Whale Watching Tour: Expert Guided Experience

Join a 4-hour excursion to spot whales. Tour guides, certified as naturalists or marine biologists, will explain the sights and interact with passengers on deck. Pro photographers frequently accompany the tours to photograph the amazing views and can provide advice on your own picture-taking.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 66 Fishermans Wharf - 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…
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
  • 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
Location
66 Fishermans Wharf
Fishermans Wharf
YOU MUST PARK FIRST!! Check in 45 minutes early PARKING: 101 Washington St, Monterey, CA 93940 BUILDING: 66 Fisherman's Wharf Walk to the pink Harbor House, then the yellow Crab House with the big clock. Turn right—we’re the blue building: Discovery Whale Watch.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1001 Ratings)
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Nickrunner
Jul 13, 2025
Amazing trip! - Amazing trip and brilliant crew! Definitely recommend. Saw loads of whales and a breach! Very knowledgeable crew and well worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allyson_m
Jul 10, 2025
Great Tour! - We had a great time, and we saw so many humpback whales. The guides were great at spotting the whales and dolphins, and they stopped numerous times to be sure we got great photos and videos. My teenagers had a lot of fun. This was a highlight of our California trip!
Review provided by Viator
Michelefe777zr
Jul 9, 2025
Great Experience! - This was a great experience. Friendly and knowledgeable crew. Took the morning cruise and it was a smooth trip. We saw a blue whale and several humpbacks. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Desperamos
Jun 26, 2025
Great experience - We had a great time with a very professional and friendly crew. The marine biologist on board taught us a lot of information in a pedagogical way. We were lucky enough to see dolphins, humpback whales and even a large sperm whale. I highly recommend this activity worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tyler_h
Jun 24, 2025
Multiple whales spotted! - Absolutely amazing. Maddie and Ivy looked after us while we were out on the water. They both did a great job explaining all of the different animals we saw on the trip. We were lucky to see multiple humpback whales and a pod of killer whales!
Review provided by Viator
391julieannec
Jun 19, 2025
Whales our friends. - A must experience for yourself. Unique whale watching experience off the California coast. The whales feeding off Monterey is unlike mating season in Maui. Unlike Southern California, I actually saw more whales than I expected. Learned so much about the humpback whales feeding and as protectors of other sea life. Enjoy every moment as the pictures were provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca_g
Jun 19, 2025
Great crew! Saw lots of... - Great crew! Saw lots of humpback whales. Colby was the naturalist and very informative. Ryan was very attentive and helpful. Water was very choppy so several of us were seasick. Great trip in spite of seasickness.
Review provided by Viator
Emma
Jul 15, 2025
Whale Watching - A wonderful informative and friendly trip. Smaller boats meant we could all easily see the whales and ask questions of the specialist guides. We were lucky and saw blue, fin and humpback whales. Definitely recommend. Amazing experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nigelwilliam_s
Jul 2, 2025
Amazing trip,... - Amazing trip, Knowledgeable and v friendly staff. Saw numerous Humpback whales, both mother and calves, Also saw a Blue whale, Pacific white sided dolphins, sea otters and seals.
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly
Jun 21, 2025
Great time! Saw lots of whales! - They were knowledgeable. The woman was so helpful explaining how to set your phone and video what you see. We thought it was a 4 hour ride but we came back after about 2 hours. I don’t know why, but we DID see at least 10 whales (I think) including a blue whale. Everyone who worked for them was nice. Would go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $85
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).