Top Monterey & Carmel Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go on a spectacular whale watching tour of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary with your experienced captain narrating the entire way. The boats range from 53’ to 70’, and they are equipped with bathrooms and plenty of seating. Your captain will guide you through the bay and find where the whales are playing. You just need to be ready and waiting with your eyes and cameras.

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.

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.

Sophisticated and glamorous, Carmel-By-The-Sea sits on the Pacific just two hours south of San Francisco. The town isn’t all ritz, though—11 fairytale cottages line the hilly streets like something from a children’s book. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll escape the crowds and explore the houses at your pace, led by a knowledgeable guide right in your pocket.

Explore Monterey’s famously scenic 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific Coast—and learn the stories behind the sights as you go—with this self-led audio driving tour. Upon booking, download the tour and use it as many times as you like. The live GPS map will keep you on track, and the audio tour functions without Wi-Fi. See highlights like Cannery Row, Spanish Bay, Lone Cypress, and much more as you go.

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.

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Discover one of the most scenic rides in the world on our electric bikes. Famous for its beauty, 17-Mile Drive offers the ultimate experience to explore the peninsula. Our electric bike guided tour is a great way to see the enchanting world full of spectacular coastal views, iconic golf courses, and the most photographed tree in the world. You will ride from our bike shop in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and your guide will take you to all of the best spots in Pebble Beach. You'll pass iconic landmarks such as, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Point Joe, Spanish Bay, and Crocker Grove, which is home to the largest and oldest Cypress Trees in existence. Take lots of photos so you can share the beauty with your friends who couldn’t make it, and then cycle back to our shop.

California’s Highway 1 is a scenic and beautiful route that many visitors and locals alike enjoy driving, mainly for the views alone. Skip a crowded bus tour and book this Big Sur PCH Highway 1 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour instead that allows you to explore the area at your own pace in the comfort of your own vehicle. Listen to the audio guide as you drive and take in fun stories, too.

Transportation by local driver guide using full size sedan car or SUV at additional cost. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer state park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe and McWay Falls and many other places. This is a private tour not a group tour.

Travel around California’s central coast in a GPS-guided Sea Car on this tour. Go for a spin in a self-drive 2-seater convertible that not only navigates itself, but talks to you along the way. Cruise through areas of Monterey and Pacific Grove as you hear fun facts about major landmarks, and see well-known spots such as Cannery Row, Lake El Estero, and Asilomar State Beach.

Our wine/brew tours are for those that wish to experience award winning California wines and unique craft beer while travelling in a 1970 VW bus.

Get the full California experience while you listen to this ultimate bundle of narrated audio Golden State drives. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe, seek celebrities in LA, and take a cruise down the rugged Pacific Coast Highway. In the Bay Area, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and hear stories of start-up success in Silicon Valley. For the best experience, stick to the route and suggested speed limit. Check opening hours before your visit.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and fragrances of an E-Bike tour of the Monterey coastline. Each E-Bike has it's own cell phone holder and the tour begins on your cell phone, download our App and follow the mapped line through the blue pins. Those pins trigger the audio portions of the tour where the narrator tells you more about where you are. The Scenic Tour is the most popular but if you have an interest in history, we also have the Historic tour, also included in the rentals.

Famous for its beauty, 17-Mile Drive offers the ultimate experience to explore the peninsula. Our electric bike guided tour is a great way to see the enchanting world full of spectacular coastal views, iconic golf courses, and amazing wildlife. You will ride from our bike shop which is located in the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa right next to the Rec Trail on historic Cannery Row. Your guide will take you to the most beautiful and historic spots in Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. You'll pass iconic landmarks such as Cannery row, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, , Lovers Point, Asilomar, Spanish Bay, Bird Rock, The Lone Cypress, and the World Famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. Complimentary valet parking with the Monterey Plaza Hotel when you book a tour!

Experience in the scenic splendor of the California coast, its forested interior, and patchwork of agricultural fields on this self-guided audio driving tour along Highway 1. Start in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and head north toward Monterey, all the way to Santa Cruz Beach. Along the way, drive through quaint towns like Fort Ord, Castroville, Moss Landing, Aptos, and Capitola.

Experience 17-Mile Drive in a whole new way with this affordable driving tour from Monterey to Carmel by the Sea. • Venture off of the main road to explore some of the rewarding sights found along this stretch of Monterey’s peninsula including some of the oldest Cypress trees in existence • Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, a California native with a penchant for telling stories • Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.