Monterey whale watching tour: Semi-private boat, 6 guests max

Six seats on a boat built for watching whales move through Monterey Bay.

A semi-private whale watching tour in Monterey Bay limits groups to 6 people on one boat with a licensed captain and naturalist guide. The small group size and quiet approach bring marine wildlife (whales, dolphins, seals, otters and sea birds) within close view. The tour runs 3 hours and includes a life jacket and all safety equipment on a vessel with modern electronics.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and wildlife viewing

• Board boat in Monterey Bay
• Watch whales, dolphins, and seals
• Explore Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The experience

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the country's most productive marine habitats, and this tour puts you on a boat sized to move through it without overwhelming the animals. You get one of six comfortable seats with a backrest, a licensed captain at the helm, and a naturalist guide who teaches as the day unfolds. The boat travels quietly through the bay, and the focus stays on the wildlife rather than on a fixed itinerary. You follow where the animals are. Humpback whales, gray whales and blue whales are the most common sightings. You may also see killer whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, seals, sea lions, turtles and sharks, along with sea birds and the rocky Monterey coastline.

The tour runs 3 hours and includes an inflatable life jacket and all required safety gear. The boat is equipped with modern up-to-date electronics and has operated for 19 years on these waters. A naturalist guide provides commentary in English throughout the trip, teaching about the marine sanctuary and the animals you encounter. If you're traveling alone or with one or two others and don't have a full group of six, you can call to arrange an individual or smaller group departure.

What’s included

• Inflatable life jacket.
• all required safety equipment.
• licensed captain and naturalist guide providing commentary in English.
• modern electronics and safety gear on a vessel with 19 years of operational experience.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

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 guide speaks English and the small group of up to 6 people means you hear the naturalist's commentary clearly without the noise of a larger boat. Book this if you want close wildlife viewing with an experienced guide rather than a bigger vessel where you're one of many.

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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 whales and marine animals will I see on this Monterey Bay tour?

Humpback whales, gray whales and blue whales are the most common sightings, though you may also encounter killer whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, seals, sea lions, turtles, sharks and sea birds. Every trip is different depending on where the animals are that day.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat holds a maximum of 6 people, so the group stays small and intimate. Each person gets one of the six comfortable seats with a backrest.

What does the 3-hour tour include?

The tour includes an inflatable life jacket, all required safety equipment, and a licensed captain and naturalist guide who provides commentary in English. The boat has modern electronics and has been operating safely for 19 years.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

Yes. If you don't have a group of six, you can call to arrange an individual trip or join other solo travelers on a semi-private departure.

Is this tour suitable for someone with back or neck sensitivity?

The boat has comfortable seats with backrests, but the vessel does travel at speed over the water. If you have a weak back or neck, are pregnant, or prefer slower-moving boats, consider booking with one of the larger capacity vessels in Monterey Bay instead.