Whale Watching Tour Monterey California
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The longest running whale watching company on Monterey Bay. We have 3 boats ranging in size from 53’ to 70’. All boats are USCG inspected and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. Our captains are among the most experienced and will provide you a fully narrated trip, bringing to life the wonders of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and surrounding area. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime tour in the whale watching capitol of the world.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Duration:3 hours
Operating Schedule:Departures daily at 10am & 1:30pm. Check in is at 9:30am or 1pm. For Parking use 201 Washington Street then proceed to 48 Fisherman's Wharf #1 Monterey, Ca 93940.
For Parking use 201 Washington Street.
What‘s Included
Restroom on board
Snacks
Lunch
Bottled water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Whale Watching
Reviews
532 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great trip
mrangel322,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable experience. The weather was rough - raining, windy and cold. But we got to see so many whales. Including a mama with her baby. A once in a lifetime experience. The guide, Kevin, was the best. Absolutely made the trip amazing. Can’t recommend enough.
Chris's Whale Watching
LesliefromCA,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Felt safe with guides. Whales were seen but not very visible. Great being out on the water, even tho' the boat was a bit crowded. Constructive input. I did not want my tour interrupted by a senior woman, one of the "guides" who was loving talking about herself as she ruined any sense of discovery and wonder that may have been present. Please get her off the bnoat.
Amazing day.
189shaunm,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant morning out on the Star of Monterey, hosted by Kevin. Lot of fun and some amazing sightings of whales, dolphins and seals. Would highly recommend this activity if you're in the area. If we return, we will definitely book with Chris' fishing and Whale watching. Sadly they have no control over the weather, while it was nice and warm on the way out, the weather changed quickly on the way back with a cold bank of thick fog coming in, make sure you take extra layers.
Best whale watching tour
Dorene B,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I took a 3 hour whale watching trip. We saw a lot of dolphins and a ton of whales. My husband saw a whale breaching. I started to have motion sickness and Kevin gave me a ginger candy which made me feel better. Chris and Kevin were friendly, knowledgeable, explained what we were seeing and where to look. We had taken a couple whale watching trips previously but we have never had seen so many whales.
Amazing tour
Karl G,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw humpback 🐋 risso dolphins 🐬 and pacific dolphins 🐬. Kevin was a great guide and the captain kept us on track with the whales 🐋 all in all a fantastic trip
Great Experience!
Mary G,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved the “ local” vibe of the crew! Small group so no problem moving around deck to see! Saw FIN Whales which were awe inspiring !
Cool Day on the Bay
Bazlaw,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really relaxed and friendly experience. Humpbacks calves dolphins sea lions and even an otter. Highly recommended
Anniversary trip
Beckie C,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Fun trip. Saw otters, dolphins, sea lions, humpbacks and fin whales.
Great tour, comfortable...
Barry S,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, comfortable boat, well guided. We'd have gone again if we had time, helped with good weather.
Love the Orca's
marlenemD1488YX,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have done the Whale Watching tour with Chris' Whale Watching tour a few times and this one topped the scales. I was hoping for Orcas and there are no guarantees they will be out there but they sure were. I am also glad that the Captain maintains a safe distance from the whales but close enough to see them. It is funny I saw a comment saying they could only see the backs of whales (not the fault of the tour, the person should take that up with the whales, lol). Captain Tinker, Kevin, his trainee and Chere were great. All very informative and helpful. Kevin was a lot of fun and interacted with the passengers throughout the trip. Chere (the photographer, Moms Whale Watching) had lots of great tips and information. The trip out had some good sized swells and made for a very adventurous trip, but all worth it to see the Orcas in their natural habitat. The ride back was super smooth and you couldn't ask for better weather (04/17/2026) not that every trip will be the same but to be out there is amazing no matter what you see. Thank you to Captain Tinker, Kevin, and Chere - thoroughly enjoyed the trip and thanks for making it memorable.
From US$62.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching