Afternoon Whale Watch
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Monterey & Carmel, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Leave the mainland behind for the afternoon, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Monterey Bay, on this family-friendly whale-watching excursion. Grab a lifejacket and hop aboard: With your marine biologist guide’s assistance, you’ll look out for orca and humpback whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, and much more as you cruise. As you go, take in the coastal views, and relax in the sea breezes.
- See a new perspective on the Monterey Bay aboard this boat tour
- This family-friendly excursion is suitable for kids and adults alike
- Attempt to spot humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more
- Learn all about the marine life in the area from your marine biologist guide
What's Included
- Check-in 30 to 45 minutes. Plan extra time incase for traffic!
- Time listed is when the boat LEAVES the dock!
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Restrooms onboard
- Gratuities
- Soda/Pop
- Alcoholic Beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 66 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
TIME LISTED IS WHEN THE BOAT LEAVES!!!!! CHECK-IN 45 - 30 MINUTES AHEAD HIGH TRAFFIC!!! PLAN EXTRA TIME!!! MONTEREY CAR WEEK AUGUST 8 - 17TH Parking Address: 101 Washington, Monterey, Ca 93940 Building Address: 66 Fisherman's Wharf
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket Redemption Point
66 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
What To Expect
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 pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Melissa_R
It was AMAZING!!! We saw several whales. They even came up to the boat!! It was so special! We were all blown away!! The crew was so amazing! Sophie was so personable and informative. She was wonderful with the children. The whole crew was very caring and considerate. This was a once in a lifetime experience and we are so grateful!!
Reviews
4.8
based on 189 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Hsien_F, Jan 2026
Def worth the time and money! We saw 4 whales + many dolphins. The staff and the biologist were exceptional and they've had years of experiences.
Devona_B, Dec 2025
Our family has talked about going whale watching for years but never made it happen until now. We had the best experience. We saw a pod of orcas with a baby napping and quietly cruised along beside them for an hour. When we turned off to leave them and see what else we could find we ended up in the middle of a super pod of white side dolphins who swam and jumped and played all around our boat. There were at least 300 dolphin. We had a great time. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting splashed in. We got a little wet and had to buy sweatpants at one of the shops.
DARLENE_D, Dec 2025
I have been watching discovery Tours online on Facebook for months now. I see every time they go out they see whales and their pictures. So I really wanted to go out on the Discovery, boat this time while I’m down here in Monterey. So I booked a 130 tour and the crew is awesome. I can’t remember all the names of everybody except for Amanda. There was a cute little girl. That’s very it was announcing everything I really like her and then there was a guy I’m bad on names right now, but everybody was very nice and the captain was cool. We saw a lot of whales amazing. I didn’t see any Dolphins yesterday normally when we go out other whale watching tours, I would see Dolphins, but I truly enjoyed myself. I was my dream was came true to sea Whales and I saw quite a few yesterday. I had a good time. It was a a lot of nice people on board the tour. That always makes a day very enjoyable when you got nice people on when you gotta be out there with them for three hours. But overall, I am very, very happy that I chose to go out with them. Enjoyed all of the announcements I can’t remember that young lady’s name that was doing the announcing she is so energetic little spunky something. She is cute though, and Amanda helped me take my picture on the back of the boat. So when I get ready to post my pictures, I can have a picture of me standing with the water which ocean behind me and it was really cool. Thanks everybody.
Gregory_S, Nov 2025
Great Experience on Discovery, Isahiah was knowledgeable. We saw many humpback whales, many rolled, and a pod of dolphins.
Ann_R, Oct 2025
Seeing whales on this small boat was perfect! Isaiah and Matt were great hosts and provided informational commentary. Outstanding experience. Saw several whales! Would highly recommend!
Rachel_M, Oct 2025
Saw humpback whales and killer whales.
Great guide! Fantastic experience. Worth every penny but felt like it was very reasonably priced!!
Ania_E, Jul 2025
Absolutely amazing! Saw few whales. The tour guide was absolutely fantastic and engaging. Went with my college age daughter and she loved it!
Irina_C, Jul 2025
I wish that somewhere on the website instructions about what to expect, the company would have indicated that they strongly recommend you take something to prevent seasickness. During the instructions we received about 20 minutes before the trip started, the guide strongly encouraged everyone to take a seasickness pill which was only one dollar each. I did. But this was only 20 minutes before the trip… It’s recommended to take One hour before. Even when I checked in, approximately one hour before the trip, the person doing the check-in did not say anything! I got sick… Many people got sick. I read all the instructions on the website before coming, including to wear layers and such. I just wish they added instructions on seasickness on the i fo site because I would’ve come prepared and would have done my research on what was the most effective pill to take. I loved the trip! But it would’ve been so much better if I have known to prepare for seasickness.
Jorge_S, Mar 2025
I can believe that is so nice me and my family have a great time enjoying in the boat ride and watching dolphins and whales
Jack_M, Sep 2024
Watching the whales frolic and group together. The commentary was interesting and well done. Terrific job of finding and traveling with the whales.
Kevin_M, Jul 2024
This was a great experience! The crew of Maddie, Kenny, and Captain Danny were personable, very responsive and lead a great tour - we were able to see humpback whales, Rossi dolphins, and even a great white shark! Besides the crew, the size of the boat was the next best thing - it was a smaller boat and a perfect number of people in the boat to allow everyone a great viewing experience, very close to the water. I would highly recommend.
YOKESUAN_T, Jun 2024
The seas was rough but crew onboard very patient and determine to ensure we catch a nice glimpse of whale watching
Jessica_J, May 2024
Kevin, Andrew and Danny were absolutely amazing! Their knowledge was vast and informative. They were great at spotting and making sure the experience was memorable. We saw a humpback whale and her baby. We also saw two other humpback whales. I w would highly recommend this experience!!
Adam_a, Apr 2024
Whale watching was an exciting experience, and we saw many sea lions and a few humpbacks. The guide was excellent and caring.
Steve_G, Apr 2024
About an hour before the adventure, we received a phone call that the event was canceled due to weather conditions. We were shocked because the weather was beautiful -- sunny with blue skies.
Since we were at the wharf, we noticed other whale watching companies were giving tours.
We suspect the real reason is that they did not have enough passengers, but we'll never know.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hello, We’re sorry to hear your trip got cancelled due to weather conditions, we are very transparent about the reasons for our cancellations. If it was a passenger issue, we would have informed you of this. We do honor refunds when we cancel on our end as sometimes it is last minute when the captains report bad weather. If other companies went out that day that is based on their captains discretion, the companies values, and the size of their vessels. We value a good and comfortable trip out on the water. Thank you for your feedback.
Meruyert_H, Mar 2024
Excellent experience! That was my dream to see whales and it was fantastic! I will come again! The guides were excellent
Barbara_T, Jan 2024
Absolutely Excellent! Andrew and Kevin are top notch! Will be returning for a third trip, more than likely in about 6 months. Looking forward to seeing the humpbacks and orcas again!
elizabeth_s, Nov 2023
Luckily , saw lots of humpbacks ( several pods of three or four), and sea lions. It was a calm and warm day , so the cruise itself was quite enjoyable. The whales were truly magnificent and we followed them for a good hour. We especially were awed by the size and their tails very impressive! Isiah was very knowledgeable and conversational. He had such a willing manner and welcoming message. Our family including a two year old - we felt very safe . The boat railings are great even for really little kids. They extend all the way solidly to the deck but about where our two year old could comfortably see out, where very sturdy horizontal bars. Perfect! And Isiah immediately got her into a life vest. On the comfort side, there was a restroom on board and plenty of room in the cabin if one preferred that. Also plenty of drinks ( including warm coco) , water, and snacks available if needed. About two and a half hours which was perfect. A wonderful experience.
dingdangdo12, Sep 2023
Everything, from seeing the whales and hearing the information from Sophie was amazing, made to feel very comfortable and kept up to date on sightings and help in getting the best view to capture photographs
Michelle_D, Sep 2023
The whole cruise was sensational, the team were fantastic, the Whales we saw were the most amazing things ever..
Debra_S, Aug 2023
We saw so many whales and dolphins. It was truly magical! The crew was great as well. We also liked how the boat was relatively small.
Lawrence_B, Aug 2023
This was a great trip and we saw lots of whales. It was a small boat, held about 40 people. The marine biologist was very good and knew her stuff. Pick up point is conveniently located at Fishermans Wharf.
All in all a great day highly recommended
Melissa_R, Aug 2023
It was AMAZING!!! We saw several whales. They even came up to the boat!! It was so special! We were all blown away!! The crew was so amazing! Sophie was so personable and informative. She was wonderful with the children. The whole crew was very caring and considerate. This was a once in a lifetime experience and we are so grateful!!
stephanie_b, Jul 2023
In a few minutes we watched at a distance 3 humpbacks feeding. After riding further out we only saw one so I was very happy having seen three. Yes it was cold and yes we took Dramamine beforehand luckily . Great trip. Check on my bucket list.
Julie_S, Jul 2023
We had a wonderful time. Very interactive and knowledgeable crew. We saw humpback whales, a pod of dolphin, seals, an otter with her pup and sea lions on our journey. Amazing!
Lindsey_K, Jun 2023
We did this for our wedding anniversary! It was so fun and both of the Andrew’s did a great job! Especially the Sea Shanty coming into dock!
Dee_N, Jun 2023
Our Captain and crew were outstanding Isaiah & Andrew were knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions and provided us with an appreciation for the marine life. We were lucky to see 4 humpback whales one breech and 2 lunges and lots of other amazing activity! We also saw seals, sea lions and otter. Definitely can't see that in Kansas!
Jessica_R, May 2023
Arrive early!! There’s a fairly long walk from parking down to the pier and Discovery Whale Watch is to the right at the end of the pier. 10 minutes before the boat leaves (the reservation time is when the boat leaves) there’s a quick safety talk. We rode out to sea, it was bumpy but we did fine. We found a group of 3 orcas! We followed them for a bit and they swam around our boat so we had amazing views! 2 adults (Ricky and Brooke) and one baby under 2! Spectacular!
William_M, May 2023
Saw an amazing breach and a few more also a lunge feed that I had never seen before! Trip was incredible
Makenna_K, Mar 2023
Omg we saw multiple humpbacks and gray whales and tons of sea lions, some adorable otters, and a whole MATERNITY POD OF RARELY SIGHTED DOLPHINS. It was incredible and besties Andrew, Danny, and Kayla (I think I could be so wrong with the names) we’re so passionate and sweet
Likely to Sell Out
From $75.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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