Monterey Whale Watching Tour
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Monterey Whale Watching Tour
By Princess Monterey Whale Watching
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-100, max of 140 per group
Duration: 2–3 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
- Restroom on board
What's not included- We cannot take kids under 3 or pregnant women on our trips
- Soda/Pop
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Snacks
- VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade $20 per person at check in if space is available
- Start:
- 96 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USAPARKING INSTURCTIONS-GPS ADDRESSES TO PARKING AREAS WATERFRONT LOT 245 WASHINGTON ST. MONTEREY HERITAGE HARBOR PARKING GARAGE 99 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY You will walk down the wharf with the shops and restaurants, we are the yellow building toward the end of the wharf.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 362397P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Can not take children under 3 years of age
- Can not take pregnant women on our trips
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 140 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 362397P1
From
₹5,832.94
per adult
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Itinerary
- 96 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USAPARKING INSTURCTIONS-GPS ADDRESSES TO PARKING AREAS WATERFRONT LOT 245 WASHINGTON ST. MONTEREY HERITAGE HARBOR PARKING GARAGE 99 PACIFIC ST. MONTEREY You will walk down the wharf with the shops and restaurants, we are the yellow building toward the end of the wharf.
- 1As one of the only places in the world to whale watch year-round, Monterey Bay is abundant with a huge diversity of sea life, and is at the top of many things to do in Monterey. As a protected marine sanctuary rich with nutrients, the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon thrives with a bounty of breathtaking wildlife including Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Risso Dolphins, Long Beaked Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Dall’s Porpoise, Mola Mola aka Ocean Sunfish, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Pelicans, Sea Otters and so much more! Board the 2 largest boats in the Monterey fleet the 110ft. Princess Monterey and the 100ft Atlantis Monterey. Limited VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade for an additional charge of $20 per person at time of check in if space is available.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Voyager526667708640 contributionsAmazing!Absolutely amazing! Would highly recommend this company, the staff we so knowledgeable, and we saw 13-15 hump back whales on the trip!Written 21 August 2024
- PepperPikeMom0 contributionsPrincess Whale Watching is Fantastic!This is run by some great people - from check in to the people on the boat - all were fun, helpful and wanted us to have a great experience. Definitely bring layers -it is COLD out there. We went in July and it is windy and cold out on the ocean. The larger boat (bigger than the other companies) really was nice and had a great indoor seating area to warm up and just relax (along with snacks/coffee/hot chocolate to purchase). We followed the advice of others and took some Dramamine that morning - no problems for any of my family of five. We followed one whale for a bit too long, but then they moved to another area and we saw some more humpbacks. It's nature, so no guarantees on what you will see, so I think it's important to go into your trip accepting that and just enjoy the adventure. Great experience!Written 26 July 2022
- luvt0teach0 contributionsFantastic morning!There were large ocean swells yesterday morning but the Princess Monterey is a large boat with a good captain, both of which minimize the roller coaster ride (my 3-year-old grandson did raise both of his arms in the air). And we saw dolphins, humpbacks and ORCAS! It was so great! My husband took the photo below with his cell phone; no special zoom lens. Such a terrific morning! Two things of note: 1) even if it feels warm at the dock, be ready for cold wind…I wore many layers including double jackets and wished I had gloves 2) even though the ship is large, you may want to consider taking Dramamine Now, go WHALE WATCHING!!!Written 14 June 2022
- 956adriann0 contributionsWe got to see whalesWhat it says on the label. Whale watching. Obviously nature has its own rules so you’ll never know what you are going to get. For us we’re privileged to see a pod of dolphins before moving out to see several whales at various locations. Before the trip I’d been warned of sea sickness and as it happens I hadn’t been feeling too good before booking it that morning after our flight. So I purchased their wrist straps to prevent sickness. Do they work? Well I was fine the whole trip. Others weren’t so lucky and fed the fish from the back of the boat. Expect the sea to be choppy, use what you need to prevent it and go and see those beautiful whales.Written 26 April 2022
- gunnerfromoslo0 contributionsGreat day watching whalesWe recently chose this company for a whale watching tour on the Atlantis Monterey. None of our party had done this before so we took preventative seasickness medication. It either worked or we weren't predisposed to seasickness. The seas that day were very heavy and we were glad we were on the Atlantis. You should know that there are no guarantees of seeing whales. This company goes where they were previously spotted and watches for spouts. We were extremely lucky that day and experienced two breeches, which were awesome. We also saw Risso and white sided dolphins in the approximately 2.5 hours we were out there. Overall experience was really great and I recommend them. Obviously, they don't control whether or not there are whale sightings and I can see why other reviewers were disappointed by no sightings.Written 21 March 2022
- Relax7817040 contributionsNice Trip but few whales to be seen.Princess Monterey staff was friendly and helpful. Their ship (Atlantis) was perfect for the whale tour. Just disappointed there were at least five ships gathered around the same spot to see a single whale jump out of the water. Need more whales.Written 15 March 2022
- Southtraveller270 contributionsDisappointing- hardly saw any whales inn3 hoursDon’t bet your money on this. Today on 26th we took the 3.30 sunset tour. Just saw back of a whale once in 3 hours. Booked this tour after looking at reviews. But I guess whales coming out depends on lot if factors. Book if you are ok loosing the money by taking the chancesWritten 26 December 2021
- E5228NNmm0 contributionswallowing in the swellsHow to get half of the passengers sea sick. Stop the boat so the boat is wallowing in the swells rather than steering into them and taking them head on. No whales sighted, but the crew repeatedly say that they are there at the 2 o'clock position. Passengers ordered not to stand near the bow while underway. Worst boating experience ever.Written 26 December 2021
- Camper8165210 contributionsSightings galore!What an awesome experience! We had at least 20 or more sightings of humpbacks, which we were hoping to see. A large group of sea lions, some pelicans, and cormorants were also sighted, The marine biologist aboard was great at keeping us informed as to where the sightings were occurring, so we would not miss them, and sharing his knowledge of the species we were seeing. The captain and crew did their best to enhance our whale watching experience; trying to locate the whales and move the boat in the direction of sighted whales. The sea was choppy on the day we went. We sat up front on the lower deck and in our opinion that was the best spot. There was a chance of getting wet but it was minimal to none on this day. We failed to get breaching pics (we were not fast enough with the camera) but did manage to get some tail flukes. There were snacks and drinks for purchase. There is an inside seating area if you get too cold, but the best viewing is outside. Always hold onto something when walking about the boat. DEFINITELY dress in layers. It was a bit cold toward the end of the tour. Beanies and gloves are a good idea, just in case. We took a backpack with extra jackets, hats, gloves. There are restrooms aboard.Written 17 November 2021
- Bobbi W0 contributionsExcellent tripThis was an awesome trip. We saw two humpback whales feeding with a large group of sea lions after only 10 minutes out in the bay. It was almost a let down when you expect to spend time searching for them as we have on other tours. We watched them for a long time and then traveled further out and saw another two whales traveling. Not much action there, so we headed back to see the feeding ones again and got very close to them.Written 26 October 2021
- 916cher0 contributionsExciting experienceWe enjoyed our experience. The boat was large and felt safe. I recommend the VIP pass for upper deck access and Dramamine an hour before the trip. The Dramamine made us very sleepy. Next time I’ll bring a caffeinated drink.Written 25 October 2021
- G8734ZLamberd0 contributionsGreat Whale WatchThey did a fantastic job informing guests about the sea life we were viewing and thankfully we had a great viewing of humpback whales, porpoise and sea lions. Amanda and Amber were awesome engaging with my three year old. Had a wonderful experience and would recommend, as well as revisit.Written 19 October 2021
- shelleyjenni0 contributionsOur experience was fantastic!Weather was great, boat was awesome, naturalist was informative and they even took us out further so that we could see a pod of Orcas! Also, saw 12 humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises, too!Written 18 October 2021
- coled20210 contributionsPlenty of sea life!It was a great time! We saw a bunch of dolphins and seals. Probably saw 6 or 7 humpback whales as well. Two of them even swam under the boat.Written 17 October 2021
- lindafH5218JK0 contributionsGreat tripThe crew was exceptional, great trip, saw whales, dolphins and the boat was very clean. Also the crew was very knowledgeable about the whales and marine life.Written 14 October 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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rodnak
San Francisco, CA117 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
First of all, everyone has to accept that any nature tour is a hit or miss endeavor. Nature will do what nature wants to do. We cannot hold the concessioners responsible for not "making wildlife appear"!
Saying that, we chose the evening tour at 6:30PM, hoping to get the hues of the sunset somewhere in the background.
Nature would not comply. It was absolutely clear when we left. In an hour, the fog had come down to the horizon line and had greatly reduced visibility. However the seas were pretty calm. We took the non-drowsy Dramamine, just in case. We had no ill effects. But some did.
Dress for the worse weather to make your experience fun! There were some only dressed in t-shirts, shorts and sandals. It was clear and warm when we left. But we were glad that we had at least a knit cap, windproof jacket, pants and closed toe shoes. My wife wished she had her gloves.
The captain was able to locate about half a dozen humpbacks and a few porpoises. We maneuvered as close as responsible. The very low contrast scene left my Sony A7M3 auto-focus continually hunting. I did get a few lucky shots. I used a 70-300 lens and had to use all the reach it afforded.
The crew was very friendly and informative, without being "too much." Overall, I would highly recommend!
One more thing, it was off season, so we chose to skip the $20 per head to get onto the upper deck. The boat was only half full. So navigating to port or starboard sides quickly and easily was simple on the lower deck
Saying that, we chose the evening tour at 6:30PM, hoping to get the hues of the sunset somewhere in the background.
Nature would not comply. It was absolutely clear when we left. In an hour, the fog had come down to the horizon line and had greatly reduced visibility. However the seas were pretty calm. We took the non-drowsy Dramamine, just in case. We had no ill effects. But some did.
Dress for the worse weather to make your experience fun! There were some only dressed in t-shirts, shorts and sandals. It was clear and warm when we left. But we were glad that we had at least a knit cap, windproof jacket, pants and closed toe shoes. My wife wished she had her gloves.
The captain was able to locate about half a dozen humpbacks and a few porpoises. We maneuvered as close as responsible. The very low contrast scene left my Sony A7M3 auto-focus continually hunting. I did get a few lucky shots. I used a 70-300 lens and had to use all the reach it afforded.
The crew was very friendly and informative, without being "too much." Overall, I would highly recommend!
One more thing, it was off season, so we chose to skip the $20 per head to get onto the upper deck. The boat was only half full. So navigating to port or starboard sides quickly and easily was simple on the lower deck
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your detailed review. It does get cold out in the ocean even during the summer months. It's unfortunate you encountered fog during your trip, I'm happy you were able to enjoy the wildlife sightings. We appreciate you coming out with us 🐋
Written 25 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catharina R
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We saw whales and seals. The captain stopped at the right places and also told us where whales could be seen. He also told us a bit about the whales.
Only tickets for the main deck are available here. The upper deck is only for VIP guests who have paid $10 more per person. These can currently only be purchased on site.
The tickets for the main deck were completely sufficient for us because the ship was always turned so that you could see the animals very well from the bow.
Only tickets for the main deck are available here. The upper deck is only for VIP guests who have paid $10 more per person. These can currently only be purchased on site.
The tickets for the main deck were completely sufficient for us because the ship was always turned so that you could see the animals very well from the bow.

Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming out with us! We do offer the VIP upgrade at check in but yes, the lower deck has plenty of good viewing options 🐳
Written 11 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sanbha
Milpitas, CA7 contributions
Absolutely loved our 3 hour excursion offshore with them. I was with my family and had senior person(79 yrs old) with us. They absolutely make sure everyone gets to see the awesome humpback whales we saw. We started seeing the whales only 20 minutes into the journey. The crew gave all passengers very good info and we saw whales doing all those things we see on tv or documentaries including tail slap and breaching the surface and rising high!
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for coming out with us! We are so glad you enjoyed your trip and were able to experience the magnificent humpbacks 🐋
Written 9 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bauloewe02
Nuremberg, Germany21 contributions
It may be that this company has the best quota, but they will probably take their guests out to sea in any weather, regardless of the cost. We were there during the monster waves, and they still went out. More than half of all participants had to throw up, and it was absolutely irresponsible. I'm not concerned with whether we saw anything, but rather that we were recklessly exposed to this weather. Waves of up to 15 m. All tours were cancelled the day before, which is probably why they had to go through with this day, whatever the cost. Absolutely outrageous.

Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry to hear about your experience. We are coast guard certified and our captains have been with us for over 25 years, some even longer, they are very experienced and would never put anyone in danger. We never take our boats out when there is an advisory in place, in fact even the much smaller vessels where out that day. Having the largest boats in Monterey does help with seasickness, of course some people do experience seasickness. Again,I apologize you did not have a good trip, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months.
Written 8 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristin D
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Couples
We were scheduled for Friday, but the high winds made for high waves and we had to reschedule for the next day. Most people would deduct a star or leave a negative review, but I salute safety over $$. We did find some humpbacks, sea lions, sea otters, and even some jellies! Very professional and friendly crew. Saw a double breach!!
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for choosing Princess Monterey Whale Watching, I'm so happy that you were able to reschedule and see the beautiful wildlife in Monterey Bay. A double breach is very cool!
Written 19 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosemary
San Francisco, CA85 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I have taken many whale watching tours with Monterey Whale Watching Tours, at different times of day and different timès a year. The experience is always wonderful . The crew is always exceptional 👏 and the marin expert is always informative. I always learn something new. I went on the sunset tour at 6:30pm. It was a beautiful calm night, the sea was like glass. We followed 2 humpback 🐋 whale. It was amazing to see them lunge feed!!! There were other whales 🐋 that were spouting off in the distance...the sun was setting we watched seals and alot of birds. Tip, there is a snack bar...you can get chips, candy, hot chocolate ect. Dress in layer. It can get pretty cold on the water, I brought a light fleese hoodie and a light jacket, beanie & gloves. After your done with the tour you can get hot clam crowder on the warf
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review!
We so happy to hear you enjoyed the beautiful sunset cruise with the beautiful humpbacks and amazing wildlife. It is a very beautiful time to be out on the water with them.
Watching them lunge feeding is always a highlight of any trip and we absolutely adore the cute sea lions 🦭
Thank you for choosing Princess Monterey, we can't wait to share the amazing wildlife with you again 🐳
Written 28 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew A
Chapel Hill, NC2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The tour had a very knowledgeable guide on-board who offered many interesting and fun facts. The large boat felt safe and at the same time did just fine finding and tracking whales. Had a great time.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you had a fun trip! Thanks for coming out with us!!!
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger P
44 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Competent crew took an hour to motor out to a certain area and promptly spotted a couple of hump back whales working their way along the surface, coming up for air every 30 or 45 seconds. The crew was able to gently maneuver within perhaps 60 or 70 feet to the whales as they surfaced. Knowledgable guide provided some commentary. The encounter with the whales lasted for 25 or 30 minutes. Then an hour to return to shore. A more engaged guide offering more info on whales, and the species we viewed would have been helpful. It felt like the guide could have put forth more effort, even if it was reading from a script with back ground information.
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your review, glad you were able to see the amazing humpbacks 🐋 I know they are training some naturalists, perhaps that was happening on your excursion, we do appreciate you bringing it to our attention and we will look into it.
Written 10 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DJCTrip
Andover, UK6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Fantastic experience! I know the trip depends on seeing whales and we got very lucky on our midday 3 hour ride, we saw soooooo many wonderful whales (8-9) feeding repeatedly so I have no complaints and only praise for this trip, the boat, it’s crew and all staff. The information given about all the sea life and bird life was interesting and although nothing can be guaranteed, if you are fortunate enough to see the Whales it is truly amazing. I’d recommend taking warm layers and motion sickness tablets which you can buy at ticket desk.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice review! Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing your experience 🐳
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andreassJ2031WW
Lichtenstein, Germany2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Very good team, unfortunately few whales (nobody can help it) - but pretty much in the end a huge group of dolphins. We could enjoy the sun on the deck:-)
Some more transparency when booking would be good (upper deck only for 20$ surcharge) - but we had already read in another review.
Some more transparency when booking would be good (upper deck only for 20$ surcharge) - but we had already read in another review.
Automatically translated
Written 14 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danke, Dass Sie bei uns sind. Schon Dass Sie Delphinen 🐬 although nicht viele wales.
Written 23 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, Id like to know what time do these whales appear the most often
Written 30 July 2023
I can’t answer that but we went on the 10am tour in July and saw whales for a whole 2 hours.
Written 24 August 2023
Puedo volar un Drone desde el Barco? Gracias. Can I fly a drone from the boat? Thank you
Written 16 June 2023
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