Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
Overview
Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one time with guests while on deck. Professional photographers are often sent to capture the spectacular sights seen from on board and are available to offer tips for your own photography.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Time listed is when boat LEAVES! Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead
- Marine Biologist/Naturalist & Deckhand
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks (Chips, Candy, Soda, and Water)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting Location
66 Fishermans Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Meet at Fisherman's Wharf to begin your whale watching experience at 9am. Monterey Bay is considered to be a premier destination for whale watching year round as these animals are often spotted there. Your whale watching trip will be narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist, who will provide you educational and interesting information about marine wildlife.
In addition to teaching you about the wildlife, your marine biologists and naturalists will provide information about the natural history of the local area and talk about conservation. While out on the ocean your marine biologists and naturalists will also be collecting sighting data for scientific research. During your trip the crew will show you how to spot whales and dolphins as well as give you advice on how to best capture photos and videos of the wildlife. You will return back to the original departure point between 12:30pm and 1pm.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Warm layers are recommended
- Sun protection, camera, binoculars, water, and snacks are recommended
- If prone to motionsickness, please take precautionary measures and we also sell motion sickness remedies in the shop
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-53254P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 1,023 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Catamaran Sailing Cruise in Monterey
Enjoy sailing the Monterey Bay without engine noise. You will be offered a complimentary beverage after your captain hoists the sails and catches the wind...
$65
Whale Watching Tour Monterey California
The longest running whale watching company on Monterey Bay. We have 3 boats ranging in size from 53’ to 70’. All boats are USCG inspected...
$62
The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of...
$46
Discover the stunning beauty of Monterey Bay aboard your own private sailing charter. This experience caters to all ages and interests. Venture along the coastline,...
$965
Enjoy sailing the Monterey Bay without engine noise. You will be offered a complimentary beverage after your captain hoists the sails and catches the wind...
$65
The longest running whale watching company on Monterey Bay. We have 3 boats ranging in size from 53’ to 70’. All boats are USCG inspected...
$62
The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of...
$46
Discover the stunning beauty of Monterey Bay aboard your own private sailing charter. This experience caters to all ages and interests. Venture along the coastline,...
$965
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Monterey Whale Watching Tour
We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and...
$70
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built...
$45
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the eerie streets of Monterey with our captivating walking ghost tour. Led by an experienced local guide and haunted...
$26
We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and...
$70
The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built...
$45
Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an...
$59
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the eerie streets of Monterey with our captivating walking ghost tour. Led by an experienced local guide and haunted...
$26
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale Watching Tour From Monterey. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Time listed is when boat LEAVES! Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead.
- Marine Biologist/Naturalist & Deckhand.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Food and drinks (Chips, Candy, Soda, and Water).
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Whale Watching Tour From Monterey is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale Watching Tour From Monterey will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Time listed is when boat LEAVES! Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead
- Marine Biologist/Naturalist & Deckhand
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks (Chips, Candy, Soda, and Water)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 21 years
- Warm layers are recommended
- Sun protection, camera, binoculars, water, and snacks are recommended
- If prone to motionsickness, please take precautionary measures and we also sell motion sickness remedies in the shop
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
