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.

Relax on 53’ to 70’ boats of one of the longest running whale watching companies in the area
Rest easy as there is a bathroom on board for passenger use
Be entertained by your captain’s commentary on board
Enjoy the beauty of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and the powerful whales

What's Included

Restroom on board

Snacks
Lunch
Bottled water

Meeting And Pickup

Departure Point

You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.

Return Details

You may disembark at any of the available stops.

Ticket Redemption Point

48 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

What To Expect

Whale Watching Tour

1 Stop

1 Point of Interest

Duration: 3 hours

Operating Schedule: Departures daily at 10am. Check in is at 9:30am.

48 Fishermans Wharf

Points of interest passed by on this route

Monterey Bay

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

180 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 180 reviews

I didn't see anything

Alexander_R, Feb 2023

The boats leave later than the initial time, I could not see anything you see in the photos, I am not really satisfied with the experience.

Grey Crew and Experience

Lindsay_T, Dec 2022

It’s a little late in the season to catch the whales migrating but our boat crew knew exactly where to head. Wildlife is unpredictable and once the whales go underwater there’s no way to know where they’ll come up again. But we followed along a group of 4-5 Grey Whales and got some good views.

Saw whales! = WIN 🐳

Nirelia_I, Nov 2022

Saw 4-5 humpback whales, loads of seals (or was it sea lions?), many birds, otters, and jellyfish. Be prepared for the cold at this time of year though, and a fairly long ride out to where the whales are at. Also, keep your eyes on the horizon to best avoid seasickness 🤞🏾

The operator had alot of...

Lavell_B, Oct 2022

The operator had alot of knowledge and useful information about the animals and the environment. This was very useful for understanding where the animals would be and why they were there

Wonderful time whale...

Colette_W, Sep 2022

Wonderful time whale watching!! Beautiful experience and also enjoyed the cute sea otters and sea lions!!

Wonderful and Then Boredom

John_B, Aug 2022

The tour was an hour too long and the waters were very rough. More people were discomforted than appeared to be enjoying the trip. Maybe a Dramamine warning in the company's advertisements.

Well worth it!

Rhiannon_C, Aug 2022

Great experience! Was a little worried about sea sickness and yes it was rocky in places but I didn't feel ill. The whales were amazing-saw humpback and blue. Also saw dolphins. Was a really enjoyable few hours!

Amazing experience and opportunity to get up close

Gary_S, Aug 2022

Such an amazing experience. So much sea-life to see. Pelicans, sea lions , dolphins, sea otters and humpback whales. We got up close to these amazing creatures. Tickets were easy to pick up from the ward on the way and they were very helpful and welcoming. The crew were very informative and knowledgeable about the sea life which added to the experience. A calm sea on the day of our trip. Really thoroughly enjoyed and worth the cost.

Wonderful experience! Nature at its best.

Christopher_E, Aug 2022

A great experience, thanks to an amazing crew and patient captain who did his best to tell us about the sea life At Monterey Bay. We saw dolphins, seals and of course whales. I would definitely do it again. Highly recommended.

Good

Richard_S, Aug 2022

We got to see 2-3 whales, some dolphins and sea lions. I would’ve liked soap in the bathroom. The staff were pleasant.

Whale Worth It!

Natalie_C, Aug 2022

This was a perfect trip! You are pretty much guaranteed to see whales! The area we were taken to was very active with humpbacks and sea lions. We enjoyed this excursion and would definitely recommend it.

Saw Whales and Other Marine Life

Christina_G, Jul 2022

We had a very good experience. The crew pointed out different Marine life from sea lions to sea otters and birds. We saw about 7 or 8 whales. The waters were a little choppy, and the crew was helpful to those who were dealing with sickness. Braving the sea was worth it to see the whales though!

Whale watching adventure

Helen_G, Jul 2022

Very professional and informative crew lead us out into rough seas. .We managed to see plenty of whales for the duration A magical experience for all the family

terrible, people vomiting around the boat all directions!

Rebecca_B, Jul 2022

we chose a smaller boat thinking it would be easier to watch the whales and to follow them, and indeed they were quite near, but the whole experience was horrible due to very wild navigation in a very shaken ocean that lead to 80% of the boat vomiting around the deck, while crew were denying people to access bathrooms and asked them to go vomit on the back of the deck... people would not be able to cross, due the amount of people watching and starting vomiting on wach other. An awful site for me and my kids to experience, and not enough crew to clear around. I would not recomment this to anyone, specially those with very little children. I am used to ride boats, but this one was the worst of my life. the 2.5h were a nightmare of vomit spinning around everyone.

LOVE IT!!

DARLENE_D, Jun 2022

I have been out 2 other times in San Diego to see Whales NO WHALES!! I came to Monterey for my Birthday weekend I FINALLY SAW me some Whales😆😆THANK YOU

beyond expectations

Ronald_B, Mar 2022

we were lucky and the captain got out to watch a very energetic young whale that gave us a show beyond expectations. crew were helpful, respectful, and knowledgeable.

Grey Whales everywhere

Joseph_F, Feb 2022

A great experience. The crew was fantastic. The captain was always making sure we had a good view of the grey whales, otters or seals as we passed. He would stop to give everyone an opportunity to take photos. It was a bit rocky at times but that should be expected.

Thrilling Whale Watching Experience

Evangelos_V, Nov 2021

Excellent whale-watching experience. Our crew was knowledgeable and accommodating. Would do it again :)

Whale watching in Monterey California

Elizabeth_T, Oct 2021

So many whales, dolphins, birds etc. It was very lively..... Amazing. And the city of Monterey is beautiful.

Great tour

Shwetank_C, Dec 2019

Great crew, great Captain , saw a lot of humpbacks, stayed in water for a while too.loved the overall experience

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