Top Monterey & Carmel Adventure Tours

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

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.

Discover the scenic beauty of 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach with a guided electric bike tour with a small group. Starting in Carmel-by-the-Sea, follow your guide along the winding road, with stops at iconic landmarks and viewpoints. Along the way, learn interesting facts and history about the area from your guide.

Comfortably cover a lot of ground with this e-bike tour through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ride from the bike shop in downton to the town’s fairy-tale cottages and down the Carmel coastline along Scenic Drive. See landmarks such as the Tor House, Carmel River State Beach, Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch, and the Carmel Mission in under three hours.

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.

Experience one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world on this self-guided audio tour along California’s iconic 17-Mile Drive. Travel from Monterey to Pebble Beach as you explore dramatic ocean cliffs, windswept cypress trees, and stunning coastal viewpoints. Along the way, discover the stories behind the landscape—from Cannery Row’s fishing boom to the return of sea otters that helped restore Monterey Bay. Visit famous stops like Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and quiet beaches where seals and seabirds gather. With GPS-triggered audio, stories play automatically as you drive, letting you explore at your own pace. Stop for photos, walks, or simply take in the views. This tour transforms a beautiful drive into a deeper, more memorable experience.

Enjoy an independent sightseeing tour by GoCar 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 such as Monterey’s historical center, and admire views of the ocean. The GoCar tells you where to drive, from Cannery Row and more.

Discover the scenic beauty of 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach on this family-friendly guided electric bike tour with a small group of just ten people. Starting in Monterey, follow your guide along the winding road, with stops at iconic landmarks and viewpoints. Along the way, learn interesting facts and history about the area from your guide.

Explore many wonderful spots in Big Sur with this self-drive audio tour along California's Pacific Coast Highway. Download the app to get the map and password, then follow the marked route at your own pace, choosing where to stop and spend extra time. Note that the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls is currently closed due to repairs; the only viewpoint is a small roadside area along Highway 1.

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.

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.

What makes this Big Sur tour truly unique is our over 25 years of unparalleled expertise in guiding educational adventures through the majestic Monterey County, offering you a deep dive into the natural wonders of the Big Sur coast and fascinating insights into the ancient redwood trees that define this region. Our carefully curated itinerary ensures you experience the best, from a brief stop at an iconic 1932 concrete bridge offering spectacular coastal views, to the quirky charm of The River Inn where you can refresh and see the famous chairs in the Big Sur River. Prepare for an awe-inspiring moment at the highest viewpoint on Highway 1 in California, providing a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the dramatic coastline, before culminating your journey with a visit to the historic Big Sur Lodge for an intimate, guided nature walk in an old-growth redwood forest, complete with a unique Big Sur River crossing.

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 beauty of Big Sur and sail around California's Central Coast with ease thanks to your own electric bike and a guide to show you around. Save time and energy on the back of the e-bike, squeezing way more into this tour than you would on foot. Let your guide lead you to some of the most stunning spots in the area.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and drink 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 cocktails or spirits. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

Uncover the scenic beauty of Monterey Bay and Carmel-By-The-Sea, spotting local landmarks and playing in the sea with your best bud on this dog-friendly cycling experience. You’ll drive the e-bike while your little pal sits in a custom-made sidecar, watching the world go by. Let your e-bike do the hard parts for you, and save your energy for having fun with your dog.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle for the US Pacific Coastline, featuring 16 tours including 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Sonoma & Napa Valley, Olympic, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, Oregon Coast, Redwood, and more. Discover coastal drives, redwood forests, volcanoes, alpine peaks, and national parks with GPS-triggered stories that play automatically offline as you explore by car and on foot. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Spend a magical afternoon cycling through the lush vineyards of a 25-acre winery on the back of an electric bike with a guide to show you around. Then, enjoy a picnic of tasty snacks of artisanal cheese and charcuterie paired with delicious wines as you learn all about the estate and the drinks you’re sampling.