Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel
Monterey & Carmel, United States

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Outty Ranking 65 4.8 · 57 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $95

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$95
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 57 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay worth booking?

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay is a 1.5-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $95 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 57 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (57)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$95 per person

Looking to impress your date or just treat yourself to something unforgettable? Our Sunset Cruise is the most popular (and most romantic!) way to experience Monterey Bay. Departing daily, 90 minutes before sunset, this d

What you get

    About this experience

    Looking to impress your date or just treat yourself to something unforgettable? Our Sunset Cruise is the most popular (and most romantic!) way to experience Monterey Bay. Departing daily, 90 minutes before sunset, this dreamy 1.5-hour sail includes complimentary drinks and a light snack.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Snacks
    • Local/Professional guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • A tip for the Captain is hugely appreciated!

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sail Monterey

      Discover the beauty of sailing the Monterey Bay. Every day we motor through the harbor to see the sea otters, seals, and sea lions. Once out of the harbor, we set our sails and turn off the engine. Sit back and enjoy some complimentary beverages and a snack while you participate in true eco-tourism and use wind power to explore the Monterey Bay. What are you waiting for? Come Sail Monterey!

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Monterey & Carmel

    Plan to park 45 min BEFORE departure to avoid missing the boat. There is a large pink gift shop at the entrance to the wharf. Walk down until you reach Crab House, then make a right. Walk towards the fisherman statue and turn left. Our building is blue and has a SAIL MONTEREY sign on top of it.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Plan to park 45 min BEFORE departure to avoid missing the boat. There is a large pink gift shop at the entrance to the wharf. Walk down until you reach Crab House, then make a right. Walk towards the fisherman statue and turn left. Our building is blue and has a SAIL MONTEREY sign on top of it.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Sail Monterey

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel, photo 2Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel, photo 3Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel, photo 4Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel, photo 5Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay in Monterey & Carmel, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 57 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    57 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    49
    4 star
    5
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Tamarind_J · August 2026

    Got Lucky and Saw a Whale Tail!

    We had a great time with Capt. Vince. He was nice and gave some commentary and answered questions, but our group was pretty chill, and he let everyone enjoy their time. We had good sailing weather and he even took us inland we got to see a juvenile humpback whale, which is rare that close to land!

    via Viator

    melodygrandell · August 2026

    Best Sunset Cruise Ever

    We loved the sunset cruise we recently took with Captain Vince. The weather was perfect, the scenery amazing and we were taken care of with blankets (if needed), drinks and snacks. This was a birthday gift to my husband, and he had a great time. We also thoroughly enjoyed the music selection on board. We will be back.

    via Tripadvisor

    Eli_E · July 2026

    Sunset Sail

    The captain was very helpful, the sail was amazing, I would tell everyone you must try a sail at least once in your life, we did 7 pm and the sunset was amazing, I would do it again!

    via Viator

    LeighAnn_O · July 2026

    Pleasant Time on the Bay

    Not quite what I had expected but it was still a nice tour. The ride was fun and the sunset was beautiful. Not many drinks options and the only snacks were bagged snack mix, but the captain was great and it wasn't crowded.

    via Viator

    Cindy_J · July 2026

    Kiwi is an exceptionally...

    Kiwi is an exceptionally talented Captain with a fun personality. We had a fantastic time learning about the sea life and Monterey Bay!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    20
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)59
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)18
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)70
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.

    How much does Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay cost?

    +

    Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Monterey & Carmel usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Monterey & Carmel is not rushed.

    Is Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 57 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Monterey & Carmel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay?

    +

    Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Monterey & Carmel can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Monterey & Carmel and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Monterey & Carmel within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    Monterey Bay is one of the best whale watching stretches in the world, alongside kayak tours over the kelp forest, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur coastal runs, and Carmel wine walks. Boat size and naturalist quality decide the whale trips, and we score them accordingly. On Outty we rank every Monterey & Carmel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr, Whale Watching Tour From Monterey, Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    April to November for whales and calm seas. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay.

    Pick your date