Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people max

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

We offer private and semi-private encounters with wildlife emphasizing on intimate experiences. Once on the boat in Monterey, guests are in a unique position, each guests 1 of the 6 comfortable seats on the boat to view a lot of different wildlife. Everyday is different, expect to have a good time seeing lots of different wildlife. During the trip, we often encounter whales, porpoises, dolphin, seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and many other varieties of marine mammals and sea birds. the most common whales we see are Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales and sometimes even Killer Whales. Don't have a group, give us a call for individual trips

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Our boat is equipped with comfortable seats with backrest but even so, if you are pregnant, have a weak back or neck, or if you don't like going fast over the water, you should not go. If you have concerns please consider booking with one of the the large capacity vessels in Monterey bay

Not recommended for travelers with neck problems

Not recommended for travelers that do not like to go fast over the water

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Inflatable life jackets and 19 years of experience on a fun, safe and reliable vessel with modern up-to-date electronics with all safety gear required

Snacks

What To Expect

Join us for a fantastic day on the waters of Monterey Bay spending time Whale watching and seeing amazing animals like seals, otters, whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and the coastal scenery of Monterey Bay. With intimate wildlife encounters, Animals are so close you can almost touch! Groups are small (1 to 6 people), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the wildlife with plenty of free time for us to explore. We draw on our experience and expertise to teach, educate and provide amazing experiences. A licensed and experienced Captain and naturalist.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea"

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

9:00 AM departure

Reviews

5.00

15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fun and amazing time
C R,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
James was awesome !! Well worth it and got to see a lot of whales. James went all out to make sure we had the best trip imaginable. We will definitely be going again for the other tours.
Best Tour Ever
Susan N,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I have been on many tours and not one comes close to the experience we had with Captain James. Even if we had not seen a single animal this would have been a great tour but we saw many incredible animals. What a perfect day. Highly recommend!
Close up and personal with humpback whales
AlanFish2020,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
James took us out on a RIB with 6 very comfortable seats. The other passengers had cancelled but James took the two of us out anyway. What a trip! sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, and whales, whales whales! The boat was nippy and maneuverable, so James was able to take us right up to humpbacks as they displayed and dived. One of the highlights of our time in California and hugely recommended.
Best whale watching ever!! Chris’s Whale watching, fisherman’s wharf in Monterey Whales, dolphins, & more
sgdevries,
Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best whale watching tour we’ve ever been on! Chris’s Whale watching on fisherman’s wharf in Monterey. The entire 3 hour tour was eventful with 3 whales playing around the boat, joined by over 100 sea lions and birds having an anchovy feast. On the way back we saw dolphins! Crew was helpful! If you go, come early as parking is a nightmare but worth the angst when you finally get there!
High end adventure!
K1385KUmichaela,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Incredible experience with James! He’s very knowledgeable and friendly. He got us up close and personal with a lot of wildlife. His zodiac was fast and cut through the waves well and the seats were comfortable. Really had an expedition feel.
Memorable Whale Adventure
Deborah W,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
James gave us a great tour. He was very knowledgeable about the ocean animals and where to find them. Everyone had a great time and got good looks at humpback whales and sea otters and dolphins.
Best Whale watching tour ever
529genevab,
Feb 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing day out on the water with captain James. If you want an adventure with a front row seat ( that’s super comfortable) take an Ocean Safaris on Monterey tour with www.OceanSafaris.com. Best day ever whale whaling We seen whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otter and more. And, I’ll be back for the Great White Sharks in the summer
Magical experience.
lrsiegel68,
Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Of all the many trip we have taken, this was definitely in the top 3. The bay had several pods of whales we followed during the three hour excursion. Between my husband and I, we had over 50 videos of whales spouting, diving, and staring at us out of curiosity. Our guide,Chris, was personable and knowledgeable. This was a bucket list adventure for us. We highly recommend it!
Wonderful experience
LOUELLA C,
Aug 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was our first time to be able to see and experience whales up close. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable and really knew where to go to search for whales. He was very kind and accommodating. We will definitely book again. Highly recommended!
Excellent tour
Melanie R,
Oct 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
My son had an amazing time. I can’t wait to come back and take this tour myself! Lots to see and amazing photos and videos.