Monterey Whale Watching: Comfortable, Educational Marine Experience
4.5
254 Ratings
Monterey
Embark on a comfortable and educational whale watching adventure in Monterey Bay. Enjoy heated cabins, panoramic views, and expert narration by marine biologists. Book now!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Monterey Bay - As one of the only places in the world to whale watch year-round, Monterey Bay is abundant with a huge diversity of sea life, and is at the top of many things to do in Monterey. As a protected marine sanctuary rich with nutrients, the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon thrives with a bounty of breathtaking wildlife including Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Risso Dolphins, Long Beaked Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Dall’s Porpoise, Mola Mola aka Ocean Sunfish, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Pelicans, Sea Otters and so much more!
Board the 2 largest boats in the Monterey fleet the 110ft. Princess Monterey and the 100ft Atlantis Monterey. Limited VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade for an additional charge of $20 per person at time of check in if space is available.
What's Included
- On-board restrooms for your convenience.
What's Not Included
- We cannot take kids under 3 or pregnant women on our trips
- Carbonated beverages
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
- VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade $20 per person at check in if space is available
Additional Information
We take pride in being the top-rated Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay, boasting a 99% success rate. We provide:
Monterey’s two largest and most comfortable boats – the 110 foot Princess Monterey and the 100 foot Atlantis Monterey.
Climate-controlled cabins endowed with large windows to ensure easy viewing and comfort regardless of the weather.
Both Indoor and Outdoor seating complemented by a 360-degree walk-around deck.
The option of VIP Upper Deck seating for an extra fee per person, subject to availability at check-in.
Ships that surpass all safety requirements set by the United States Coast Guard, complete with full inspections and certifications.
Guidance from Professional Marine Biologists and Naturalists narrating the journey.
Please note, we can’t accommodate children under the age of 3 or expectant mothers on our trips
- Can not take children under 3 years of age
- Can not take pregnant women on our trips
Location
96 Fishermans Wharf
Fishermans Wharf
PARKING INSTURCTIONS-GPS ADDRESSES TO PARKING AREAS
WATERFRONT LOT 245 WASHINGTON ST. MONTEREY
HERITAGE HARBOR PARKING GARAGE
99 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY
You will walk down the wharf with the shops and restaurants, we are the yellow building toward the end of the wharf.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(254 Ratings)
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Familyaf
Apr 26, 2024
Impressive. - First 55 minutes nothing to see. After that time suddenly we saw four wales. And unexpected right next to our boat. It was impressive. And for so many times we where hardly even paying attention… a tip to stay focused on the ocean. About the princess, we where on the 9am boat. It was not so busy. Had a different (smaller, still large enough) boat. They ask everyone if you want to upgrade. 50% did. We didn’t and had the best view (I think) at the front of the boat. About the lady who was the guide. We could hear here at the front. That was a pitty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascal1956
Apr 23, 2024
Whale watching - We saw 7 humpback whales and sea lions. The lady commentator was knowledgeable and entertaining. All the staff were polite and helpful. We enjoyed the trip very much
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise_e
Apr 18, 2024
Whales Up Close - The captain and crew were friendly and knowledgeable. They took us to a great location where a pod of Humpbacks were feeding. There were at least 5 whales with dozens of sea lions and scores of sea birds of many varieties feeding as well. The captain kept moving the boat so everyone could get a clear view. We stayed with the pod for about an hour. The best part was on the return journey, A humpback was spotted about a mile away breaching. Even though our tour was over, the captain turned the boat and went after them. We were able to get close. It was a mother and her calf. The mother breached close to boat. We then returned to the dock. I have been on other whale watching tours and this is the best one.
Review provided by Viator
Charlene_g
Apr 18, 2024
Exciting day - Excellent. We've never seen so many whales, dolphins and sea lions. The captain knew exactly where they had been seen and took us there. Then explored until he found more. Crew was friendly and attentive. Naturalust onboard gave us tons of information. We had an exciting day.
Review provided by Viator
Kristen_l
Apr 16, 2024
Skeptics no more - Not having seen whales before, we were a bit skeptical and figured it’d be a harbor cruise full of seals. Boy were we wrong! We took the 9am boat out and about 15mins into the trip we saw our first indication of activity. From there it was nonstop Humpback action. We didn’t get a full breach, but we saw plenty of dorsal slaps and fluke smacks. The lead naturalist and expert, provided commentary/sighting directions throughout the trip. We were all pleasantly surprised by the end of it and would go out on the Princess Monterrey trip 100 times over.
Review provided by Viator
Kwinger113
Apr 11, 2024
Princess Whale Watching - We had a spectacular day. Saw lots of whales up close! Just magical! Will definitely return for another tour next time we are here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_l
Apr 24, 2024
Solid three hour whale watching tour. - We saw quite a few whales, maybe 5-6 different whales, with some very close encounters to the boat. The crew was nice and friendly, the only thing I didn’t like and didn’t find out until I got on the boat was that there was an up charge of $20 of you wanted access to the top deck of the boat. This felt very tacky and nothing I’ve ever seen on other boats.
Review provided by Viator
Jessenia_b
Apr 18, 2024
seeing all the whales,... - seeing all the whales, and a beautiful sea otter swimming in the middle of the ocean. Due to the fact that a lot of whales were around us it made me feel sea sick but the experience was worthed.
Review provided by Viator
12esl
Apr 27, 2024
Thought I was in a Andrea Gail - When they tell you it is going to be choppy really listen to them. Half the passengers on board were getting sick off the back of the boat. Couldn’t wait for the trip to end. Did see some whales so that was cool.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison
Apr 9, 2024
Disappointed cancelation - The trip was scheduled for 12:30 pm and at 11:30 am I received a call telling us the trip had been canceled. It was nice that they called to let us know, and it was very last minute and very disappointing. We had driven two hours to see the attend the event.
Review provided by Tripadvisor