Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour
4.5
Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour
By Monterey Bay Whale Watch
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About
Monterey Bay Whale Watch provides an exceptional tour led by expert Marine Biologists. Owner and Marine Biologist Nancy Black has been studying the wildlife in Monterey Bay for over 30 years. We offer 3 hour, 4 hour, sunset, extended all day tours, charters, and burial-at-sea trips. We are also dog friendly. Children of all ages are welcome on our daily trips. Book with us today!
Ages 0-90, max of 15 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
- Tour led by a Marine Biologist
- Entry/Admission - Monterey
What's not included- Parking Fees
- Start:
- 84 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA3-4 hour trip Trip departs at 9am 8 hour All Day trip departs at 8am After parking at 101 Washington Street, when you're facing the water walk to the wharf on your left. There will be a pink shop called Harbor House, which is the correct pier. Walk almost to the end of the pier, there will be a hanging clock on the right, and then turn right and our red shop that says "Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center" will be directly ahead of you.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 124049P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 124049P1
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Itinerary
- 84 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA3-4 hour trip Trip departs at 9am 8 hour All Day trip departs at 8am After parking at 101 Washington Street, when you're facing the water walk to the wharf on your left. There will be a pink shop called Harbor House, which is the correct pier. Walk almost to the end of the pier, there will be a hanging clock on the right, and then turn right and our red shop that says "Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center" will be directly ahead of you.
- 1Enjoy a 3-4 hour tour with expert Marine Biologists to see whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife!
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- AmyBuss0 contributionsSo many grey whales!Noon on a Monday in January = You get the boat to yourself! On a whim we made a reservation to go whale watching and merely hoped we'd see some fascinating wildlife. Grey whales made several appearances for the better of 3 hours! The marine biologist gave loads of helpful and fascinating information. We can't wait to go again next time we're in Monterey!Written 29 January 2025
- M8432WOmarkb0 contributions1st Time Whale watcherStaff was great and helpful. Trip was smooth and safe. They stayed out longer than expected. Highly worth the price....Written 29 January 2025
- LizzieWeldon700 contributionsLovely family trip and lots of whale sightingsClean and comfortable and very nice staff. We saw lots of gray whales, otters, and sea lions. We spent the extra $20 on top deck seats and had great views and plenty of roomWritten 19 January 2025
- Jalagui0 contributionsVery good experienceVery good trip . We saw several whales,humpback whales and gray whales as well as otters,sea lions and many birds. The weather was good and the sea was quite calm. Very interesting comments provided .Written 2 January 2025
- I1722VXchrisp0 contributionsUnbelievable experienceWe were hoping to do a whale watching trip whilst in California but out itinery was flexible so we hadn't committed to pre booking a trip. When we arrived in Monterey we actually saw some whales whilst walking the cliff top paths so were keen to take a trip whilst we were staying in Monterey, we then saw leaflets for Princess Monterey Whale watching and decided to book on. The trip itself was unbelievable, not only did we see numerous Humpback whales up close, being active, feeding, courting, tale flicking and fin slapping, but we also saw a whole host of other wildlife, sea otters, sea lions and birdlife. Our host/guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, providing clear information and guidance, we have photo's, videos and memories to last a lifetime as a result. If you are staying in Monterey and looking to go whale watching then I cannot recommend Princess Whale watching cruises highly enough.Written 13 November 2024
- Desertdwellingmom0 contributionsExcellent seabird pelagic tripMy trip was a 12-hour pelagic trip to look for seabirds. This type of trip is tailored for serious birdwatchers. The Whale Watch Center staff was excellent and made sure we saw the birds we were looking for. They also made plenty of time for whale watching. If we asked to spend time on a certain flock, they would accommodate the request. One thing I would provide constructive criticism about is that the team they assemble to help "bird spotting" consists of volunteers and you have to rely on their abilities and commitment to make the trip a success. I think it's a bit loosey-goosey that way and they should have a more serious approach to the spotting aspect. I would pay more if that's what it takes to ensure the spotters are paid and have an expectation of providing more explanation and information.Written 10 November 2024
- Ellen G0 contributionsAn Amazing Way to explore the Bay!This is an excellent company to see and explore the Monterey Bay! We experienced many humpback whales so intimately this time of year. The company does an amazing job. Rose the naturalist is sensitive, insightful and informative. Cindy was an amazing whale spotter. Captain Scott did an amazing job in directing the catamaran we were on- The Black Finn. My husband and I travel the world and have done so many whale watches. I loved how they focused on everyone’s comfort and safety! If leaving from Monterey Bay Harbor- consider this company FIRST! Thank you for all your hard work and giving us amazing memoriesWritten 10 November 2024
- Judy B0 contributionsA great day for Whale Watching!!The crew was very pleasant and knowledgeable. We were able to see many whales and dolphins.we would highly recommend Princess Whale Watching ToursWritten 9 November 2024
- peterdhurst0 contributionsGreat whale watching experience.Great morning on the ocean with Monterey Bay Whale Watching. We saw plenty of Humpback whales and at one point they surrounded our boat so we couldn’t move. Knowledgeable crew helped us to enjoy our trip safely. Easy to recommend.Written 7 November 2024
- jeffreyv5990 contributionsThank you to the Staff of MB Whale WatchThis review is for the Family Ash scattering service. My wife contacted several companies in the Monterey area, as that is where my Father and Mother met, and where my Mother wanted to be after death. Monterey Bay Whale Watch was responsive and had a very reasonable price, and the time we needed. Our family had the boat to ourselves which was very nice. We departed from Monterey Wharf, and stopped near Lover's Point to scatter the ashes and flowers. The staff was fantastic, and allowed us to have our family moment with our Mother. The Captain was friendly, and even found us some whales to watch on our way in. It was an awesome experience to send our Mother off. Thank you again to the staff of Monterey Bay Whale Watch.Written 7 November 2024
- SJMMKE0 contributionsGreat care and knowledgeMonterey Bay Whale Watch provided a great whale watching experience. The entire staff, from booking to sailing, showed ENORMOUS patience with me in preparing me for a smooth adventure in spite of my history of motion/sea-sickness. Meclazine the night before and morning of, as well as the readily available and reasonably priced ginger chews did the trick. I frankly was shocked that I made it without incident. It was an A+ experience that I would do again.Written 5 November 2024
- 255susier0 contributionsProfessional charter for burial at seaVery professional and very helpful in facilitating a burial at sea. Appreciated how easy it was to do what we needed to do.Written 4 November 2024
- L8425OCgregw0 contributionsGreat couples fun tripGreat way to experience Monterey Bay. The whale watching experience offers two times daily and we preferred the time that left at 12:30 PM. There are plenty of whales to see in the vessel itself is clean and the guides are very knowledgeable. It simply a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Monterey, California.Written 27 October 2024
- Pioneer470510948600 contributionsOctober whale watchMembers of the crew were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly at all times. We saw lots of whales and sea lions even though it was foggy. The trip was very enjoyable and I would recommend this whale watch to others.Written 23 October 2024
- fionaa2910 contributionsMake remarkable wildlife memoriesAs a family, we have had the privilege of making several trips with this company over the years - never a disappointment. Extremely professional team and a comfortable boat with plenty inside space if weather inclement. On our last trip, we saw orcas including young calves, and over 20 humpbacks ....... interaction of the humpbacks disrupting orca sea lion hunt was quite remarkable. Onboard marine biologist adds to experience. Be prepared for offshore change in temperature with warm clothing and be mindful that it's a long trip (3-4 hours) if prone to motion sickness. Trip to Monterey not complete without time spent with this team.Written 23 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
785 reviews
Excellent
640
Very good
87
Average
30
Poor
18
Terrible
10
Diane
Los Angeles, CA3 contributions
Nov 2020
I have been whale watching with Monterey Bay Boat Charters / Monterey Bay Whale Watch for over twenty years! I regularly recommend this company to anyone looking for a quality whale watch trip from Monterey.
What makes this company so reputable, and a *must* for an awesome whale experience? The owner is a whale biologist (and Captain!) who has been studying whales in Monterey Bay for over thirty years. She understands whale behavior, which means she often predict movements and activities. It also means she knows how to navigate carefully when in an area with whales - providing an amazing experience to the passenger, and a safe experience for the whales. She trains her team to her same high standards, so you will always have an awesome Captain, as well as an extremely knowledge biologist onboard to share information about the wildlife.
Monterey Bay is also one of the best places in the world to see whales, with a variety of species using this nutrient-rich habitat for feeding, as well as migrating through.
Everyone at MBWW is warm and friendly! I can recommend them enough! Go! You'll have a great time! And hopefully even see some whales!
What makes this company so reputable, and a *must* for an awesome whale experience? The owner is a whale biologist (and Captain!) who has been studying whales in Monterey Bay for over thirty years. She understands whale behavior, which means she often predict movements and activities. It also means she knows how to navigate carefully when in an area with whales - providing an amazing experience to the passenger, and a safe experience for the whales. She trains her team to her same high standards, so you will always have an awesome Captain, as well as an extremely knowledge biologist onboard to share information about the wildlife.
Monterey Bay is also one of the best places in the world to see whales, with a variety of species using this nutrient-rich habitat for feeding, as well as migrating through.
Everyone at MBWW is warm and friendly! I can recommend them enough! Go! You'll have a great time! And hopefully even see some whales!
Written 13 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for the great review! We are so happy to know you love coming out with us even after so much time! We can't wait to see you again!
Written 13 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lee S
Lima, OH114 contributions
We had a wonderful morning trip on Monterey Bay. The staff photographer said our experience only happens about once every 14 days. We saw humpback whales, sea lions in the hundreds and sea otter mom and pup in the harbor. The whales enjoyed being real near our boat and we got great pictures. They even took drone footage which is shared on their website. I liked how our captain stuck with the whale group and didn’t rush off to chase other sightings. The crew from Captain on down were all pleasant and made sure everyone was taken care of the whole ride.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lee, thank you so much for the great review! We hope to see you again!
Written 26 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PattieV
4 contributions
Oct 2020
A few whale crazy friends and I decided to make a 25 hour round trip from LA to Monterey Bay on Halloween thinking that we might be lucky enough to see some feeding humpbacks. Of course, we all agreed that we had to ride with our favorite whale watch company, Monterey Bay Whale Watch. What happened next was a day we will never forget. Our Captain and marine biologist, Nancy Black, made a beeline for a family of Orca she had heard was sighted out in the bay. Just as we pulled up, a thrilling sequence of breaching and tale slapping was in process. We were astounded by several close breaches as well as activity a short distance away. After the pod had finished their lunch in this location they moved on. Staying with them for about 4 hours was a real challenge, but Nancy never lost them as we followed at a respectful distance. In the last 2 hours of our visit with them we were the honored witnesses to an Orca training session, as the young ones in the pod learned some hunting tehniques from Mom "Louise". As if this was not amazing enough, at one point 2 humpback whales broke up the session with loud trumpets and surface activity, obviously looking to end the predation. Eventually they wandered away, and the Orca concluded their lessons for the day.
When we moved on from this jaw dropping encounter, Nancy guided us to some well known and active humpbacks for what felt like a completely different whale watch! It was as if we had 2 very different trips, which were both worthy of a "best whale watch ever" title. "Angel Wings" and her new calf "Halo" were breaching, rolling around, and mugging our boat with a few friends until they decided to move along and continue their day. Very curious and boat friendly calf "Halo" was an absolute joy to watch.
Truly one of my very best days on the water, if not THE best.
Thank you Capt. Nancy Black!
When we moved on from this jaw dropping encounter, Nancy guided us to some well known and active humpbacks for what felt like a completely different whale watch! It was as if we had 2 very different trips, which were both worthy of a "best whale watch ever" title. "Angel Wings" and her new calf "Halo" were breaching, rolling around, and mugging our boat with a few friends until they decided to move along and continue their day. Very curious and boat friendly calf "Halo" was an absolute joy to watch.
Truly one of my very best days on the water, if not THE best.
Thank you Capt. Nancy Black!
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Pattie, thank you so much for your review! We are so happy to hear you had such an incredible, once in a lifetime trip! We can't wait to see you again!
Written 8 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travis D
San Mateo, CA1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
I will start by saying that this review has been a long time coming. I have been going out with MBWW (almost always the 8 or 12 hour All Day Trips) since I moved to the Bay Area at the beginning of 2017 - over 30 trips at this point. I have never had a bad experience with any member of the team - biologists, naturalists, captains, crew, staff, etc. If the whales are out there, Nancy and her team will find them! I have seen humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, fin whales, orcas and several other types of dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, ocean sunfish, jellies, etc. Every trip is unique and you never know what behaviors you will see. Nancy (and the other captains) goes above and beyond to find these animals, and also has great instinct in terms of positioning the boat so that the passengers get a perfect view. The trips are also highly educational. In the case that a trip is cancelled due to dangerous sea conditions, I have always received plenty of notice via a phone call. I would recommend MBWW without hesitation!
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Travis, thank you so much for your review!!! We love having you on board so often and are so happy you've had so many positive experiences with us! We can't wait to see you again!
Written 2 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beary_Nice-Kins
Citrus Heights, CA205 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
You get what you pay. The information by the marine biologist was very good. The Sea Wolf is a nice, clean, and sturdy ship. We've been on whale watch cruises with another Monterey company that charges less. They do ok but lack a marine biologist and their boat is definitely not even close to being as nice as the Sea Wolf.
We totally enjoyed our trip even though it wasn't the most remarkable as far as sightings. We saw 2 humpback whales but had good sightings of them - lots of tail fluking. We saw a very small Mola Mola, a few porpoises, plus the sea lions, and cormorants at the harbor break water.
We did our first whale watch cruise 15-20 years ago with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Nancy Black was the marine biologist and we still remember how quickly she moved around the boat. By the way, we went into a little storm and the waves must have been 20 feet. It was quite an experience and very exciting.
We totally enjoyed our trip even though it wasn't the most remarkable as far as sightings. We saw 2 humpback whales but had good sightings of them - lots of tail fluking. We saw a very small Mola Mola, a few porpoises, plus the sea lions, and cormorants at the harbor break water.
We did our first whale watch cruise 15-20 years ago with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Nancy Black was the marine biologist and we still remember how quickly she moved around the boat. By the way, we went into a little storm and the waves must have been 20 feet. It was quite an experience and very exciting.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Pam,
Thanks so much for the great review! We are happy to hear you had a positive experience with us and we hope to see you again soon!
Written 6 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jmoore
3 contributions
Oct 2020
This was our second trip with Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour, and it won't be our last. It was a new experience than our first time because you are out in nature and that is unpredicitable. But the customer service was the same excellant service we received the first time around. Our marine Biologist was Megan and intern Paige, plus firstmate Monica were all so helpful with information about what we were seeing and keeping the boat safe and disinfected for all of us on board. Captin Scott was amazing and helpful with restaurant recommendations as well. Great Crew!! Thank you for letting my asipiring marine biologist ask you a million questions!!
Of course it was nice of nature to show up for us as well, we had three seperate whale sightings and learned what rafting sealions are! HIghly recommend this trip! We will be back for sure!
Of course it was nice of nature to show up for us as well, we had three seperate whale sightings and learned what rafting sealions are! HIghly recommend this trip! We will be back for sure!
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you so much for the great review! We are so happy to know you had an excellent experience with our crew and we look forward to seeing you next time!
Written 12 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
L H
17 contributions
July 2020
We needed to get out of the house for some fun family time during COVID. Monterey Bay Whale Watch was amazing. They made sure our family was safe with all the COVID precautions set and communicated to us before we got there and again during the pre-launch instructions. Capt. Scott and his crew were so attentive. My daughter and I were feeling a little queasy as we were getting out to see. The staff brought us these amazing ginger treats and they totally helped. The biologist on board did a great job informing us about the animals we were seeing. We would totally recommend this business to anyone looking for a great time whale watching. We also love how they update their website regularly with what they see every day.
Written 9 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are so happy to hear you had such a positive experience with us, and we hope to see you out with us again real soon!
Written 11 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dana B
Los Angeles, CA46 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
This was a wonderful whale watching trip. We decided to head north for vacation this year due to covid restrictions there wasn’t a lot of options but we wanted to go somewhere where we could at least do some fun stuff and this was not a disappointment. We took the 230pm 3 hour tour We saw so many whales. They limited the boat to only so many people and I’m so glad that we has booked this in advanced a week before our trip. They followed all the covid guidelines so we felt safe. Wonderful crew of knowledgeable staff. They even gave everyone free Dramamine motion sickness pills before the trip to ensure no one got sick. Just a wonderful experience I will be back
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for the review! We are so happy to hear you had such an exciting trip and that you felt safe during this difficult time! We do have seasick medication for sale and we always encourage our passengers to take it! We hope to see you soon!
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carsten Kjær J
Korsoer, Denmark32 contributions
Sept 2019
It is a MUST to take a trip on the Pacific when you visit Monterey. From the Fishermen’s Warf you sail out towards West, looking at Sea Otters, Sea Lions and Brown Pelicans on the way out of the Harbor. On sea, we were lucky to see six Humpback Whales and one Blue Whale. Go for it, but to be on the safe side, take the trip with the Monterey Bay pelagic, we did the day after where no Whales were seen; but we saw astonishing birds instead including the Black-footed Albatross. However, the great avenge taking this trip even if no Whales are seen; you will get a voucher for the finest restaurant in Fishermen’s Warf, Café Fina.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Carsten,
Thank you for the review! We are happy to hear you had such a great time and that you enjoyed Cafe Fina! We hope to see you again!
Written 23 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carriew04
Houston, TX64 contributions
July 2020
This was our second trip out with this group and it was amazing! They are very safety conscious, caring, and informative. All of the crew is very knowledgable and willing to answer any questions. The captain did a great job of finding and staying with the whales while allowing everyone on the boat to see them. I highly recommend and will continue to cruise with them when I am in town.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Carrie, thank you so much for the amazing review! We are so happy to hear you had such a fantastic time and we can't wait to see you again!
Written 18 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonjour
À quelle heure sont les départs le matin ?
Merci
Written 6 April 2019
We were surrounded by at least 20 humpbacks...was exhilarating and breath taking!
Written 5 April 2019
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