Princess Monterey Whale Watching welcomes you to California’s famed marine sanctuary, one of the rare places where whales can be seen year-round. Board spacious 100-foot vessels featuring heated cabins, 360° open decks, and coast-...
Princess Monterey Whale Watching welcomes you to California’s famed marine sanctuary, one of the rare places where whales can be seen year-round. Board spacious 100-foot vessels featuring heated cabins, 360° open decks, and coast-...
Most guests come back thrilled after spotting abundant marine life, with humpback whales stealing the show alongside dolphins, sea lions, and otters. The crew and naturalists earn consistent praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both educational and exciting. Several reviewers mention the staff's genuine excitement matching their own when whales appear, and they handle seasick passengers with care and discretion. One memorable trip featured a curious humpback hanging around the boat for ten minutes, which the crew explained was incredibly rare behavior. The main complaint worth noting involves the VIP upper deck upgrade. One detailed review warns that the upper deck lacks forward viewing, has limited standing room, and exposes you to cold winds, while the regular lower deck offers comfortable indoor seating, picture windows, and protected outdoor viewing areas. Another guest felt rushed through the tour, with too much transit time and not enough viewing stops. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming sentiment leans positive, with loyal customers returning year after year and many saying it exceeded their expectations. The onboard amenities are basic but functional, with coffee, snacks, and cold-weather gear available for purchase.
We had an excellent whale watching experience! We were lucky enough to see multiple humpback whales, and the crew did a fantastic job making sure everyone had a chance to spot them. The naturalist on board was knowledgeable and explained the whales’ behavior in an engaging way, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The boat was comfortable, the staff were friendly and organized, and the whole experience felt well run from start to finish. Even on a cloudy Monterey day, being out on the bay was beautiful. If you’re visiting Monterey, I’d definitely recommend this tour. Seeing humpback whales in the wild is something I’ll remember for a long time!
Manjushri A (Manju)
July 7, 2026
We had an excellent whale watching experience! We were lucky enough to see multiple humpback whales, and the crew did a fantastic job making sure everyone had a chance to spot them. The naturalist on board was knowledgeable and explained the whales’ behavior in an engaging way, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The boat was comfortable, the staff were friendly and organized, and the whole experience felt well run from start to finish. Even on a cloudy Monterey day, being out on the bay was beautiful. If you’re visiting Monterey, I’d definitely recommend this tour. Seeing humpback whales in the wild is something I’ll remember for a long time!
Manjushri A (Manju)
July 7, 2026