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    Explore Monterey

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    Monterey Bay Aquarium

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    Monterey BayAttraction in California, United States

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    Good for groups

    Family-friendly activities

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  • Explore Monterey
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium

17-Mile Drive

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Lover's Point Beach, Monterey

Monterey Museum of Art

San Carlos Beach

Coast Guard Pier

Colton Hall Museum and Jail, Monterey

Del Monte Beach, Monterey

Day trips

Multi-day trips

Shore excursions

Nearby destinations

Pacific Grove, CA tours

Carmel-by-the-Sea tours

Palo Alto tours

Santa Cruz, California tours

Milpitas tours

Salinas, California tours

Nearby sights

Monterey BayAttraction in California, United States

Pacific Coast Highway - Route 1Attraction in California, United States

Stanford University, Palo AltoAttraction in Palo Alto, United States

Computer History MuseumAttraction in Mountain View, United States

Asilomar State Beach, Pacific GroveAttraction in Pacific Grove, CA, United States

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Traveler type

Bus & minivan tours

Bike tours

Dolphin & whale watching

Scooters & motorcycles

Sailing trips & boat tours

Sea lion tours

Canoe & kayak tours

Beach trips

Wine tasting & winery tours

Aquariums

Surfing lessons

Pirate activities

Explore more things to do in Monterey

Sightseeing

Nature & adventure

Driving experiences

Marine life

Culture & history

Water sports

Safaris & wildlife activities

Explore more things to do in Monterey

Good for groups

Family-friendly activities

Activities for couples

Explore more things to do in Monterey

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Top rated
4.7561097 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7561097 out of 5 stars
2046 reviews
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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7561097 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7561097 out of 5 stars
2046 reviews

Embark on a whale-watching tour in Monterey Bay. Join a marine biologist or naturalist and learn more about the whales and other marine species in the area.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 - 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Shannon – United States

We had Mattie and Matt as our guides and they were amazing! So knowledgeable and friendly. The captain, Ben, I think was great as well. They worked to make the trip fun and enjoyable. The information provided for the trip in the emails was accurate and very helpful. It gets cold out there folks, make sure to bring layers if it’s cloudy and cool.

J
Jane – United Kingdom

What an amazing trip. We were in the US for my 70th birthday and our children booked for us as my gift. They could not have chosen better. We saw whales, dolphins and sealing. The commentary was great and the trip was 5*

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Discovery Whale Watch

  • Timeline stop icon

    Old Fisherman's Wharf

  • Cannery Row

  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Monterey Bay

  • Arrive back at:

    Discovery Whale Watch

Main sites passed
Other sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • See whales in their natural habitat
  • Explore Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  • Admire some of the most incredible animals on earth

Full description

Discover a variety of whale species in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on this unforgettable cruise from Monterey. Renowned for its deep submarine canyon close to shore, Monterey Bay is one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. With whales spotted almost daily, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Depart from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can catch a glimpse of hundreds of Californian sea lions inside the harbor as the boat leaves the dock. Take advantage of the view and snap a photo to capture the memory.

As you pass the historic Cannery Row, you’ll enter the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for feeding humpback whales, various dolphin species, porpoises, blue whales, and fin whales.

Enjoy the onboard biologist’s fascinating insights into the bay’s marine life and conservation efforts. During the summer and fall, the tour focuses on feeding whales that come to feast on small fish and krill. While humpback whales are spotted daily, you might also see blue whales, fin whales, gray whales, orcas, and diverse dolphin species.

In the winter, the tour shifts to the south end of Monterey Bay to follow migrating whales, including gray whales. This cruise offers an incredible chance to witness the majesty of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Includes

  • 3 or 4-hour whale-watching cruise (depending on the option booked)
  • Biologist guide
  • Hot beverages
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Please check in at our office at least 45 minutes before departure with coastguard waivers completed. You will receive a separate email from the coastguard to fill out a waiver. Each person in your party must complete it electronically (adults will complete waivers for minors). You can forward the link via email or text to anyone in your party. **PARKING DIRECTIONS:** The closest parking lot is the Monterey Harbor Waterfront at 245 Washington St. Pay for parking beforehand using the ParkMobile App or Pay Stations. Failure to pay will result in a $49 ticket. RV parking is available. **WALKING DIRECTIONS FROM PARKING LOT:** After paying, walk towards Wharf 1. Look for the pink Harbor House. Walk past it until you see the yellow Crab House, then turn right. We are the blue building on your right called Discovery Whale Watch. Our address is: 66 Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey, CA 93940

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • Summer and fall morning tours last 3.5-4 hours, while the winter morning tours and the afternoon tours year-round last 2.5-3 hours
  • Motion sickness remedies are available for purchase at the office before the tour, but you are welcome to bring your own
  • Bringing a small packed lunch and non-alcoholic beverages is allowed
  • There are restroom facilities on the vessel
  • Friendly dogs are permitted on board
Likely to sell out

From $75 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 2046 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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S
Shannon – United StatesJune 8, 2025 – Verified booking
We had Mattie and Matt as our guides and they were amazing! So knowledgeable and friendly. The captain, Ben, I think was great as well. They worked to make the trip fun and enjoyable. The information provided for the trip in the emails was accurate and very helpful. It gets cold out there folks, make sure to bring layers if it’s cloudy and cool.
J
Jane – United KingdomMay 20, 2025 – Verified booking
What an amazing trip. We were in the US for my 70th birthday and our children booked for us as my gift. They could not have chosen better. We saw whales, dolphins and sealing. The commentary was great and the trip was 5*
M
Melissa – NetherlandsMay 16, 2025 – Verified booking
We’ve seen a lot of whales and pretty close to. It was amazing!

Product ID: 246507

Activity provider:Discovery Whale Watch
  • United States
  • California
  • Things to do in Monterey
  • Tours in Monterey
  • Old Fisherman's Wharf

Top Attractions in Monterey

  • 1Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 217-Mile Drive
  • 3Monterey Museum of Art
  • 4Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
  • 5Lover's Point Beach, Monterey
  • 6Old Fisherman's Wharf
  • 7San Carlos Beach
  • 8Del Monte Beach, Monterey
  • 9Breakwater Cove Marin
  • 10Coast Guard Pier

Experiences in Monterey

  • 1Monterey Dolphin & whale watching
  • 2Monterey Cruises & boat tours
  • 3Monterey Wine tasting & winery tours
  • 4Monterey Aquariums
  • 5Monterey Canoe & kayak tours
  • 6Monterey Activities for couples
  • 7Monterey Family-friendly activities
  • 8Monterey Water sports
  • 9Monterey Sunset tours
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