Top Monterey & Carmel Sightseeing Tours

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

This comprehensive tour offers a fantastic introduction to the breathtaking beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, featuring sightseeing in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach (with 17 Mile Drive entry included!), and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. You'll delve into local history and explore iconic points of interest such as the bustling Fisherman's Wharf and historic Cannery Row. Throughout the day, several carefully chosen stops, such as Lover's Point Park, Bird Rock, The Lone Cypress, and the renowned Pebble Beach Lodge, will provide unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the stunning scenery and spot abundant marine wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and even whales! Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable exploration of this world-renowned coastal region.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs at your own pace with two self-guided driving audio tours in one package. GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you follow the recommended routes, providing historical background and local insight without a group schedule. Download in advance and use offline for flexible touring. With lifetime access, this bundle is suitable for extended stays or return visits to the area.

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.

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.

Explore Monterey’s famously scenic 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific Coast—and learn the stories behind the sights as you go—with this private 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.

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.

Explore the stunning 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike, where the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula unfolds around you. This self-guided GPS eBike tour allows you to effortlessly navigate through picturesque coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and luxurious neighborhoods. As you ride, a GPS guide offers insights into local history and highlights iconic spots like Lovers Point and the Lone Cypress. Perfect for those seeking a unique outdoor experience, this tour provides the freedom to explore at your own pace while soaking in the fresh ocean air and breathtaking scenery. - Duration: Option of choosing between 2 hours or 4 hours - Ideal for individuals and groups without a driver’s license requirement - GPS audio guide included for enriching exploration - Visit renowned landmarks such as Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach

Venture into the depths of Monterey Bay for an unforgettable small-group whale watching experience aboard Enocean's 27-foot Robalo. Departing from Moss Landing Harbor, this tour offers unobstructed views of whales and dolphins as you explore the nearby Monterey Submarine Canyon. Opt for the extended 5-hour tour to increase your chances of encountering blue and fin whales, especially during peak seasons. Enjoy personalized onboard photography advice, and receive a photo package afterward, ensuring you capture every moment of your wildlife adventure. - Choose from 3-hour and 5-hour whale watching tours - Maximum of 6 passengers ensures a personalized experience - Opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife including orcas and humpbacks - Private charters available for intimate group outings

Looking for the perfect way to wind down after a busy day in Monterey? Skip the crowds on land and set sail into the sunset on this relaxing evening cruise. Enjoy a drink as you travel across the bay, and soak up unparalleled ocean views. There's even the chance to spot marine life such as sea lions, otters, dolphins, and whales. With great music and a laidback captain at the helm, it’s the perfect way to end your day on a high note.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This individual private day trip in a luxury car for you, one to 12 persons. The cost varies based on the number of people. We go Monterey, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. Then on Big Sur Highway one to Point Lobos, Garrapata State Beach, Rocky Point, and Bixby Bridge at your own pace. With a chauffeur driven car, you don't need to worry about which roads to take and spending time looking for suitable parking, rest stops etc. These trips are not on a large vehicle with many participants, fixed timed stops and narration. Just you with family or friends. An experienced local resident would be the driver guide for your personal requirements. This trip can be customized and is ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive and personal unstructured experience.