Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey worth booking?
Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey is a 3-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $75 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 87 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (87)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Monterey Bay is one of the greatest places in the world to find whales and with the added bonus of a sunset viewing in the summer/fall months, you can't go wrong! Each tour is narrated by a Naturalist/Marine Biologist on
What you get
About this experience
Monterey Bay is one of the greatest places in the world to find whales and with the added bonus of a sunset viewing in the summer/fall months, you can't go wrong! Each tour is narrated by a Naturalist/Marine Biologist onboard who can find the wildlife, tell you fascinating facts about the animals, and answer all of your questions! Our boats are smaller in order to provide a more intimate and personal experience for all of our guests. -2.5-3 hour tour -Snacks, sodas, water, beer/wine available onboard for purchase -Whales, dolphin, sea lions, sea otters, sea birds, and other wildlife are all possibilities
What's included
Included
- Restrooms onboard
- Check-in 30-45 minutes ahead! Plan ahead incase for traffic!
- Tea and coffee
- Time listed is when the boat leaves the dock!
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
CHECK-IN 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE Parking Address: 101 Washington Street, Monterey, CA 93940 (must pay for parking before leaving your vehicle at the pay stations or the ParkMobile App) From the parking lot, walk to 66 Fishermans Wharf. We are the BLUE building called Discovery Whale Watch. Join us for an evening tour exploring the Monterey Bay as we search for incredible marine life! Our primary focus is on whales, but other possibilities include: dolphin, sea lions, sea otters, and sea birds. Conclude the tour with an amazing view of the sunset over the water. Beer & wine are available onboard for purchase.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Monterey & Carmel
HIGH TRAFFIC ALERT - PLAN AHEAD!!!!! CHECK-IN 45-30 MINS Building Address: 66 Fisherman's Wharf 1. Head toward the pink Harbor House building 2. Keep going down until you see the yellow Crab House with a big clock 3. Turn right there 4. We're the blue building on the right – Discovery Whale Watch
Meeting point
Monterey & Carmel
TIME LISTED IS WHEN THE BOAT LEAVES!!!!! CHECK-IN 45 - 30 MINUTES AHEAD HIGH TRAFFIC - PLAN AHEAD - Monterey Car Week - August 8- 17th YOU MUST PARK FIRST - PARKING ADDRESS - 101 WASHINGTON
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
HIGH TRAFFIC ALERT - PLAN AHEAD!!!!! CHECK-IN 45-30 MINS Building Address: 66 Fisherman's Wharf 1. Head toward the pink Harbor House building 2. Keep going down until you see the yellow Crab House with a big clock 3. Turn right there 4. We're the blue building on the right – Discovery Whale Watch
Ends at
TIME LISTED IS WHEN THE BOAT LEAVES!!!!! CHECK-IN 45 - 30 MINUTES AHEAD HIGH TRAFFIC - PLAN AHEAD - Monterey Car Week - August 8- 17th YOU MUST PARK FIRST - PARKING ADDRESS - 101 WASHINGTON
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discovery Whale Watch
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Time listed is when the boat LEAVES -- CHECK-IN 30 to 45 MINUTES AHEAD DEPARTURE
- If prone to motionsickness, please take precautionary measures and we also sell motion sickness remedies in the shop
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 87 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
87 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Whale watching
Having directions on where to go once you get to the address would’ve been very helpful. We found it by asking around. The trip itself was great. We saw whales and sea lions and birds and learned about that ecosystem and it was just a super fun time. The crew was great.
via Viator
Amazing Sunset Tour..!
What an amazing experience! We did the 3 hour evening sunset tour. Saw multiple humpback whales and seals including 2 whale calves! Whales close up that came near the boat. Truly unforgettable!! Smaller boat with approx 26 people. Staff experienced and very knowledgeable with great energy- Isaiah and Matt on deck!! The best tour we have done as a family!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re so glad you had an unforgettable sunset tour and got to see humpbacks, calves, and seals up close. Isaiah and Matt will love hearing this, and we’re honored it was the best tour your family has done. Hope to see you back out on the water again!
via Tripadvisor
Whale Watching Exordinare
The crew was pleasant, informative and helpful. Safety was first and foremost with an intention to find sightings second. Once we saw whales, they intentionally stayed in the area and we saw lots of activity -blows, breaches, dives and jumping. It was so exciting. Isaiah was a rock star!!
via Viator
Whale watching at sunset Monterey
Can not recommend this enough!! Highly enjoyable, extremely knowledable staff, managed to see around 10 humpback whales multiple times, sea otters, sea lions and a great white shark!! Aside from the wildlife, the staff made this trip. The spotter came round and individually spoke to everyone, answering questions and making a connection. His 9 year experience in whale watching really helping and showed through this experience. Ive been on other tours in the past where it was lucky to see 1. We couldn't stop seeing them on this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you had such an incredible sunset trip and got to see so much wildlife. It means a lot to hear the staff made the experience even better and took the time to connect with everyone. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to have you back out with us again!
via Tripadvisor
Best naturalist/guide! Great boat!
Great trip! Nice size boat with maybe 15 guests! Perfect for relaxing and viewing the great whales they found! The guide was the best I’ve heard, a nice combo of science and storytelling! Definitely recommend this trip!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re really glad you enjoyed the trip, the boat, and the whale sightings. It means a lot to hear the guide stood out for you. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you out on the water again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.
How much does Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey cost?
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Prices start at $75 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 Whale Watch Tour in Monterey take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Whale Watch Tour in Monterey worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 87 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Monterey & Carmel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey?
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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 Whale Watch Tour in Monterey suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey?
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Around 30 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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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