Princess Monterey Whale Watching
Whale watching tours in Monterey Bay
Category

Tours

Price

$$

Est. Duration

3-4h

Message from Ryan & Katy Smilko

Princess Monterey Whale Watching offers an incredible opportunity to experience the rich marine life of Monterey Bay aboard one of their spacious vessels, the Princess Monterey or Atlantis Monterey. These year-round tours, guided by expert marine biologists, allow guests to encounter majestic creatures like humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, dolphins, and more.

Monterey Bay is perfect for whale watching year-round, with different species making seasonal appearances. From April to November, humpback whales dazzle visitors with their acrobatics, while gray whales migrate through the bay from December to April, often accompanied by calves. Summer months, from June to October, bring the awe-inspiring blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, feeding on abundant krill. Spring, particularly April and May, offers chances to spot orcas hunting gray whale calves during migration. Other cetaceans like minke and pilot whales occasionally visit, and the bay’s rich ecosystem ensures year-round sightings of dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds, making every trip unforgettable.

Tours depart multiple times daily and last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and features narration about the diverse marine ecosystem. The boats are equipped with heated indoor cabins, large viewing windows, outdoor seating areas, and snack bars, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey. Guests can choose general admission or opt for premium upper deck seating, which offers panoramic views and an elevated experience. To make the most of your trip though, dress in layers, bring a camera, and prepare for possible seasickness if you’re sensitive to motion. Whether you’re marveling at a breaching whale or watching playful dolphins glide through the water, a Princess Monterey Whale Watching tour promises an unforgettable day on the water.

We've also done a whale watching tour with an alternate tour company called Discovery and found the experiences to be very similar. Make sure to check them out as well to see who has the best pricing option!

https://www.rexby.com/Smilkos_Lens/ttd/k13ekoCOReifHm7u5_9x6Q

Pet-friendly: No, pets are not permitted.

Soft adventure: Yes, if you do not get motion sickness.

Seasonality: All seasons

Also

Wildlife

Activity level
Age requirement

All ages

Seasonality

All seasons

*By booking through me, you are supporting me as a content creator at no additional cost to you.

Things to Do Nearby

Discovery Whale Watch
Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Carmel Valley Ranch - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Bixby Creek Bridge

Looking for things to do?

Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Go to Guide
Rexby
Explore
Purchases
Messages
Log in