Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride – Ticket + Power-Up Combo

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive outing that combines adventure, history, and a touch of pirate mischief, the Treasure Hunt: The Ride in Monterey might just be worth checking out. This attraction is designed as a family-friendly experience, blending a themed underground ride with treasure-hunting challenges that appeal to both kids and grown-ups alike. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but with mixed reviews and lots of practical details, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for before buying those tickets.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the free re-rides offer a chance to really get into the game and improve your score, making it a good value for those who love a series of quick, engaging rides. Second, the interactive elements—like treasure collecting and battling skeleton pirates—bring a lively, game-like atmosphere that keeps the energy high. On the flip side, some visitors found the ride a bit on the short side or expected more excitement, so it’s worth setting your expectations accordingly.

This experience is best suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a playful adventure with a bit of storytelling. If you’re into pirate lore or interactive attractions that don’t take themselves too seriously, this could be a delightful way to spend part of your Monterey day. But if you’re after a long, immersive experience or a serious thrill ride, you might find this a little light.

Key Points

• Family-friendly adventure with interactive game elements and treasure hunting
• Unlimited re-rides available during the day, enhancing value and fun
• Authentic pirate theme set in the depths of Cannery Row’s caverns
• Short but engaging 20-minute underground journey with pre-show entertainment
• Accessible and flexible ticketing options, including pay-later booking
• Mixed reviews suggest it’s a hit for some, but not for everyone

You can check availability for your dates here:

What To Expect from the Treasure Hunt: The Ride Experience

When you arrive at the ticket counter in the heart of Cannery Row, you’ll notice that the experience is designed to be accessible and straightforward—just show your ticket, and you’re ready to go. Your journey begins with a brief 15-minute pre-show, where animatronic pirates like Shark Bait Sam and his colorful parrot Scuttle set the tone with some playful storytelling. This part of the experience is lighthearted and sets up the theme nicely, especially for kids.

Next, you’ll descend a staircase winding around a towering mast, leading to an elevator that takes you into the underground caverns. This underground part is where the real adventure happens. The ride portion lasts about 20 minutes and takes you in old-fashioned ore carts through a series of themed tunnels. Here, you’ll find interactive Treasure Collectors—small devices that you can use to gather treasure, fend off cave creatures, skeleton pirates, and even the ghost of Bouchard himself.

Throughout this underground expedition, you’ll face various obstacles and challenges, with the goal of amassing the highest score. Some reviews note how quickly the ride goes by—one reviewer mentioned it being “short but fun,” and that’s a sentiment many share. However, the free re-rides give you a chance to improve your score and enjoy the experience multiple times, which many guests find rewarding.

The Ride’s Highlights

The setting itself is quite impressive, with detailed cave-like visuals that add a sense of adventure. The animatronics and themed elements, like skeleton pirates popping out unexpectedly, keep the energy lively. The interactive treasure-hunting aspect is particularly appealing; it turns the ride into a game, with competitive elements that encourage guests to beat their friends’ scores.

One reviewer, Job from the Philippines, called it “TOTALY WORTH IT,” describing it as “amazing” and “world-class,” which hints at how engaging the ride can be when you get into the game. Several visitors appreciated that the ride is suitable for all ages, making it a good choice for families looking for a fun, lighthearted activity.

Downsides and Considerations

That said, not everyone was sold on the experience. Roger from Spain found it “a bit boring,” and some may feel that the short duration leaves you wanting more. If you’re after a long, immersive adventure, this might not satisfy that craving. Plus, the ride is not suitable for children under 3 feet (90 cm), so if you’re traveling with very young kids, it’s something to keep in mind.

The ticket cost is quite reasonable at $23 per person, especially considering the unlimited re-ride option. But remember, food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included, so you might want to budget for those separately if you plan to stay longer or indulge in keepsakes.

The Practical Breakdown: What’s Included and Not

• Included: Unlimited day pass to the underground treasure hunt ride during operating hours, giving you flexibility to hop on multiple times.
• Not included: Food, drinks, souvenirs, or any additional paid activities.
• Accessibility: The attraction is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for guests with mobility needs.
• Reservations: You can reserve tickets with or without Power-Up Tokens, which boost your score during the game. You also have the flexibility to book now and pay later, making it easier to plan your trip without immediate commitment.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Location and How to Get There

The attraction is centrally located within Cannery Row, a lively area full of shops, eateries, and other attractions. The meeting point is straightforward—simply show up at the ticket counter in the middle of the building. Once inside, the experience begins with the themed queue and pre-show entertainment, setting the stage for the adventure below.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour caters best to families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys light-hearted, interactive adventures. If you’re traveling with kids who love pirates or treasure hunts, they’ll likely have a blast. The short duration and flexible ticketing make it a convenient, quick activity that can easily be slotted into a busy day exploring Monterey.

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for something different from the usual sightseeing—an activity that combines a bit of storytelling, a dash of competition, and some underground exploration.

Final Thoughts

The Treasure Hunt: The Ride in Monterey offers a charming, playful escape into pirate-themed caverns, perfect for those seeking a quick, interactive adventure. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate the idea of re-riding to improve your score or enjoy competitive fun. The price is reasonable for what it delivers, and the unlimited re-ride option is a smart way to get the most out of your visit.

However, keep your expectations in check—if you’re after a long, immersive experience or aren’t a fan of short rides, you might find it a bit underwhelming. Still, for fans of interactive, family-friendly fun, it’s a solid choice that adds some playful adventure to your Monterey itinerary.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but children must be taller than 3 feet (90 cm). The ride is designed to be accessible and fun for kids and adults alike.

How long does the ride last?
The underground expedition takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for the queue and pre-show entertainment.

Can I ride the attraction multiple times?
Absolutely. Your ticket grants you unlimited re-rides during the day, which many visitors find enhances the experience significantly.

What does the Power-Up Token do?
These tokens can boost your score during the game, adding an extra layer of fun and competitiveness.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What’s the cost?
Tickets are $23 per person, with options to include Power-Up Tokens for an additional fee. The price is quite reasonable considering the re-ride flexibility.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can book now and pay later for added convenience and flexibility.

Overall, if you’re after a playful, quick adventure that feels like stepping into a pirate story, Treasure Hunt: The Ride is worth considering. Just go in with the right expectations, and you’ll likely walk away with a smile and maybe even a treasure or two!

You can check availability for your dates here: