Princess Monterey Whale Watching invites guests to experience the extraordinary marine life of Monterey Bay aboard its spacious, Coast Guard-certified vessels. With comfortable heated cabins, expansive viewing areas, and welcoming...
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.
Our first whale watching cruise with Princess Monterey was absolutely fantastic! The staff were so friendly and everything was very organized. We saw so many humpback whales and we're still in awe thinking about it and looking at our photos.
LeAnn Schmitt
September 14, 2026
Our first whale watching cruise with Princess Monterey was absolutely fantastic! The staff were so friendly and everything was very organized. We saw so many humpback whales and we're still in awe thinking about it and looking at our photos.
LeAnn Schmitt
September 14, 2026