Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Thinking about heading out onto Monterey Bay to see whales and other marine life? This whale-watching tour by Princess Monterey Whale Watching promises a memorable 2.5-hour adventure filled with wildlife sightings and expert narration. Whether you’re a seasoned whale-watch enthusiast or a first-timer, it’s an experience worth considering, especially if you love being on the water and seeing nature up close.

What we particularly like about this tour is how spacious the vessel is, giving plenty of room to spread out, and how knowledgeable the guides are. They really know their stuff, making the trip both educational and engaging. Plus, the chance to see a variety of marine animals, from whales to sea lions, keeps the experience exciting.

One thing to keep in mind is that the viewing experience can vary depending on the weather and the day’s wildlife activity. Sometimes whales are close, sometimes they’re a bit more elusive, which is part of the fun but also means patience is key. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, marine life, and don’t mind being out on the water for a couple of hours.

If you’re in Monterey and want a chance to see whales in their natural habitat, this tour offers a solid mix of education, scenic views, and wildlife encounters. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a relaxed, well-organized cruise with the chance to learn from expert guides.

Key Points

• Comfortable, spacious vessels ensure a relaxing ride and good viewing opportunities.
• Expert guides provide informative commentary and deepen your understanding of marine wildlife.
• Flexible seating options, including outdoor, indoor, and VIP upper deck, enhance the viewing experience.
• Wildlife sightings like whales, dolphins, and sea lions are common, with varying success depending on the day.
• Value for money is generally high, especially with the option to upgrade for better views.
• Departure times are flexible, with options in the morning, afternoon, or evening, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

When you set out on this whale-watching tour, you’re stepping onto some of the largest vessels in Monterey—the Princess Monterey and Atlantis Monterey—both around 100 to 110 feet long, designed for stability and comfort. The vessels are equipped with large windows and walkaround decks, giving you plenty of vantage points no matter where you choose to sit.

The cruise leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively spot filled with shops and restaurants, so you can arrive with some time to explore beforehand. The meeting point is clearly marked by a bright yellow building at the end of the wharf, just a short walk from the parking area. Once onboard, you’ll notice that the interior cabins are heated, which is great for cooler days, but if you’re someone who loves being outside, you might want to splurge on the VIP upper deck seats, which are available for an extra fee and provide even better panoramic views.

The main goal here is wildlife spotting, and the crew does a good job of searching the waters, which are nutrient-rich enough to attract whales during their migration periods. You might see humpbacks and blue whales in summer and fall, while gray whales are more common during winter and spring. Dolphins are present year-round, often riding the waves alongside the boat, providing plenty of lively moments.

The guides are a highlight, according to reviews. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share details about the animals you see. A guest mentioned, “The guide was excellent! She knew a lot about the area, the ocean, the whales, etc. Wonderful sense of humor very nice.” Their insights make the experience more meaningful than just spotting splashes in the water.

What makes this tour stand out is how it balances education with entertainment. You’ll learn about whale behaviors, migration patterns, and marine ecology, all while enjoying the natural beauty of Monterey Bay. The onboard narration is well-paced, and the live guide makes sure everyone gets a chance to hear interesting facts.

The onboard bar offers snacks and drinks, allowing you to relax and socialize during the cruise. If you prefer, you can bring your own food and beverages, which many guests do for a more personalized touch. Toilets are available onboard, an important convenience during a 2.5-hour trip.

Wildlife sightings can vary day by day, which keeps the experience unpredictable and exciting. Some reviews reflect this, with one guest noting, “We saw many humpback whales, some fin whales, and lots of sea lions feeding,” while others mention how the whales may stay at a distance, requiring good zoom lenses or patience.

Crowd size seems manageable, though a few reviews mention that the boat can get crowded, especially during peak times. If you’re keen on a quieter, more exclusive experience, the VIP upper deck might be worth the additional cost. Keep in mind that the departure times are flexible, often available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, so you can pick what fits your schedule.

The Cost and Its Value

At $70 per person, this tour offers a fair price for a wildlife cruise of this length and quality. Considering the size of the vessel, the knowledgeable guides, and the likelihood of sightings, many reviewers feel it’s a good deal. The option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Some guests have opted to upgrade to the VIP upper deck, paying an extra $20, and found that the views were noticeably better. This can be well worth it if snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery from a prime vantage point is a priority.

Overall, you’re paying for a well-organized, comfortable cruise with expert narration and a genuine chance to see whales in their natural environment. For wildlife lovers and those looking for a scenic adventure, it’s a solid investment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whale-watching cruise appeals most to nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and anyone eager for a scenic water adventure. If you’re visiting Monterey and want a relaxing way to see marine creatures in their habitat, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s less suited for children under 3 years, pregnant women, or people with mobility issues, due to the boat’s nature and some physical limitations. However, if you’re traveling without these considerations, you’ll find this to be a enjoyable, insightful trip that offers a window into the fascinating marine world of Monterey Bay.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a well-reviewed, reasonably priced whale-watching experience that combines comfort, knowledgeable guides, and a chance to see a variety of marine wildlife, this tour is a good pick. The scenic cruise, friendly crew, and educational narration make it a worthwhile addition to any Monterey itinerary.

While sightings are always subject to nature’s whims, the reviews consistently highlight the excitement and value of this trip. It’s an adventure that’s easy to enjoy, especially if you’re comfortable on the water and love wildlife.

In the end, this tour offers a practical and rewarding way to connect with the sea and its creatures, making it one of the more dependable wildlife cruises in the area. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, informative, and scenic outing, it’s a trip many will remember long after they leave Monterey.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to see whales and marine life without feeling rushed.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can purchase snacks and beverages onboard or bring your own.

Where do we meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is at Fisherman’s Wharf, near the brightly colored yellow building at the end of the wharf, just a short walk from parking.

Can I upgrade for better views?
Yes, there’s an option to buy limited VIP upper deck seating at check-in for an extra fee, which offers superior panoramic views.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 3, and pregnant women or those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level before booking.

What kind of wildlife might we see?
Expect to see whales such as humpbacks, blue whales, and gray whales depending on the season. Dolphins and sea lions are also common sightings.

If you’re ready for a scenic, educational, and wildlife-filled excursion, this whale-watching tour from Monterey is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the weather and bring your camera—those whale breaches and dolphin leaps are worth capturing!

You can check availability for your dates here: