
Whale Watching Tour Monterey California
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 612 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching Tour Monterey California worth booking?
Whale Watching Tour Monterey California is a 3-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $62 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 612 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (612)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $62 per person
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 and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. Our captains are among the most experienced and will provide you a fully narrated trip, bringing to life the wonders of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and surrounding area. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime tour in the whale watching capitol of the world.
What you get
About this experience
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 and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. Our captains are among the most experienced and will provide you a fully narrated trip, bringing to life the wonders of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and surrounding area. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime tour in the whale watching capitol of the world.
What's included
Included
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Bottled water
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching
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 travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 605 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
605 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching Tour Monterey California. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent
Excellent from start to finish
via Tripadvisor
I was able to see whales...
I was able to see whales for the first time! I got so emotional. The experience was super nice! Super recommend this if you are ever in Monterey.
via Viator
Completely Amazing!
It was awesome! We saw lots of whales. Two huge whales breached the water just feet from our boat! Once in a lifetime experience! I would highly recommend this trip!
via Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic...
We had a fantastic experience close to several humpbacks for a prolonged period in addition to the usual swim by viewing. Note boat is basic
via Viator
Fantastic experience, a must see whilst in Monterey
Whale watching has been on my lists to do for years now. I missed out on my last trip to Monterey. Chris’s whale watching experience was easy to find on the Monterey wharfside pier, I’ve been travelling solo. Many people families, young and old joined on the Star of Monterey Boat. It was a beautiful hot day and we saw some amazing humpback whales, they didn’t disappoint. It was around an hours trip to the spot an hour taking photos/video and of course an hours trip back. The best experience, you won’t be disappointed.
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
- Booked in 30 days
- 214
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching Tour Monterey California: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.
How much does Whale Watching Tour Monterey California cost?
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Prices start at $62 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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California 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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 612 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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California?
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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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California 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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California?
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Around 214 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 Whale Watching Tour Monterey California 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, 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided 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.
What is included in Whale Watching Tour Monterey California?
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Included: On-board restrooms. Not included: Snacks; Lunch; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Whale Watching Tour Monterey California offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale Watching Tour Monterey California?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Whale Watching Tour Monterey California wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale Watching Tour Monterey California if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Whale Watching Tour Monterey California?
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Across 612 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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