions! Our boats are smaller in order to provide a more intimate and personal experience for all of our guests. -2.5-3 hour tour -Snacks, sodas, water, beer/wine available onboard for purchase -Whales, dolphin, sea lions, sea otters, sea birds, and other wildlife are all possibilities

If you’d like to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Scenic Road but don’t want to be stuck in a group tour, try this Carmel-by-the-Sea Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour. This tour allows you to download the VoiceMap app on your smartphone and listen to the tour as you walk along the road at your own pace. Highlights include the Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright, Carmel Beach Overlook, and La Playa Carmel Hotel.

Make exploring the Monterey Peninsula effortless and fun with this scooter rental plus self-guided tour. You’ll head out on two wheels from Cannery Row, following your GPS to spot sea lions, otters, and whales; explore Lover’s Point Park; scope out Point Pinos Lighthouse, and more. Of course, you’re also welcome to explore wherever the wind takes you, too.

There’s no place on earth like California, and this ultimate bundle gives you the complete Golden State experience! Cruise down the picture-perfect Pacific Coast Highway, spot some celebs in LA and hit the beaches in historic La Jolla. Or take time to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature at Lake Tahoe or Joshua Tree National Park. Plus, hack into the tech sector in Silicon Valley and cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran! California’s a huge, beautiful state, so why limit yourself to just one part of it? Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a unique password and the app. Download the app onto your phone and enter the password. Then download the tour inside. When you arrive, go to the designated starting location to start the tour. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. No expiration — The tour comes with lifetime validity! This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Looking for a little backcountry adventure with gorgeous views? Take an e-bike ride with us on the Old Coast Road Tour! From panoramic ocean views to the enchanted redwood forest, experience Big Sur on the pioneer’s wagon road. What once was a road for horses and wagons has evolved into a rough 4x4 dirt road that runs 10 miles through the hills and valleys of northern Big Sur. Much of the ride is through the middle of a 7,100 acre ranch that has been running cattle here since 1834. Depending on the season, there may be cows on the road! The hills are intense, so be ready to challenge your balance. Our powerful Pedego eBikes smooth out the daunting climbs. But riders over 180 lb should be prepared to pedal when climbing the hills. And be ready for some long descents on loose dirt (or mud in the winter). Local guides will make the ride come alive with fun info about the flora & fauna that we pass along the way. There's so much fun history that makes Big Sur special!

Explore Monterey as you play a scavenger hunt game with your smartphone during the 2-hour Monterey Puzzling Adventure. Proceed at your own pace with your own group of friends or family, using your skills to answer questions at a variety of locations in Monterey. You can stop the clock between questions in order to visit each location in depth. Simply download the game to your smartphone, and play when you’re ready.

This is a private day trip in a luxury vehicle to Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach etc for your own party of one to six people. You go to places of your interest in that area at your own pace, spending the time you want, starting at 4 hours and being able to add extra hours for Big Sur and the Redwoods. With a chauffeur-driven car, there is no worry about which roads to take or spending time looking for suitable parking.