All Monterey &amp; Carmel Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

3.9

(102)

from USD 15

Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,065)

from USD 75

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.

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

1 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(171)

from USD 99

Monterey Whale Watching Tour

Explore at your own pace with this full-day kayak rental experience in Monterey Bay. Get the chance to encounter otters, seals, and sea lions while exploring the bay waters. Take the opportunity to observe diverse marine life and birds up close. This rental package includes all you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience: splash gear for warmth, a dry bag for your electronics, and no time limit on your kayaking excursion.

4.7

(796)

from USD 70

Monterey Bay Kayak Rental Two Hours: Otters, Seals and Sea Lions

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

(67)

from USD 40

30 minutes to 1 hour

3.3

(95)

from USD 8

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(890)

from USD 59

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.

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

As featured in the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, CARMEL WALKS is the premier walking tour voted "best of" by Trip Advisor in 2024. You'll embark on a delightful 2-hour adventure with a lively, well-informed local guide through the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea—a village celebrated for its storybook architecture, scenic coastal beauty, and vibrant artistic legacy. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, hear the stories behind the town’s most colorful characters, and gain fresh insights into the culture that makes Carmel truly one of a kind. Meander through charming streets and secret passageways, explore award-winning galleries, lush gardens, and historic landmarks steeped in legend. The listed itinerary is just the beginning—plenty of unlisted delights are in store. Well behaved dogs are most welcomed on this fun walk too. Let us show you the very best of this whimsical village! You’ll leave inspired, enchanted, and—dare we say—feeling like a local.

(449)

from USD 45

Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea

2 hoursFree Cancellation

(60)

from USD 48

Follow a delicious trail of local treats through historic Monterey on a small-group food tour that includes plenty of tastings for a full lunch. Committing to lunch at a single restaurant means missing out on the diverse cuisines that make Monterey food so interesting; try a little bit of everything as you go from neighborhood restaurants to frozen treats and California wine, learning about Monterey history along the way.

Old Monterey Walking Food Tour

3 hours 30 minutes

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.

(221)

from USD 164

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(42)

from USD 95

4 hour Big Sur hiking adventure to world class coastal beauty!

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from USD 215

If you’re looking to explore Point Lobos but find yourself short on time, this Point Lobos Nature Hike from Carmel-by-the-Sea fits in big highlights in just a little amount of time. A guide knows the best ways around the wooded and cliff-filled areas so you can see more of its beauty. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as otters, seals, deer, and sealions while you hike along with your small group.

China cove is this magic little jewel, tucked between cliffs. The harbor seals have taken up residence there. Visiting in the spring allows you to spot the new babies up close.

Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(76)

from USD 59

17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Carmel

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(53)

from USD 15

Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters

(63)

from USD 159

Guided walking tours of the Monterey Waterfront and Cannery Row

2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

(45)

from USD 35

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

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.

4.6

(328)

from USD 70

Monterey, Big Sur, 17 Mile Dr. 3.5 hrs Private Tour 1 - 12 ppl

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(14)

from USD 297

Price varies by group size

Step aboard our stable, USCG inspected, 27ft. pontoon boat, and embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure!

The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of this wetland for almost 30 years, and have an intimate knowledge of the area, its history, and it's wildlife. All our Naturalists have Marine Science degrees, and we are third party certified Wildlife Stewards, so you can be assured that we always conduct ourselves responsibly around the wildlife. Our stable, comfortable vessel is designed for unobstructed wildlife viewing, and we’ve been a preferred outfitter for many prominent wildlife photographers, like Frans Lanting and Suzi Eszterhas, to name a few. On our relaxing ride, no one gets sea sick, and our safety record is flawless. We also operate a large science and nature themed Gift Shop / Bookstore celebrating the Monterey Bay. Our shelves contain over 600 titles, many of which are 30-50% off the list price, plus attire, stuffed animals and souvenirs.

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Big Sur coastline with our exhilarating driving tour! Feel the ocean breeze caress your face as you journey through breathtaking cliffs, winding roads, and towering redwood forests. Explore hidden gems as you stop to marvel at jaw-dropping viewpoints, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Let the rhythm of the waves guide you as you savor delicious coastal cuisine and immerse yourself in the bohemian charm of quaint seaside towns. Commentary by Bill Devoe, a local legend! This tour has been written by a local, who knows the very best spots of Big Sur.Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App. With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

(49)

from USD 46

Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

4.2

(6)

from USD 35

Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour

2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(120)

from USD 79

Whale Watching Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(529)

from USD 62

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

3 hours 15 minutes

17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour

(403)

from USD 159

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

(429)

from USD 75

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Top Attractions in Monterey & Carmel

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Attractions

What are people saying about Monterey & Carmel

Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey

David_R, May 2026

Amazing Time!

We had such a blast on this boat ride out on the ocean. We were lucky to have Kiwi as our captain and she exceeded any of our expectations! Great service, wonderful host, and she even educated us a bit on how to sail. Our family was blown away and we definitely would do it again. Great family time, thank you guys at Sail Monterey for your amazing service! We can’t wait to come back!

Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour

Haoyan_K, May 2026

This is awesome, our...

This is awesome, our guide Benny is local and clearly love the town she was born and raised in. The town is very chill and relaxed, perfect for walking around, I love those small alley ways where you cannot imagine what’s inside before you really dived into them. Has one of the best strawberry mimosa and sake, the onion soup is crisp, Lukas chocolate caramel is wonderful. Definitely recommended.

Monterey Bay Kayak Rental Two Hours: Otters, Seals and Sea Lions

MaryAnne_A, Apr 2026

I was initially worried...

I was initially worried over the idea of kayaking with my son without knowing the area but they did a great job explaining where to go and what to do. We had a great time looking at sea otters , seals and sea lions while getting some exercise at the same time.

Big Sur McWay Falls opt 4 or 5 Hour Private Tour up to 12 ppl

Kathleen_S, Apr 2026

A perfect experience

Fabulous (Tina) and scenic ride. Worth it for the tailored experience. Tina was delightful, interesting and knowledgeable (as well as an expert driver). We had a very peaceful, scenic and enjoyable day. Definitely recommend this company (very reliable), this driver (Tina) and this tour.

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

Meredith_M, Mar 2026

Must do in Monterey Bay

This is a must do! Very chill and easy with kids. The crew was great! Roberta was especially kind and John was knowledgeable of the local marine life. We saw LOTS of otters and their pups. Very special, we'll always remember it! Also, felt it was reasonably priced! Thank you!

Monterey Whale Watching Tour

Ray_S, Mar 2026

A Whale of a good time!

Great experience for all . Saw so many whales, dolphins, seals, etc. Naturalist and Captain were so knowledgeable. 3 hours went flying by as there was so much to see. The boat was comfortable , plenty of room to sit and walk around in decks. Well maintained vessel. Lots of options to book with other companies, but this was by far the best!

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Diane_M, Mar 2026

Lots of Sea Otters!

We had a great time traveling along the water learning about the creatures that live there: otters, seals, sea birds, and plants. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered questions readily from the group on the boat. We watched the wildlife living their lives along the way, saw lots of otters especially so if sea otters are your passion definitely book a tour.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

Jill_V, July 2025

Exceeded expectations!

Wear a jacket, windbreaker. Fantastic, ! Exceeded expectations! Boats communicate with each other regarding location of whales and sightings that day. We saw 20 whales; breaching, playful. Crew said it was the closest to the boat breeach they experienced- about 20 yards away. We were in the middle of a pod of hump back whales.

17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour

Anonymous, June 2025

Stellar ride and amazing views/animals/sites

Shout out to the fabulous “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” cycling company in Carmel; they love dogs (Carmel is refreshingly dog-loving and accommodating in all respects) and accommodate them on bike rides with sidecars and darling heart-shaped doggles! We took the “17 mile Pebble Beach” bike tour this morning in gorgeous if a bit 😎 cool, Carmel summer weather. A classic car club passes us all morning in their lovely roadsters, such as Tigers, Fantômes 👻 and a classic pink Cadillac too. We visited the beautiful Monterey Cypress grove, native to this area. We also visited Pescadero point to aee the ghost trees too. Highlight was stopping at Bird Rock, where we saw a huge number of elephant seals, 🦭 sea lions and loads of 🦦 otters! Plus many pelicans, cormorants and a California condor. Superb tour and day! We highly recommend this company, which has a beautiful and really delicious coffee ☕️ shop attached to the bike 🚴‍♂️ 🚴‍♀️ shop as well! This was a lovely stop on our way to Berkeley to move Harrison to college!