Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one time with guests while on deck. Professional photographers are often sent to capture the spectacular sights seen from on board and are available to offer tips for your own photography.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Warm layers are recommended
Sun protection, camera, binoculars, water, and snacks are recommended
If prone to motionsickness, please take precautionary measures and we also sell motion sickness remedies in the shop
What To Expect
Meet at Fisherman's Wharf to begin your whale watching experience at 9am. Monterey Bay is considered to be a premier destination for whale watching year round as these animals are often spotted there. Your whale watching trip will be narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist, who will provide you educational and interesting information about marine wildlife. In addition to teaching you about the wildlife, your marine biologists and naturalists will provide information about the natural history of the local area and talk about conservation. While out on the ocean your marine biologists and naturalists will also be collecting sighting data for scientific research. During your trip the crew will show you how to spot whales and dolphins as well as give you advice on how to best capture photos and videos of the wildlife. You will return back to the original departure point between 12:30pm and 1pm.
Options
Sunset Whale Watch Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 3 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages: Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate Boat Ride
3 Hour Whale Watching Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 3 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages Boat Ride
4-Hour Whale Watching Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 4 hours Complimentary Hot Beverages Boat Ride
What‘s Included
Time listed is when boat LEAVES! Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead
Marine Biologist/Naturalist & Deckhand
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (Chips, Candy, Soda, and Water)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,086 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful crew great experience
Shean S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was friendly and knowledgeable and answered all questions the group had and made to trip fun and entertaining
100% better than expected.
Christofer N,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring windbreaker or rain coat. Lots of storage space on your digital camera or video camera. Saw so many whales. Blue, Sperm, Humpbacks, we saw dolphins. Great trip. Great crew. Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Family trip
Bobby S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Isaiah and Mattie were great. We took our grandson and got to witness several different kinds of whales. We took the 9am tour.
Lots of whales
johnnysV7337MW,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots of whales and other marine life. Our guide was excellent. Beyond our expectations.
Perfect group to view whales with!
N6961KMkristinb,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 9am tour that lasted 3 1/2-4 hours. Amazing experience! We saw so many whales, dolphins & sharks it was almost hard to see all of them. Boat & group size was small enough you could get a good look at all of the animals. Naturalist & crew were friendly & knowledgeable. Would definitely book a tour with this group again!
Amazing!!! Everyone needs to join this tour!!!!
Anna S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing whale tour! We saw sperm whales and blue whale, which was an interesting occurrence since our guide had not seen sperm whales during his 10 year tenure. We came during early-mid June and it seems like that’s the best time to go! We saw a lot of humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and other species of whale. It was a beautiful trip and once in a lifetime. For four hours and with a great crew, this was fantastic. My family and I were so excited and happy!!
Happy Ending
Geoff S,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First off, the staff and crew were great. Friendly, polite, and most important on the open waters- professional. The trip itself was a "bust", one whale although we saw a fabulous breach. Rough seas ruled that day, nobody's fault. A few people hugged the back rail. Discovery showed heart realizing the situation with no prompting- rain checks for everyone good for life. A happy ending.
Monterey Whale Watching
David V,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew is very receptive to questions and knowledgeable of the sealife. I would highly recommend this tour.
Fantastic!! Can’t wait to go again!!
Laurie B,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour from beginning to end. Very knowledgable naturalist and ship hands. They made it very fun and educational. They did an amazing job of keeping us close enough to the whales to really appreciate them and get good photos, without causing them any distress! Can’t wait to do another tour with them!
Unforgettable Whale & Dolphin Adventure Featuring Humpbacks and Casper the Albino Risso’s Dolphin
Courtney R,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whale watching experience was incredible from start to finish. The crew was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole trip enjoyable while sharing great information about the wildlife and ocean around us. We spent lots of quality time out on the water and saw an amazing variety of marine life, including Risso’s Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Purple Striped Jellyfish, and Humpback Whales. The highlight was definitely the special appearance by Casper, the famous albino Risso’s dolphin! One tip for future visitors — definitely bundle up because it can get pretty chilly out on the water, even on a nice day. They had hand warmers available for purchase, and they were absolutely worth it! Overall, it was a fantastic experience filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and meaningful connections with nature.
Related Experiences
Operated by Discovery Whale Watch