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Monterey Whale Watching Tour

860 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 860 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 95% of reviewers
95% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Monterey & Carmel, USA
Book online or call us

from $70 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Breaching Orca
Monterey Whale Watching Tour Image 2
Breaching Humpback
Sunset with the whales
Risso's Dolphins
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (12.89) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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 most comfortable boats operating in Monterey – the 110 foot Princess Monterey and the 100 foot Atlantis Monterey.

Heated cabins with large windows for easy viewing and comfort in any weather.

Indoor and Outdoor seating with a 360-degree walk-around deck.

Optional VIP Upper Deck seating is available for an additional per person charge upon check in if space is available.

Vessels exceeding all United States Coast Guard safety requirements with full inspections and certifications.

Professional Marine Biologist and Naturalists to narrate the experience.

We cannot take children under 3 years old or pregnant women on our trips

What's Included

  • Restroom on board
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Carbonated beverages Soda/Pop
  • We cannot take kids under 3 or pregnant women on our trips
See 2 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

96 Fishermans Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Monterey Bay

As one of the only places in the world to whale watch year-round, Monterey Bay is abundant with a huge diversity of sea life, and is at the top of many things to do in Monterey. As a protected marine sanctuary rich with nutrients, the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon thrives with a bounty of breathtaking wildlife including Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Risso Dolphins, Long Beaked Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Dall’s Porpoise, Mola Mola aka Ocean Sunfish, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Pelicans, Sea Otters and so much more! Board the 2 largest boats in the Monterey fleet the 110ft. Princess Monterey and the 100ft Atlantis Monterey. Limited VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade for an additional charge of $20 per person at time of check in if space is available.
Read more

3 hours Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Can not take children under 3 years of age
  • Can not take pregnant women on our trips
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (10)

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?

A: As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Monterey Whale Watching Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat. Read more Dec 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-362397P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
860 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 860 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
724
4 stars
91
3 stars
21
2 stars
11
1 star
13
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (12.89) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
A:

As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Monterey Whale Watching Tour. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.

Dec 2022
Q: Will I get seasick on Monterey Whale Watching Tour?
A:

If 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
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Monterey Whale Watching Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Restroom on board.
The following is NOT included:
  • Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
  • Carbonated beverages. Soda/Pop.
  • We cannot take kids under 3 or pregnant women on our trips.
  • Snacks.
  • VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade $20 per person at check in if space is available.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

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 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If 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 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Monterey Whale Watching Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Can not take children under 3 years of age
  • Can not take pregnant women on our trips
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Monterey Whale Watching Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. 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 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once 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 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Restroom on board
  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
  • Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
  • We cannot take kids under 3 or pregnant women on our trips
  • Snacks
  • VIP upper deck seating optional upgrade $20 per person at check in if space is available

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Can not take children under 3 years of age
  • Can not take pregnant women on our trips
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 140 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name