Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour: 3-Hour Narrated Trip

Watch whales from a boat built for the water, not squeezed onto it

A whale watching tour on Monterey Bay with a live English-speaking captain who narrates the full 3-hour trip and brings the Monterey Bay Sanctuary to life. All three boats are USCG inspected and approved with indoor seating, bathrooms and room to move: no crowding onto a converted fishing boat. Parking is at 201 Washington Street.

The experience

What makes a whale watching tour work is the boat itself and who's steering it. This company runs the longest-operating whale watching fleet on Monterey Bay, and their captains are among the most experienced in the area. You board one of three vessels, ranging from 53 to 70 feet, all USCG inspected and built with indoor accommodations so you're not standing on deck the whole time. The narration runs throughout the 3-hour trip, so you're not guessing what you're seeing. The captain brings the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and the surrounding waters to life as it unfolds.

The boats have restrooms on board and enough seating that you can settle in without jostling for space. Weather on the water changes fast, and the indoor areas mean you can step inside when the wind picks up, then head back out when conditions shift. Parking is straightforward (use the lot at 201 Washington Street), and public transportation options are available nearby if you're coming from elsewhere in the area.

What’s included

• 3-hour narrated whale watching tour on Monterey Bay.
• live English-speaking captain.
• indoor seating and restrooms on board.
• USCG-inspected vessel.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 10:00 and 13:30, from US$ 62 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 68

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching

Is this one for you?The three boats here are built for whale watching, not borrowed from another job. That's why you get indoor seating, restrooms and room to move instead of being packed onto a converted fishing vessel. Experienced captains who narrate the whole trip mean you're not squinting at the water and guessing. You know what you're looking at as it happens.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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.

How long is the whale watching tour on Monterey Bay?

The tour runs 3 hours from start to finish, with a live captain narrating the entire trip and pointing out what you're seeing in the Monterey Bay Sanctuary.

What's included on the boat during the whale watching tour?

All boats have restrooms on board and indoor seating so you can stay comfortable whether you're watching from outside or taking a break from the wind and spray.

Are the boats safe and inspected?

All three vessels are USCG inspected and approved. The fleet ranges from 53 to 70 feet, each built with indoor accommodations and proper safety equipment.

Where do I park for the Monterey Bay whale watching tour?

Use the parking lot at 201 Washington Street. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer not to drive.

Can I bring my service animal on the whale watching tour?

Service animals are allowed on board the whale watching tour.