Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one time with guests while on deck. Professional photographers are often sent to capture the spectacular sights seen from on board and are available to offer tips for your own photography.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Warm layers are recommended
Sun protection, camera, binoculars, water, and snacks are recommended
If prone to motionsickness, please take precautionary measures and we also sell motion sickness remedies in the shop
What To Expect
Meet at Fisherman's Wharf to begin your whale watching experience at 9am. Monterey Bay is considered to be a premier destination for whale watching year round as these animals are often spotted there. Your whale watching trip will be narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist, who will provide you educational and interesting information about marine wildlife. In addition to teaching you about the wildlife, your marine biologists and naturalists will provide information about the natural history of the local area and talk about conservation. While out on the ocean your marine biologists and naturalists will also be collecting sighting data for scientific research. During your trip the crew will show you how to spot whales and dolphins as well as give you advice on how to best capture photos and videos of the wildlife. You will return back to the original departure point between 12:30pm and 1pm.
Options
4-Hour Whale Watching Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 4 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages Boat Ride
3 Hour Whale Watching Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 3 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages Boat Ride
Sunset Whale Watch Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 3 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages: Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate Boat Ride
What‘s Included
Time listed is when boat LEAVES! Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead
Marine Biologist/Naturalist & Deckhand
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (Chips, Candy, Soda, and Water)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,087 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glad we did it
johnwK3868KM,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really cool experience. The crewmembers were fun and knowledgeable. We saw a lot of dolphins and caught up with a blue whale and its baby, which we followed around for a while. Well worth the money and time commitment. Some advice: If you get motion sickness, make sure you take something for it before heading out.... it was pretty choppy. I'd also recommend wearing water resistant clothing and be prepared to be a little wet and cold. Have fun.
Saw an unbelievable amount of wildlife!
johnbI8351LH,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Take Dramamine and have a blast!
Great whale watching
Lois S,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw six whales, three different types: Blue, Fin, Humoback!! Great instructions on what to bring such as warm clothing, etc.
Absolutely amazing experience.
Kim M,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish this trip was so professional and exciting. The knowledge experience of the amazing staff ensure you are in the right place at the right time to see lots of whales. We were speechless a lot of the time as our dreams were surpassed again, and again. We saw 3 Blue Whales, 9 Fin Whales and 5+ Hump Backs. Within 20 minutes of leaving the wharf we saw at least 15 Rhisso’s dolphins too. We highly recommend this tour.
Birthday for my Wife
Josh E,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I went out to celebrate her birthday and the whole experience was phenomenal! Our guides Isaiah and Kalea, as well as Captain JJ were so wonderful during our outing. The crew were knowledgeable and very friendly people. Our group specifically saw 1 Blue Whale, 3 Humpback Whales, 2 Fin Whales and even 2 sharks. Alongside otters and seals that can be found around Monterey area and the occasional Albatross. We probably got lucky because there was so much activity, but it was well worth the trip out. Wear comfy clothes and bring snacks if you want. And please consider taking the motion sickness medication the staff offers before heading out, it might really help once you’re out there.
Incredible
tomwB8329OR,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Simply incredible - sooo many whales and dolphins
Wonderful whale watching experience
lctwaddle,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our experience. Maddie - our guide was very knowledgeable, funny, and informative. We were lucky enough to see lots of blue whales.
Pay more for the 4-hour trip! It's worth it!
David-GDB,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the 4 hour trip and so glad we did! We had time to truly explore and experience a breaching humpback, blue whales and (in the last hour) a fin whale! The moderately higher rate for that extra hour is well worth it!
Wonderful crew great experience
Shean S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was friendly and knowledgeable and answered all questions the group had and made to trip fun and entertaining
100% better than expected.
Christofer N,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring windbreaker or rain coat. Lots of storage space on your digital camera or video camera. Saw so many whales. Blue, Sperm, Humpbacks, we saw dolphins. Great trip. Great crew. Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Related Experiences
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