Whale Watching Tour Monterey California
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Monterey & Carmel, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Relax on 53’ to 70’ boats of one of the longest running whale watching companies in the area
- Rest easy as there is a bathroom on board for passenger use
- Be entertained by your captain’s commentary on board
- Enjoy the beauty of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and the powerful whales
What's Included
- Restroom on board
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Bottled water
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Ticket Redemption Point
48 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Itinerary
Whale Watching Tour
1 Stop
1 Point of Interest
Duration: 3 hours
Operating Schedule: Departures daily at 10am & 1:30pm. Check in is at 9:30am or 1pm. For Parking use 201 Washington Street then proceed to 48 Fisherman's Wharf #1 Monterey, Ca 93940.
1
48 Fishermans Wharf
Points of interest passed by on this route
Monterey Bay
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 travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 582 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Ilaria_I, Aug 2026
Super friendly and fun crew! Amazing experience! We had the chance to see 2 whales, dolphins and albatrosses! We loved it and we would suggest 100%!
Omner_P, Aug 2026
It's definitely Worth it, great experience watching these incredible mammals in the sea, an astonishing experience that no one should miss.
Zemorah_Y, Aug 2026
Do not eat a heavy breakfast. You are more prone to be seasick. My partner was sick the whole ride. I absolutely loved seeing the whales though! The crew was amazing and attentive with my seasick partner. I’d also dress warm of course because it’s windy out in the ocean. Not only did we see whales but we also saw a shark and flipping sea lions!
Masha_M, Aug 2026
the boat is clean, the sailor and his assistant are very caring knowledgeable doug all they can to make us have an enjoyable time
Jean_T, Aug 2026
Be prepared for a three hour tour but overall just enjoy the moment. It's an amazing experience imo.
Shailesh_S, Aug 2026
Well arranged & provided enough opportunities to see whales & dolphins, could have been better if they helped folks not form multiple lines so first come first serve is not defeated by folks who decide to get brave.
Marianne_L, Aug 2026
We saw whales and it was a whale watching trip so we received what we paid for. Upon arrival the staff was very rude, the Viator report time was 10 AM but we were scolded by an elderly man inside the office that said “you are late“ at 10:01 AM. The gentleman outside the office told us we were supposed to be there at 9:30 AM but I could not find that guidance anywhere on the Viator description. If you’re prone to sea sickness reconsider, there were multiple people vomiting off the back of the boat.
Naila_M, Jul 2026
Never really wrote a review on stuffs. But this time, I totally need to! The crew was awesome and funny. I brought one of my friend who never been on a boat and she loves it so much! I feel like the crew absolutely love what they do and the vibe from that hyped me and my friends even more:)) Will definitely come back next time 10/10. Thank you!
Elizabeth_B, Jul 2026
Chris and Kevin were amazing! They were knowledgeable, respectful, and were very appreciated. Chris walked the boat checking on everyone and chatting with people during our 3 hour journey. Kevin kept us safe driving and talking over the speaker. Great day!
Joanne_H, Jul 2026
This was a fantastic experience and the knowledge of the crew and their determination was fantastic. Despite being one of the oldest teams in Monterey these guys were so enthusiastic and really gave us a little spice of their oceanic knowledge. We all came back from this tour elated at sharing a bit of the ocean with some beautiful creatures.
Stephanie_W, Jul 2026
This was an amazing experience-totally worth it. We saw so much activity!! Kevin was fantastic-very sympathetic to anyone that showed even the smallest sign of seasickness. They were so in tune with where sightings would be, we even had some right next to the boat. They made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!!
Avery_F, Jul 2026
We saw lots of whales and the tour guide was funny + informative! The team was helpful & attentive!!
Beware you need to take Dramamine beforehand as this is a very rocky ride. Also dress warm!
Esmeralda_C, Jun 2026
It was really fun and we were able to see many whales and dolphins. I do wish there was more seating.
Katie_S, Jun 2026
This was our main reason for visiting Monterey and it did not disappoint! Captain Matt and his boat, The Caroline, were great! We saw a shark, dolphins, and lots of whales! It was definitely the highlight of our trip. One note- take the Dramamine 🤣 the sea is rough in spots and the ginger just didn’t quite cut it. But Capt. Matt handled it very well. I felt very safe.
Joseph_O, Jun 2026
Had a great time. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend and do again it was so much fun!
colemanegc2004, Jun 2026
The ocean was very rough which cannot be controlled. However, they did an excellent job in finding whales.
Mary_G, May 2026
Loved the “ local” vibe of the crew! Small group so no problem moving around deck to see! Saw FIN Whales which were awe inspiring !
Barry_S, Apr 2026
Great tour, comfortable boat, well guided. We'd have gone again if we had time, helped with good weather.
Richelle_H, Mar 2026
The guide was great, awesome to see the whales and dolphins, but the boat seemed to be in the wrong position. It was whipping the people all over when we were stopped to see the whales. It felt more choppy when stopped, rather than when moving. Have been whale watching a few times and never had this issue with the boat.
Patricia_S, Mar 2026
The crew was great, the other passengers were friendly, the weather was perfect and the whales cooperated when it was time to film them. Couldn’t have had a better experience.
Alexandra_L, Mar 2026
Not for the weak stomached people. Not a smooth ride…if you have any motion sickness, do not go!!
We did see orcas, and that was incredible and a great family memory. But I have to keep it real, was sick for 3 hours and considered jumping out of the damn boat. Staff was wonderful though. Hope this helps!
George_C, Mar 2026
The crew were able to find us a pod of orcas to watch. It was a very pleasant experience.. Dave gladly answered all our questions.
Carlos_C, Jan 2026
Great experience. Saw dolphins and whales on a beautiful day in January. The guide was funny and friendly but also knowledgeable.
John_T, Jan 2026
Well run organization great at spotting and getting us good views of the whales. They run a safe trip making sure they are not going when weather would make it a rough ride making people uncomfortable.
KC_L, Nov 2025
Saw lots and lots of seals and a whales. Awesome experience and captain did a great job giving everyone a view
James_D, Nov 2025
Amazing experience, saw loads of sea lions, humpback whales and orcas. The guide made every effort to make the experience as fulfilling as possible! We had a good 3 hours out at sea. This felt like a once in a lifetime experience, and would definitely recommend. Pack a jacket as it gets cold out there!
Yesenia_O, Nov 2025
Seeing whales during the whale watching tour was an unforgettable experience! It was incredible to watch it move so gracefully in the ocean. The crew was friendly and made sure everyone got a good view. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Brianna_M, Nov 2025
Very knowledgeable tour, captain made sure we were able to see dolphins and whales. Would book again.
Theoni_G, Oct 2025
Amazing experience! We saw humpback whales , mother +baby putting up a performance we had never seen before!
The captain and guide excellent. The boat is a small one , but the " hands on" experience is huge.
Robert_S, Oct 2025
Kevin was a very personable young man. The Star of Monterey, clean and very safe. Whales performed amazing leaps and twists in the air. A beautiful afternoon on Monterey Bay.
From $62.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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