Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers the Daily Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour, the Monterey Bay Sunset Whale Watching Tour, the Monterey Bay All Day Whale Tour, the Monterey Bay Killer Whale Search Trip, and the Monterey Bay Pelagic Seabird Tour. The All Day Whale Tour, Killer Whale Search Trip, and Pelagic Seabird Tour are for ages 13+ and are priced at $196.10 each, while the Daily Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour is $76.32 and the Sunset Whale Watching Tour is $81.62.

Programs

• Daily Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour — All ages · $76.32 · Catch the excitement of whale watching in Monterey Bay.
• Monterey Bay All Day Whale Tour (seasonal) — Ages 13+ · $196.10 · Experience a Monterey Bay All Day Whale Tour and witness majestic whales in their natural habitat.
• Monterey Bay Sunset Whale Watching Tour — All ages · $81.62 · Join for a sunset whale watching experience.
• Monterey Bay Killer Whale Search Trip — Ages 13+ · $196.10 · Search for killer whales in Monterey Bay at a time of year when they are seen more often.
• Monterey Bay Pelagic Seabird Tour — Ages 13+ · $196.10 · Experience a pelagic seabird tour and witness seabirds in their natural habitat.

At a glance

• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Price range: $76.32–$196.10

About the provider

Monterey Bay Whale Watch started in 1992 and has been operated by marine biologists since then. Nancy Black is the owner and lead naturalist, and trips are led by experienced marine biologists, including her. The daily tours focus on education, research, and conservation. The company was named one of the top five whale watching companies in the U.S., and Nancy Black has been featured in CBS News, ABC News, AP News, SFGATE, the BBC, National Geographic, and Animal Planet. She has also co-authored several scientific papers on whales and volunteered for many years at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, where she assisted in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation and helped in the rescue of Humphrey the humpback whale.

• Monterey Bay Private Charters/Film Crews — All ages · $700 per day · Private whale watching charters for individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends.

Daily tours run every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas for certain departures. The only trip scheduled for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day is a 4 hour morning trip at 9 a.m.

What families say

“Brilliant!!!! Do it!!! Soooo good. We saw Orcas which is apparently quite rare (about once a month) and some humpbacks, and also so many sea lions and seals! Just wonderful, staff lovely (especially with my daughter who was not feeling so good even on a calm day - first time on a proper boat and we didn’t know she got sea sick!) and an amazing experience all-round. Thoroughly recommend” — Rachel M. | Tripadvisor

“Great trip, run by lovely people, and we saw whales! Awesome trip, great crew. Our guide Kelsey was superb and full of energy. Worth the extra to be on the upper deck but plenty of viewing from both decks. We saw a bunch of whales and really enjoyed it. Decent facilities on board including snacks and coffees which was helpful. Highly recommended.” — Greg D. | Tripadvisor

“Wonderful experience Absolutely wonderful experience! We went on Saturday 7/29/23, even though it was foggy the Captain and crew were able to put us on Mother's Humpback, her calf, and a second adult that was traveling with them! The boat was clean and comfortable and the staff was knowledgeable and kind! Will definitely be back!!!” — JenF | Tripadvisor

Last updated October 7, 2026.