Monterey Bay Great White Shark Small-Group Boat Tour

You're one of six people on a fast boat built to get close to sharks feeding at the surface.

A 2.5-hour small-group wildlife activity in Monterey Bay where you board a six-seat boat with a licensed captain and naturalist to watch for great white sharks feeding topside, along with whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals and sea otters. The boat runs May through September when water temperatures are warmest in the shallow bay. Groups stay between one and six people, travel quietly, and spend most of the time scanning for wildlife rather than listening to narration.

The experience

You're looking for great white sharks at the surface, which means the boat moves fast over shallow water to cover ground where they feed. The captain and naturalist use their 19 years of experience to read the water and position you where sightings are most likely. Past trips have recorded as many as eight sharks in a single day, though every outing is different. Juvenile sharks ranging from 6 to 9 feet are common, and larger ones show up too. The boat holds six people maximum, each with a comfortable seat and backrest, so there's no fighting for a view.

The 2.5-hour trip runs during the May-to-September season when the bay's shallow waters warm up and draw sharks to feed. You'll encounter other wildlife too (whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters all move through the same waters), but the focus stays on scanning for dorsal fins and the distinctive shape of a great white breaking the surface. The captain navigates with modern electronics and all required safety gear. You wear an inflatable life jacket for the entire trip.

This is a private or semi-private booking, so you can call to arrange an individual trip if you don't have a group. The boat departs from Monterey, and the pace is built around speed and coverage, not comfort on calm water. If you prefer a slower ride or have concerns about your back, neck or spine, the operator recommends booking with one of the larger, slower-moving vessels in the bay instead.

What’s included

• Inflatable life jackets.
• a licensed captain and naturalist guide with 19 years of experience.
• a modern boat equipped with up-to-date electronics and all required safety gear.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 8 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ocean Safaris

Is this one for you?The boat is built for speed and small groups, so you're one of six people scanning the water actively rather than sitting through narration. Book this if you want to be part of the search itself and can handle a fast ride over open water. If you prefer a slower pace or have back or neck concerns, the larger vessels in the bay are a better fit.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the chance of actually seeing a great white shark on this trip?

Great white sharks are present in Monterey Bay throughout the May-to-September season, and the captain and naturalist use their experience to position the boat where feeding activity is most likely. Past trips have recorded as many as eight sharks in a single day, though sightings vary. You should expect to see at least a few during your outing.

How many people fit on the boat, and will I be crowded?

The boat holds a maximum of six people, and each passenger gets a comfortable seat with a backrest, so there's room to move and a clear view for everyone on board.

What other wildlife might we see besides great white sharks?

Whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters all inhabit Monterey Bay during the same season. The trip focuses on sharks, but encounters with other species happen regularly.

Is this trip suitable if I have back or neck problems?

The boat travels fast over the water, which can strain a weak back or neck. If you have spinal concerns, the operator recommends booking with one of the larger, slower-moving vessels in Monterey Bay instead.

When is the best time to book this trip?

The season runs May through September, when water temperatures in the shallow bay are warmest and great white sharks are most active. Every day is different, so any date within that window offers a chance to see them.