MONTEREY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Monterey Bay Up Close: Whale Watching Aboard the Princess and Atlantis
A fully narrated 2.5–3 hour cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf that explores Monterey Bay’s canyon-fed feeding grounds aboard heated, spacious vessels.
Monterey Bay Up Close: Whale Watching Aboard the Princess and Atlantis.
Set out from Monterey on either the 110-ft Princess Monterey or the Atlantis Monterey for a fully narrated ocean tour that explores the deep, nutrient-rich waters of Monterey Bay. With heated cabins, spacious seating and an onboard snack bar, these 2.5–3 hour cruises put you in position to watch gray whales during the winter migration, seasonal feeding whales in spring and summer, and a year‑round cast of dolphins, seals and seabirds.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Heated cabins and narrated comfort on large whale‑watching boats
Cruises run aboard the fleet’s largest vessels, which feature heated cabins, spacious seating and a snack bar with hot and cold beverages—plus optional VIP upper‑deck seating available for an additional charge.
Year‑round encounters from dolphins to blue whales
Depending on the season you may see migrating gray whales close to shore (Dec–Apr), summer and spring feeders such as humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, orcas and blue whales (Apr–Nov), and a year‑round presence of dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea otters and seabirds.
A submarine canyon that draws life to the surface
Monterey Bay’s third‑largest submarine canyon upwells cold, nutrient‑rich water that creates rich feeding areas where large whales and other marine life concentrate—making the bay one of the West Coast’s most productive whale‑watching grounds.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
The tour is a paced, fully narrated outing: you board at the wharf, settle into the heated cabin or a deck seat, and let the naturalists and crew guide you toward feeding grounds and migration routes. Expect directed commentary, frequent stops to observe animals, and comfortable shelter should the weather turn cool—plus a snack bar for quick refreshments while you scan the horizon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise is for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips depart from 96 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940 and typically last between 2.5 and 3 hours, with some sunset cruises scheduled at about 2–2.5 hours.
You may bring your own food and non‑alcoholic beverages; operators recommend hats, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. Both boats also have a snack bar offering hot and cold items (including beer and wine for sale).
For passenger safety, children under 3 and pregnant women are not allowed on trips. Boarding involves steps; the operator does not permit walkers or wheelchairs onto the vessels due to safety and access constraints.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I upgrade to the VIP upper deck?
Yes. For an additional $20.00 per person you may purchase the VIP upper‑deck upgrade when selecting tickets.
Is a whale sighting guaranteed?
No—sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the operator maintains a strong success record; if you do not see a whale or dolphin you will receive a voucher for a complimentary return trip.
Are pregnant women or very young children allowed on board?
For safety reasons pregnant women and children under 3 years old are not permitted on these cruises.
How far from shore might we travel to find whales?
Depending on where the animals and their food are located, the boat may travel between about 2 and 16 miles (3 to 26 km) from the harbor.
What happens if the cruise is cancelled or delayed?
Departures can be delayed up to about 30 minutes due to weather or other conditions; in the rare case of cancellation you may reschedule, receive credit, or request a full refund.
Are the boats safe and equipped with restrooms?
Yes. Both vessels meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations, carry life vests for passengers, and are equipped with clean restrooms.
Can I bring a dog or alcohol aboard?
Outside dogs are not allowed; service animals are permitted. No outside alcohol is allowed, though beer and wine are available for purchase at the snack bar.