3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Monterey Bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Your daily 3-hour, whale watch trip is narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist who provides educational and interesting information about whales, dolphins, and a wide variety of 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.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Meet at Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey to begin your whale watching experience at 10am. 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.
What‘s Included
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Transportation to/from attractions
Options
3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey
Reviews
242 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hope you see whales
Angela V,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Only whales we saw were at a distance - luck of the draw!
Amazing experience, would definitely go again
Discover15810123618,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Crew was amazing and helped you feel welcome and informed
Best Day Whale Watching Ever! (Lots more here than just whales)
Raroach,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00MLK Day 2026. The day started off slow. We found a single humpback whale and followed him for a little while. It was looking pretty dead, but then the crew found a whole group of humpback whales and we stayed with them for quite a while. There were so many it was difficult to tell exactly how many. That would've made the trip worthwhile right there. But then the crew spotted something else and took off to find acres of frenetic ocean activity. There were sea birds and thousands of dolphins, Pacific white sided dolphins and northern right whale dolphins. They were everywhere, even swimming alongside the boat, and one leapt completely out of the water several times. That was incredible and we stayed there for quite a while and by this time we were quite far out and it was getting late, but the crew stayed on that incredible spot because it was such a rare find. Finally, we had to head for home but on the way they spotted something else and made another stop. They found a pod of Rizzo's dolphins and we watched that for a little while before returning to the dock a little late, but very happy. This was our best ever whale watching excursion. Also, the operation is run very well and the crew was great.
Great family experience
V7130LTjeans,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great whale watching company. Loved the group size. We saw whales! Narration was clear, friendly and informative. I liked that multiple boats help each other find whales and be successful for their customers. Would recommend them.
Brilliant whale watching tour
catherinemP2428VP,Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 9am tour and had a fantastic trip. We were lucky enough to see Pacific white-sided dolphins and northern right whale dolphins swimming together around the boat plus two humpback whales lunge feeding and a blue shark. The crew (Isaiah, Cory and Captain Rod) were brilliant, very knowledgeable about the marine life and made it a really enjoyable trip. Highly recommend this company.
Fun outing, professional crew, saw 8 humpbacks in less than an hour.
kerribaker,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a superb whale watching tour, and Isiah is a terrific Naturalist. His enthusiasm for the sea creatures and knowledge really added to the experience. We saw 8 humpback whales, they were feeding at a shallow level so surfacing frequently. We got some great photos, and Discovery also gives you access to high definition action shots and closeups taken by several crew members (including Isiah) for each tour. I would take this outing again and highly recommend it. Dress warm.
A fabulous afternoon Whale Watching.
tmedge,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous 3 hours whale watching. I had such a good time. The staff on board were friendly and informative Izziah is the information guy and he gave lots of information on the wildlife that we saw. Kenny was over seeing the customers on board ensuring their safety and then Jackson expertly positioned the boat for a maximum view for everyone. Great Job 👏 The boat was spotless and comfortable. Ultimately the whales were amazing and we saw lots of them. I got some great pictures and also took time to just stand on watch, which was easy as the boat was not over crowded. Fabulous experience. Well worth it. Thankyou Discovery Whale Watch.
Fun and educational. You won’t be disappointed
durindaa2017,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guaranteed fun for the whole family We recently had the best whale watching experience with **Discovery Whale Watching Tour**. The staff was incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable. They were all very pleasant and readily available to answer any questions we had. Their expertise truly enhanced our understanding of the marine life around us, and it was clear they were passionate about what they do. If you’re looking for a memorable day out on the water, I highly recommend this tour. You won’t be disappointed!
Perfect whale watching adventure!
Dianamo53,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic!! Gray whales accompanied the boat for at least 30 minutes, just 30-40 yards away. Our naturalist alerted us to sightings, as well as otters, seals and sea lions. The trip was a wonder and boat staff were extremely attentive to all passengers. Highly recommend this tour!!
Must do experience when visiting Monterey.
mrsmersey,Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are visiting Monterey from Bristol, England and today we joined Isaiah, Matt and JJ on a thrilling whale watching expedition. The journey was a smooth one, on a very comfortable boat with all the amenities you could ask for, including free tea/coffee/cocoa. Captain JJ did a great job navigating us whilst at the same time letting us know if he could see anything up ahead. Isaiah and Matt were super friendly, I especially loved Isaiah’s sea shanty singing us in and out of the harbor. We saw a pod of Risso’s dolphins and some Californian Gray Whales and it was truly a magical experience to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Isaiah and Matt did a great job of making sure they pointed out the animals when they could, and while we waited for them to resurface they provided interesting information about the animals. I would highly recommend Discovery Whale watching expedition if you’re visiting Monterey. I hope to return again someday!
From US$75.00
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Operated by Discovery Whale Watch