Whales off Monterey Bay can feel unreal. This Monterey whale watching tour gets you out on the water with 99% success odds and a big-boat setup built for scanning wildlife. You’ll be in and around a protected marine area where humpbacks, grays, blues, and even orcas are on the radar.

I especially like that you get onboard naturalists and marine biologists, not just a camera-and-guess routine. Second, the boat experience is built for comfort with multiple decks and an onboard restroom.

One thing to plan for: motion sickness. On choppier days, some people report feeling very ill, so have a plan before you leave the dock.

Key reasons this Monterey whale watching tour is popular

• Big boats (100–110ft) with multiple decks for easier viewing and comfort
• Naturalists and marine biologists narrating in English, so spotting wildlife feels less random
• VIP upper deck upgrade (when available) for a more intimate feel and better sightlines
• Monterey Bay’s year-round whale watching reputation backed by a protected sanctuary
• Strong odds plus a wide wildlife list beyond whales (dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more)

Why Monterey Bay whale watching is a year-round draw

Monterey Bay is one of the rare places where whale watching can work across seasons, not just summer. That matters because it changes how you plan your trip: you can go even if you’re traveling outside peak months and still have a real shot at whales.

The tour is aimed at a protected sanctuary area where nutrients feed the food chain. When the water is productive, you tend to see more sea life, and the boat staff are watching for the signs that whales are feeding nearby. You’re not just hoping for a lucky sighting; you’re going with a crew that’s actively looking.

Getting set up at Fisherman’s Wharf and boarding a 100–110ft boat

Your trip starts at 96 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey and ends back there. The location is convenient because you’re already in the action near the water, and it’s described as being near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to fight parking.

This operator runs on one of two large vessels in the Monterey fleet: the 110ft Princess Monterey or the 100ft Atlantis Monterey. Either way, the big-boat size and multiple decks are a big deal. On whale days, people want a place to stand, sit, and wait without constantly getting in each other’s space.

You also have an easy onboard comfort baseline: there’s a restroom on the boat, which sounds simple until you’re out for a couple of hours and everyone’s checking the time. The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours (with a schedule shown as 3 hours).

How the Monterey Bay stop works: submarine canyon vibes and real wildlife variety

The main focus is Monterey Bay. This area is described as a protected marine sanctuary and tied to the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, which is where the food supply gets concentrated. Practically, that means the crew is searching for whales in a region that’s naturally suited for them.

Here’s the wildlife you’ll have on your mental checklist as the boat scans:

• Whales you might spot include humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, and sperm whales
• You might also see dolphins (including risso dolphins and long-beaked common dolphins), plus Dall’s porpoise
• Other potential sightings include sea turtles, sea lions, and sea otters
• You might even notice ocean sunfish (mola mola) and jellyfish

One reality check: distance rules. Even when a whale is present, you may not get close views all the time. One review notes that gray whales were far enough away that you needed binoculars to truly enjoy the look. So think of this as a wildlife watching trip where the goal is to see behavior and confirm species, not to guarantee action like jumps right in the boat’s path.

Timing also matters. Several recent comments highlight that it can take 45 minutes to an hour-plus before whales show up. If you’re the type who panics when nothing appears quickly, plan to settle in. When the wildlife does arrive, it often turns into a steady run of sightings for a while.

Upper deck VIP: better views, fewer people, and handy extras

There’s an optional VIP upgrade to the upper deck. It’s listed as an additional $20 per person at check-in if space is available, so it’s not something you can assume you’ll get for free.

For many people, this is the upgrade that actually changes your experience. Reviews point to the upper deck as a place with better views and a more comfortable setup, including more manageable crowding. One comment specifically mentions that paying for the top deck also led to better views, bathrooms, and less people.

The upper deck also tends to be more pleasant when you want to watch for longer stretches without rotating through window lines. You’ll find seating options up top, and the wildlife is visible on multiple sides of the boat, so having a vantage point where you can scan left and right helps.

That said, the lower deck can be great on calm days. It sounds like the lower deck is still designed for viewing with indoor and outdoor spots, but on rough-water days there may be restrictions. One review says that on choppy water, being on the lower deck was limited, so if you’re sensitive to motion or want maximum freedom of movement, it’s worth considering how the day’s conditions might affect where you’re allowed to stand.

What you learn from the naturalists (and why it changes the viewing)

This tour leans hard into narration. Onboard naturalists and marine biologists explain what you’re seeing and how to interpret whale behavior. The result is that you don’t just spot a spout; you start to understand what kind of movement you’re watching and what it likely means.

A name that comes up in feedback is Melissa, who’s mentioned as clearly explaining whale behavior and even sea lion behavior. That kind of coaching is what turns a whale sighting into something you’ll remember for months.

It also helps with the moments that can otherwise feel frustrating. When you’re waiting, you get context for what the crew is looking for. When whales appear, the narration helps you track the pod rather than just catching a brief glimpse and losing it.

If you’re traveling with kids, this educational layer is often the difference between a passive trip and a truly engaging one. One family-focused comment calls the tour fun and informative for kids, with staff excited to share what they see. For adults, the same energy makes the whole trip feel like an active field experience.

Comfort and safety: motion sickness is the real enemy

Let’s talk about the biggest practical risk: seasickness. One review was blunt about it, saying the ride made them vomit about 45 minutes in and that the captain could have done more to minimize it. Another review warns that on rough days, the rocking can be too severe even with motion aids.

So here’s your best practical approach:

• Take your prevention early, not after you start feeling it. One comment recommends taking Dramamine about an hour before you go out.
• Bring the tools that work for you, whether that’s tablets, bands, or patches. One couple used motion sickness bands and patches, but still reported their illness kicked in halfway through when waves were strong.
• Dress for wind and temperature swings. One review notes that it gets cold off the coast, and a warm jacket helps.

Also, pick your seat with your comfort in mind. If you know you’re sensitive, choose the location that feels most stable for you and avoid being stuck in a spot where you can’t easily reposition when conditions change.

The good news: when seasickness doesn’t hit, people consistently describe the experience as exciting and well-run. The rough-water factor is real, but it’s also something you can prepare for.

Value check: is $70 worth it, plus the $20 VIP?

At $70 per person, you’re paying for a couple of hours on the water with specialized wildlife searching and marine interpretation. In a place like Monterey, that can be worth it fast when you consider what you’d spend on gas, parking, a private boat, or a long day of driving with no guarantee.

The trick is understanding what can affect value on the day:

• Distance: whales might be farther than the ad-style closeups people expect.
• Crowds: if you’re packed into lower-deck viewing areas, your view can be more blocked.
• Add-on choice: the $20 VIP upgrade can be a real upgrade for sightlines and comfort, but it’s optional and dependent on space at check-in.

So when should you aim to pay for VIP? If you care about minimizing crowding, want better viewing angles, and value having more comfortable onboard options, the $20 is often framed as worth it. If you’re on a budget and you handle boat motion well, the standard decks can still deliver a great day.

The most reassuring point is the variety of wildlife possible. Even when one whale species doesn’t appear as close as you want, you can still come away with dolphins, otters, sea turtles, and sea lions in the mix. One recent comment lists a wide haul: whales, dolphins, sun fish, and otters.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want Monterey whale watching with real narration and a wildlife focus
• Like the idea of scanning from multiple vantage points without having to bring your own vessel
• Are okay with the idea that whales can take time to appear (often 45 minutes to an hour-plus)

It’s also a smart choice if you’re in Monterey or Carmel and want a straightforward outing that returns to the same dock.

Now, who should consider alternatives? The tour explicitly can’t take:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women

If you’re prone to severe motion sickness, you should treat that as a key decision factor. Some people have a great time even when they worry, while others get hit hard during rough conditions. That’s not a minor caveat, so plan based on how you personally react to choppy water.

Should you book Princess Monterey Whale Watching?

Book this tour if you want the best odds in Monterey Bay with onboard wildlife interpretation, you’re comfortable with open-water conditions, and you’re fine with the fact that whale sightings can mean distance plus behavior, not always close-up jumping.

Skip it or plan extra carefully if you know motion sickness hits you hard in boats. In that case, bring prevention, dress warm, and consider how the upper deck might make your day easier.

If you’re traveling with family, the ban on kids under 3 matters, but for older kids and adults, the combo of wildlife variety and guided spotting is what tends to make the trip feel worth the money.

One last nudge: arrive with flexible expectations. Give the crew time to find whales, and you’ll usually end up with more than just a quick look.

FAQ

How long is the Monterey whale watching tour?

The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours, and the schedule can be listed as 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

It’s $70.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at 96 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a restroom on board.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Soda/pop, coffee and/or tea, and snacks are not included.

Is the VIP upper deck upgrade available?

Yes. VIP upper deck seating costs an additional $20 per person at check-in if space is available.

Are children allowed?

No children under 3 years old can take part.

Can pregnant women join the tour?

No. Pregnant women cannot take part.

Is whale watching in Monterey Bay available year-round?

Monterey Bay is described as one of the places where whale watching is possible year-round.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What animals might you see?

The tour describes possible sightings of humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, sea otters, and other wildlife.

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