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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
Sunset Whale Watch Tour
Naturalist Guide Duration: 3 hours 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
Reviews
1,064 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience
P7969HTkathleenm,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic crew! Knowledgeable, friendly, and good sense of humor. Their passion for marine life comes through - they seemed as excited as the passengers about all the sightings. We had a lucky day - 25-ish humpbacks, three orcas, dolphins, and more. The company has sea sicknesses medication available when you check in - if you have any concern, definitely take it before boarding...they can't control how rough the sea is and better safe than sorry. It worked great for me. Highly recommend!
Amazing!
ttay20,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish, what an amazing excursion. We managed to see 2 Fin Whales and a mother and calf Humpback. The crew were fantastic and boat was pleasant. Our guide (Maddie I think) was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all things marine life and gave incredible insight on what we were seeing. The sea was rough unfortunately and people got sea sick but the crew were fantastic with them. One day, we will be back to hopefully see the elusive Orca and absolutely, I will use Discovery again! Thanks for helping fulfil a life's dream of seeing whales in their natural habitat.
Fascinating experience
Kay S,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was fascinating, although I would have liked more information about the animals sited. We saw a variety of marine life. I enjoyed the sailor songs by one of the employees. All tourists need to wear a waterproof jacket and stay outside of the inner cabin. The ride outbound was wet & rough as expected. (Everyone who stayed inside got seasick!)
A Great Experience
joanlI5090TL,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience. Lovely, knowledgeable crew. Saw humpbacks, orcas and dolphins, etc.
Magical experience
Emma E,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous experience and our naturalist Ryan was brilliant. It was a magical experience that I would repeat in a heart beat.
Wow!
danirJ5598JS,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew and we saw so many humpback whales (10!) as well as different dolphins and birds. Unfortunately the water was extremely rough and many people were seasick. The crew did such a great job supporting a lot of seasick people and keeping the vessel and passengers clean!
Whale watch Monterey
Tina M,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Whale watch was fun. Great crew . Saw whales and sea otters and dolphins. Make sure to dress warm with rain gear and warm hats. Shoes with thick heels as it gets cold and rainy
Lot of fun!
Escape48856985459,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time! The naturalist on board added to the whole experience. He was very informative and just fun! Saw whales, otters, sea lions, and more
Highly recommend!
W1259CPkathleenc,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience!! Our guide Isaiah was phenomenal, knowledgeable and entertaining! We saw killer whales and thousands of dolphins.
Great experience!
Adventure799284,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great adventure. We were out on the water for about 4 hours. Staff was super attentive and friendly. I would recommend this trip!
From US$75.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Discovery Whale Watch