Whale watching tours in Monterey (California): prices

In your trip along the California coast, western United States, a recommended stage is Monterey Bay.

This area stands out for being a natural area with sandy beaches and rocky promontories, which is located on the coastal route of the highway 1. 

But a great attraction of the Californian city of Monterey concentrates on the Fisherman's Wharf: Fisherman's Port.

This old fishing port has now become a busy recreational port from where boats leave daily. boat trips to spot whales and dolphins in the wild.

Whale watching excursions

There is a wide range of companies that organize this type of excursions.

The usual thing is that in summer the boat trip to see whales It takes place in the morning from 9 a.m., and depending on the company hired, it can last between four or five hours.

In the summer, excursions are also offered that leave around 14 p.m. and usually last about three hours.

In winter there are usually only excursions in the morning, and they do not last more than three or four hours.

These excursions are contracted in the same Fisherman's Wharf from Monterey, although there are also companies that offer this service from other places in the city. Monterey Bay, such as the town of Moss Landing, located north of Monterey, half an hour down the coast.

Depending on the time of year, and depending on the migrations, different species of whales can be observed, the most common being the Humpbacks whales and Gray whales.

Likewise, you can also see dolphins and orcas.

You have to keep in mind that on these excursions it is not always easy to spot the whales. It may happen that you spend four hours sailing and only in the last hour can you see whales.

Another factor to take into account is if you are sensitive to possible dizziness, as is my case.

These excursions are carried out on small fishing boats, in groups of no more than 30 or 40 people, and given the length of the excursion, you can get dizzy. so I advise you to prevent it with the appropriate pills.

In conclusion, if finally in your visit to Monterey If you decide to take a boat trip to watch whales, you should consider it as a pleasant morning of sailing during which, in addition to dolphins, you may see whales.

Price excursion to see whales in Monterey

The Prices of the excursions for whale watching in Monterey Bay (2017) is usually $55 for adults for a 3-3,5 hour tour, and $45 for adults for a 2-2,5 hour tour.

Companies that organize excursions to see whales

• Sanctuary Cruises
• Monterey Bay Whale Watch

How to get to Monterey from San Francisco

Monterey It is located 190 kilometers south of San Francisco, two hours of travel by road, although in heavy traffic conditions it can take up to two and three-quarter hours.

To get to Monterey, take Highway 101 south, then turn off onto Highway 156 West at the exit Castroville, to finally take Highway 1 towards Monterey.

If you prefer to sign up for an excursion from San Francisco in an organized group with a guide in Spanish, here you have the information on the Tour to Monterey and Carmel.

VIEW Monterey – California in a larger map