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Our Monterey Bay Whale Watching Experience: What We Saw & Honest Tips
- Alyssa
- Apr 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Whale watching is one of our favorite things to do in Monterey, California, and it’s an experience we’ve now done multiple times. Every time family or friends visit, it’s the first activity we recommend, and we’ve seen whales on every single trip. Monterey Bay is one of the best places in California to spot whales in their natural habitat, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
On this particular trip, Elijah’s parents were visiting from out of state, and we wanted to share the experience with them. We booked an afternoon whale watching tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, choosing their 2:30 PM sailing, which is ideal if you don’t want an early morning start. Tickets cost $305.28 for four adults, and after spending time out on the water and seeing whales up close, we walked away feeling the experience was well worth it.
Disclaimer: This post is based entirely on our own whale watching trip in Monterey Bay, we paid for the tour ourselves and are sharing exactly what we experienced on the water. This post does contain affiliate links, which if used, we can earn commission from. These types of links help us continue to help us make honest reviews for our viewers
Getting To Monterey Bay Whale Watch:
The meeting point for tours is the Monterey Bay Whale Watch building, located near the end of Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re driving, there are several parking options nearby, but spots can fill up fast in the summer.
Parking Near the Wharf
We usually aim for the Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront Lot WF#1, which is the most convenient option. It’s just steps from the wharf entrance. If that’s full, a reliable backup is the Downtown Garage West It’s about a ten-minute walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. After a couple of close calls, nearly missing boarding, we’ve learned to arrive at least 30 minutes early. That way, even if you need to park farther away, you’ll still have time to stroll down the wharf.
Finding the Check-In Building
Once you’re on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the company’s bright red building is easy to spot on the right-hand side as you head toward the end. Since we had already signed the waivers online, check-in was quick. We picked up our tickets inside and waited for boarding.
What to Expect on a Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour
Boarding & Safety
Before boarding, the crew gave a quick safety demonstration, covering where to find life jackets and what to do if seasickness struck. Boarding was smooth thanks to a ramp that adjusted with the boat, and staff were nearby to assist. Our group had no issues getting on board. Passengers must remain seated while the boat exits and re-enters the harbor, but once out in the bay, you’re free to stand and move around. The seating was comfortable, and there was enough railing space to see the action without feeling crowded.
Wildlife Right Away
Within just a few minutes of leaving the harbor, the action began. On the rocky outcroppings near the entrance, we saw dozens of sea lions barking and jostling for space, while harbor seals lounged lazily in the sun. The crew pointed out the differences between the two, which was helpful since they’re easy to mix up from a distance.
The sounds carried just as strongly as the sights. The sea lions’ barks echoed across the water, mixing with the gentle lapping of the waves and the occasional call of a gull. The crew mentioned that this rocky area is a favorite resting spot because it gives the animals easy access to both sun and shelter. Overhead, seabirds swooped in and out of the water, diving for fish stirred up by the boats. It felt like a mini–wildlife show before we’d even left the harbor. The kids on board were glued to the railing, and even the adults couldn’t resist pulling out their cameras. Starting the tour with such an abundance of activity set the tone for the rest of the trip; wildlife encounters were going to be plentiful.
Spotting Whales in Monterey Bay
After a short 20-minute ride to the sighting area, we began to see activity in the water. Throughout the tour, we encountered at least six different humpback whales, each surfacing multiple times. The crew pointed out how each whale’s tail markings are unique, and even explained how sightings can be submitted to research databases, sometimes allowing passengers to name a newly identified whale!
The crew explained how each humpback has unique markings on its tail, almost like a fingerprint, which allows researchers to identify them. They even encouraged us to take photos and consider submitting them to marine research databases. In rare cases, passengers can end up naming a newly cataloged whale, which made the idea of capturing the perfect tail photo even more exciting. What impressed us most was how thoughtful the captain was about positioning the boat. Each time a whale surfaced, he slowly rotated so both sides of the boat had equal chances to see the action. Regulations keep boats at a respectful distance, but the whales were still impressively close, close enough that we could hear the splash of their tails and the rush of air as they exhaled. It felt intimate without ever crossing the line into intrusion.
Comfort & Seasickness Tips
Luckily, the seas were calm the day we went out, and no one in our group felt sick. Still, the boat had a small shop inside selling seasickness remedies, and the crew recommended taking Dramamine about 30 minutes before boarding if you’re prone to motion sickness.
A Memorable Experience
Our group was thrilled by the abundance of wildlife, from playful sea lions to surfacing whales. Elijah’s parents, who were visiting from out of state, said this was one of their favorite experiences in California. We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the bay.
Quick Facts: Whale Watching in Monterey Bay
Location: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, California
Tour Time: 2:30 PM afternoon departure (other times available seasonally)
Duration: ~3–4 hours
Cost: $305.20 for 4 adult tickets (~$76 per person)
Wildlife Spotted: Humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, seabirds
Best For: Families, couples, nature lovers, photographers
Parking: Fisherman’s Wharf Waterfront Lot (closest) or Downtown Garage West (~10-min walk)
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and secure parking
What to Bring for a Monterey Whale Watching Tour
Sunscreen – the sun reflects off the water
Hat & Sunglasses – for shade and glare protection
Dramamine (seasickness medication) – especially if you’re prone to motion sickness
Comfortable shoes – non-slip are best for boat decks
Layers of clothing – it can get chilly quickly, even in summer
Camera or phone – you’ll want to capture the whales!
Final Thoughts: Is Monterey Bay Whale Watch Worth It?
On our recent family trip to Monterey, we booked the 2:30 PM whale watching tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Four adult tickets cost $305.20, and it was worth every penny. We spotted multiple humpback whales, along with playful sea lions, harbor seals, and seabirds; the action never stopped. The crew’s commentary added context and fun facts, making the experience both educational and exciting. This ended up being one of the highlights of our family’s California trip, and our visiting relatives said it was something they’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a bucket-list Monterey activity, whale watching should be at the top of your list.
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