14 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 240 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75

Meet at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf at 10am for a three-hour Discovery Whale Watch cruise. A marine biologist or naturalist explains local wildlife, conservation, and whale-spotting skills while the crew records sightings for research. Expect possible humpback and gray whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, coffee, and tea. The boat returns around 12:30pm to 1pm.

“We enjoyed the trip and the crew were excellent guides they did their best to find whales for us to see and we say a few grey whales playing , no big splashing but we did get to see rainblow from the whales”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Afternoon Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75

Leave Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf at 1:30 p.m. for about three hours on a boat carrying up to 40 people. Marine biologist guides such as Isaiah, Sophie, Andrew, or Kevin explain the bay’s wildlife while the crew searches for humpback and gray whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and otters. Bring layers, arrive early, and take seasickness medicine well before departure.

“Seeing whales on this small boat was perfect! Isaiah and Matt were great hosts and provided informational commentary. Outstanding experience. Saw several whales! Would highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 179 reviews · 2h 30m · from $71

Spend 150 minutes aboard Sea Goddess Whale Watching’s boat from Moss Landing, searching Monterey Bay for whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds. Your English-speaking marine biologist guide explains the bay’s wildlife and ocean currents. A whale or dolphin sighting guarantee adds peace of mind, though rough water and limited accessibility are worth noting.

“Great cruise. We saw multiple whales and a huge pod of dolphins.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75

Board Discovery Whale Watch at Fisherman’s Wharf for a roughly 3-hour evening trip across Monterey Bay. The crew searches for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds, then aims for sunset views. Coffee, tea, restrooms, and onboard naturalists are provided. Bring warm layers and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“This is the tour to book if you want to actually see whales up close and get a full lesson. The best experience! The captain was so informative, kind, and awesome! He made sure to fill us in with info and fun facts about every animal and thing we saw out at sea. We saw SEVERAL whales; some really close. The captain carefully followed the whales so we could get the best views and ensured our safety the entire trip. I felt comfortable, safe, and has so much fun. An unforgettable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Private Whale Watching/Sailing Tour for 6

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3 reviews · 3h 30m

Spend about three and a half hours sailing Monterey Bay with up to five companions. Captains such as Tiki and Kiwi share local insight while you look for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and sunfish. Drinks and light snacks are included, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Captain Tiki was a wealth of knowledge and so accommodating with our 3 sons. We saw whales, sea lions, a sun fish, and otter! So much fun :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Monterey Private 3 – 4 Hour Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Set out from Old Fisherman’s Wharf at 8:30 am with Sail Monterey for a private three to four hour whale watching cruise. Your group of up to six shares the boat, with chances to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, jellyfish, and seabirds. You can also enjoy free knot tying lessons before departure.

“The unique aspect of this tour was the fact that we were in a smaller boat that was sailing. Much quieter and more intimate than in the big whale watch boats crowded with people. We saw whales and dolphins and some cool birds.”

Check availability →Read our full review