Monterey Bay Whale Watching
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Monterey & Carmel, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- A whale-watching boat ride in Monterey Bay
- Be in with a chance of spotting humpbacks, orcas, and more
- VIP upper deck seating is available
- Great for locals and tourists alike
What's Included
- Restroom on board
- All Fees and Taxes
- Snacks
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Lunch
- Soda/Pop
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
Head towards the Moss Landing harbor office and you will see our large mobile office for check-in.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Sea Goddess Whale Watching
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- No walkers or wheelchairs allowed for safety reasons
- Not Available for infants or children under 3 years old due to safety reasons
- All passengers must be able to support themselves with both hands at all times with the motion of the boat
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Dena_L
Make sure you get there 30 minutes early! We got to see a whale! We had a great time! Would definitely do it again.
Reviews
4.6
based on 325 reviews
Dena_L, Apr 2026
Make sure you get there 30 minutes early! We got to see a whale! We had a great time! Would definitely do it again.
Regan_T, Mar 2026
Make sure you check in at an RV to get tickets before you make your way to the boat. Don’t bother going into the main office, you’ll be rushed out before even getting to ask any questions!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Regan,
Yes, you must go to the Sea Goddess RV mobile office up arrival to check in for your tour as we have all the reservations there.
Unfortunately, after speaking to our office manager, you mistakenly went to the Moss Landing Harbor master's office instead by mistake which is not affiliated with Sea Goddess aside from managing the harbor which we depart from. As a result, this caused you to check in late. Our girl rushed you to make sure you didn't miss the tour as 100 other passengers were already on-board waiting to depart.
In our confirmation email that we send after all reservations are made which you said you did receive, we include the following directions on where to go upon arrival...
"Look for the Sea Goddess mobile office next to the harbor master’s office and the flagpole, where you will check in for your tour."
Check your email as I will be reaching out to you for the confusion and inconvenience it caused you.
SG
Debbie_R, Mar 2026
Very knowledgeable staff. We had 5 whale sitings on my trip. One came right next to the side of our boat. A must if you are in Monterey. Definitely take seasickness medicine, as the swells are big. They sell it at the ticket desk.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Debbie,
Thanks for joining us and glad you had a wonderful experience on the tour! Yes, we love our passionate and knowledgable naturalists and crew! Please join us on the Bay again soon!
Bola_A, Feb 2026
This tour was canceled less than 24 hours before departure.
We flew in from Chicago and Texas and based hotel logistics around this tour.
The last minute cancellation was not appreciated. Additionally, I called the number twice and no one answered the phone. There was an earlier tour that you could’ve asked us if we wanted to be accommodated on.
This was extremely poor customer service.
And my refund has not been issued.
Isaiah_G, Feb 2026
We went February 20, 2026, and we seen three gray whale the instructor was amazing along with the captain shorty and host
Chris_C, Feb 2026
Make sure the trip is actually available before you buy tickets ,stand at the dock and be told by the ships crew that that time slot hasn’t been available for a long time
Duarte_F, Jan 2026
I would never use viator again. I thought I was buying a Monterey whale watching tour, but what they sold me was a Moss Landing whale watching tour. Completely different city. Since we werent in Moss Landing we could not make the tour. AND I am out a little under $400.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Duarte, Apologize for the confusion from Viator's regional activity classification but technically Moss Landing is on Monterey Bay and Sea Goddess offers whale watching tours on Monterey Bay.
Regarding you being almost $400, we never received a reschedule or refund request from you or Viator. Of course, you or not out that money as customer service and satisfaction is our top priority after safety.
Would you like us reschedule you for another tour that works best for you? You can email us at seagoddesswhalewatch@gmail.com
Alan_H, Jan 2026
we had a great time. We saw several whales, one or two fairly close up. Very knowledgeable tour guide.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Alan, Thanks for joining us! Glad to hear you had a great time and memories to last a lifetime!
Amber_P, Dec 2025
Whale watching experience was easy and fun, kids has a good time and we saw several whales and birds. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Only not great part is lots of people were vomiting, so not so pleasant. Not the tour operators fault.
Allen_M, Dec 2025
Our trip was canceled so I need a refund. They text us about an hour after I paid for it and canceled.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Allen...our sincere apologies for the inconvenience the late cancellation has caused you. But In our cancellation policy, we do state that we may notify passengers by 5pm the night before the tour if the minimum number of passengers to operate the tour hasn't been met.
Sara_M, Dec 2025
Unfortunately our tour was cancelled because there weren’t enough people to fill the boat. Understandable for a business like this that must capitalize on costs—but a little unreliable to cancel the tour at 4pm the evening before. We were traveling from VA and had just checked into our Monterey hotel when I received the email. So out of pocket for those costs. Gave one additional star because the operator promptly replied to my request for a refund. Perhaps there is a more efficient way to manage cancellations that assessing capacity less than 24 hours prior? If not, that should be clearly printed somewhere prior to purchase.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Sara...our sincere apologies for the inconvenience the late cancellation has caused you. In our cancellation policy below, it does state that we may notify passengers the night before the tour departure if the minimum number of passengers to operate the tour hasn't been met.
I understand that I may be contacted up to 1 hour prior to tour departure by email or text in case of cancellations due to bad weather conditions, mechanical issues, or departure time changes. Tours may be cancelled if minimum number of passengers has not been met in which you will contacted the night prior to tour departure. If you selected trip protection during checkout you may cancel up to 24 hours prior to your experience.
Herve_M, Nov 2025
Worth the small trip from Monterey! 2:30 hours on the boat with a great commentary. The team does care about the environment and has knowledge about the whales and their habitat.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Herve,
Thank you for the kind words and glad to hear you had a great experience! We try value our marine biologist naturalist who share their passion and knowledge to add so much to the tours! Moss Landing indeed is the best place to see the whale with the Monterey Submarine canyon coming up to the doorstep causing the whales to seen right outside the harbor.
GARRY_H, Nov 2025
Next to Alaska, Monterey is the best place to go whale watching. Due to the abundant supply of food for the whales, your chances to observe them are great. Our Fantasy Goddess crew were fantastic!
Kerry_G, Oct 2025
I would rather not give a review, this was no one‘s fault of my own that I missed the boat, due to eating some bad food at Katie‘s place in Carmel. I was sick and unable to get there on time. I arrived at 9:15 and the boat had already left.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Kerry...Were you able to be rescheduled? We would more than to happy to rebook you since you were unable to make your trip. Sometimes the captain decides to depart a few minutes early when bad weather is coming on quickly in the horizon.
Juan_M, Oct 2025
Great location for your hotel/Inn stay( booked the same day) and restaurants. The Sea Goddess Fantasy Tour Boat (Whale watching) , with parking was just five minutes away! We just loved that!!!!! They DID NOT disappoint!!! We took some amazing photos of whales, seals and dolphins! Great memories and an experience we’ll never forget! The staff were very professional and made sure everyone stayed safe!!!! I strongly recommend this tour!!!
christine_D, Sep 2025
Bundle up it’s cold. Take seasickness meds if you are prone. The crew was excellent. Waters were choppy and lots of fog.
Delma_D, Aug 2025
A beautiful day on the bay surrounded by breaching whales and lots of sea birds. A great crew and clean ship. Super efficient. The naturalist who narrated the trip was proficient, easy to understand, and flexible.
Malcolm_P, Aug 2025
Unfortunately, the woman in the ticketing trailer had a negative impact on our excursion. She was snappy, rude, and had a stinking attitude from hello. We actually wanted to buy sweatshirts and binoculars, and more but she was so rude that we decided not to. In fact, if our group hadn't come so far for this experience, or had more time built into this trip, we would have turned around and went elsewhere. We were a group of four that went out August 16th, at 9:30am.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Malcolm,
Thank you for taking the time leave a review. We deeply apologize that we did not live up to your expectations but do appreciate your feedback.
Unfortunately on busy weekends during the summer as they are hundreds of guests checking in for their tour, inquiring about upgrading their tickets, and asking questions about whales, weather, parking, etc. it is difficult to give dedicated one on one service which we normally can provide on a weekday when there are less people checking in for the tour. We have a line policy so we can give each customer our devout attention as they come in.
Please understand that there is only one person to assist everybody and unfortunately you may have been asked to hold on or wait in line while other passengers needed to be checked in.
We are truly sorry that you couldn't provide you the attention and service that you were expecting.
As the check process is only a small part of the Sea Goddess whale watching experience, I hope that the whale watching tour out on Monterey Bay did meet your expectations as we strive to go above and beyond to create a memorable experience that all passengers will never forget.
HansChiaChang_Y, Aug 2025
Good wild operator will have passion in the same cause for protection of wildlife. The captain and team is sensitive to preserve the native behavior in Monterey bay.
Cindy_S, Aug 2025
We saw spouts of st least 15 whales, saw most of them breach the water. Great pictures! Best whale watching tour we’ve ever been on. It was chilly, so make sure you’re wearing plenty of clothes.
Donna_B, Aug 2025
Bring a sweater and maybe even a beanie. The experience is great, even if you are cold. We saw several whales and the crew were very good about sending your eyes in the right direction to see them as they came up for air.
Maria_L, Aug 2025
Fantastic crew, excellent whale watching! We were on the top deck. Great view and appreciated small mostly enclosed area to block wind. Bundle up!
Emma_K, Aug 2025
It was a very good experience. The whale facts were very interesting to hear, and seeing the whale was even better. The crew onboard was very friendly and helpful, and gave us lots of tips/advice on how to avoid seasickness.
ASHOKE_T, Jul 2025
Very enjoyable whale watching tour. We had VIP seats upstairs which was great for viewing. Loved the Moss Landing docking point. Almost no crowds.
Ellis_S, Jul 2025
It is very confusing that we booked for mossy when Monterey whale watching was all over your booking
Bad deal
Jill_V, Jul 2025
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.
Miguel_A, Jun 2025
Took my parents for the trip and they had a blast with whale activity all around us. The tour guides were very professional and informative and very enthusiastic which made the trip just that more fun. Dress warm and comfortable for the morning trip just don't over do it. Recommend👍
Amanda_C, May 2025
We love it! Got to see 10+ backhump whales and 2 dolphins as well!!! It was magical when the first whale came out. Juliet was great and so fun.
Kate_C, May 2025
Fantastic! Saw several groups of whales. We only got to see one whale breech but it was a wonderful experience
Erica_M, Mar 2025
Amazing trip. First time whale watching and we were not disappointed. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We can’t wait to go back during the summer.
Likely to Sell Out
From $69.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Monterey Bay Whale Watching
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