8 Standout Monterey Whale Watching Tours

1.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,300 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $75Our pick

Cruise from Old Fisherman’s Wharf into Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with Discovery Whale Watch. Expect sea lions at the harbor, feeding humpbacks in summer and fall, and migrating gray whales in winter. Biologist guides such as Isiah, Maddy, and Isaiah explain the wildlife, while the small boat gives you room to move for a better view.

“The whales of course. Getting close. It was fun bouncing in a boat again. Great guides. Funny. Knowledgeable. Price was a little steep, but still worth it.”

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2.Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62Best value

Sail from Old Fisherman’s Wharf with Chris’s Fishing and Whale Watching for three hours of wildlife spotting. Guides such as Kevin, Lauren, and Tinker explain Monterey Bay’s ecology while the captain searches for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and possible orcas. The smaller boat offers clear views, but choppy water and confusing parking deserve attention.

“Our whale watching adventure was spectacular!! Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always ready to answer questions. We saw several whales and he was as excited as the rest of us!! The boat itself was older and hard to move around but once the whales, sea lions, and birds started showing, no one cared about boat as we all ooohhed and aaaahed. Spectacular experience!!”

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3.4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,045 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Meet at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf for a roughly three-and-a-half-hour cruise led by a marine biologist or naturalist. Watch for humpback, gray, blue, and even orca sightings, plus dolphins, sea lions, otters, and birds. Guides such as Isaiah, Cory, Maddie, and Ryan have helped make past trips both informative and personal.

“We had a great experience on this whale watching tour. The tour guides were wonderful and very knowledgable. We got to see some amazing whales and dolphins along the way!”

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4.Monterey Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 732 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $70

Cruise Monterey Bay aboard the 110-foot Princess Monterey or 100-foot Atlantis Monterey for about three hours. Naturalists and marine biologists point out humpback, gray, blue, and killer whales, plus dolphins, otters, sea lions, and sunfish. Melissa is one naturalist praised for clear, lively explanations. VIP upper-deck seating costs $20 more if available.

“It was a great experience. Loved seeing the whales and other wildlife. The guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions.”

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5.Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with A Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 519 reviews · 3 hours · from $75

Meet Discovery Whale Watch at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour sunset cruise. A marine biologist or naturalist, including guides such as Isaiah, Andrew, Kevin, or Maddie, explains whale behavior, migration, and conservation while the crew searches for humpbacks, gray and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and sometimes orcas.

“This is great. Izaih and Matt are great. We were very lucky and saw 7 humpbacks!! However, sunset is best to do this aesthetically, but wrap up warm!!”

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6.Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 497 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $62

You’ll leave from 48 Fishermans Wharf for about three hours on a 53 to 70-foot boat with Chris’ Fishing Trips & Whale Watching. The captain shares facts as you search Monterey Bay Sanctuary for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and other marine life. Bring warm layers and prepare for a moving, sometimes chilly ride.

“Captain and Deckhand were great. Friendly staff and saw plenty of hump back whales and orcas . Highly recommend”

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7.Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 348 reviews · 2h 30m · from $70

Board the 110-foot Princess Monterey or 100-foot Atlantis Monterey at Fisherman’s Wharf for a 150-minute wildlife cruise. A marine guide explains whale behavior as you search Monterey Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. Choose heated indoor seating or outdoor decks, with limited upper-deck upgrades available.

“The guide was excellent. Her knowledge was deep and she was a very entertaining speaker as well. This is an event worth booking.”

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8.Monterey Bay Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 316 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $69

Join Sea Goddess Whale Watching from Moss Landing for about three hours on Monterey Bay. The nutrient-rich Monterey Bay Canyon draws humpback, gray, blue, and killer whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and other marine life. You can choose VIP upper-deck seating, hear commentary from the crew, and return to the same dock.

“Worth the small trip from Monterey! 2:30 hours on the boat with a great commentary. The team does care about the environment and has knowledge about the whales and their habitat.”

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