When visiting Monterey, one of the best activities for you is whale watching with Princess Monterey. While there are must-see local attractions, such as Cannery Row and the Aquarium, the spectacular Monterey Bay is among the world’s best spots for whale watching. Moreover, onboard the most popular whale-watching tour operator, Princess Monterey, you can see whales and other marine life all year. After all, it has the two largest ships and is among California’s best-rated. Now that you know who’s the best, here’s a handy guide to provide you with the most essential details.
Princess Monterey Whale Watching
96 Fisherman’s Wharf No. 1
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-2203
wwwemontereywhalewatching.com
In business for over 30 years, Princess Monterey Whale Watching is the No. 1 whale watching operator on the Monterey Bay. It is locally owned and operated by Benji Shake, whose parents are well-respected local entrepreneurs. In fact, the late Sabu Shake Sr and wife Isabella has owned popular local restaurants, including Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the wharf. Today, Benji continues to lead Princess Monterey and has an outstanding staff. This includes captains Brent “Duke” Williamson and William “Bill” Williamson, in addition to guest services staff and the onboard crew.
Tickets
Adults $70, Children ages 3 to 11 $45 (no children under 3), Adult VIP Upper Deck Seating $90, Children VIP Upper Deck Seating $65
Tickets can be purchased online or onsite. Although online bookings are recommended, if you’re a guest or member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you can receive a $10 discount off a ticket if you purchase in person. On the other hand, it’s always a good thing to book online in advance, especially during the peak summer months. Note: While Princess Monterey can’t guarantee you’ll see whales or dolphins, they have a success rate of 98-99 percent. But if you don’t see whales or dolphins during your trip, you can receive a rain check for another whale-watching trip on Monterey Bay.
Current Schedule for Whale Watching Tours
9 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. (Sunset with the Whales).
Please call or email the office for the current schedule. Princess Monterey operates all year long, weather permitting. This includes trips on major holidays like Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Duration
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with onboard narration provided by an expert crew with decades of experience with marine navigation and sea life.
Is Whale Watching Ethical?
Yes, Princess Monterey Whale Watching strictly adheres to ethical guidelines to protect whales and their environment. During your tour, your boat will operate at the same distance from whales and other marine life to avoid any distress.
Best Time of the Year for Monterey Bay Whale Watching
Although you can book a trip with Princess Monterey Whale Watching year-round, you might want to know when it’s best to see whales. The summer months are undoubtedly obvious, yet it depends on what you want to see. As noted previously, the gray whale season is from December to April. You’ll see humpback whales in the summer, with peak sightings in July and August. Equally important are the fall months, with humpbacks still abundant and blue whales from May through October. By the same token, you can contact Princess Monterey for recommendations and additional information ahead of time.
Directions to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Depending upon where you’re staying, you can reach Old Fisherman’s Wharf via local streets like Lighthouse Avenue or Del Monte Avenue. As for reaching the wharf via Highway 1 from Marina or Seaside, you can take the Del Monte exit. If you are driving from Big Sur or Carmel, take the Munras Avenue exit and follow the signs for Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If driving there directly, set your GPS to 201 Washington Street for the main lot. Alternatively, there is an adjacent lot at 245 Figueroa. If you want to leave your car at the hotel, Uber, Lyft, and taxis all operate within the Monterey Peninsula.
Related: Best Attractions Along the Monterey Peninsula
Public Transportation to Old Fisherman’s Wharf
If you visit this summer, you can take the accessible Monterey-Salinas Transit trolley to the wharf. With several stops in downtown Monterey and through Cannery Row, it’s a convenient way to reach Old Fisherman’s Wharf. If that’s not enough, the free MST trolley makes inbound and outbound stops at Old Fisherman’s Wharf. From the trolley stops it’s a short walk to the entrance to the wharf. As you walk past the many retail stores and restaurants on the wharf, you’ll reach Princess Monterey Whale Watching. The MST Trolley runs through September 4 and operates every 10-15 minutes. Even after Labor Day, you can still take MST routes 1 and 2 to Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
Related: Guide to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Before and After Boarding
Before you board a Princess Monterey vessel, you must sign in at the visitor center. Moreover, it’s recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding. Yet before your arrival, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with guidelines on seeing marine life. In the first place, you know you’ll see magnificent sea creatures on your tour. However, you must not harass or harm any marine animal in any way. You must also be aware that you may experience rough waters across Monterey Bay. Your crew will advise you of additional guidelines, including safety procedures. Please know that safety is paramount for you and all others onboard.
What to Expect on a Monterey Princess Whale-Watching Trip
Monterey whale watching is among California’s best because its waters are part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. In other words, you can traverse beautiful waters that are part of a federally protected habitat. As a result, these waters are helping preserve endangered species of marine life, particularly whales. With all this in mind, you will be treated to a diverse collection of aquatic life during your whale-watching trip. For instance, aside from sea birds, the first sea creatures you’ll likely see are native sea otters and harbor seals. They typically rest on a jetty as you leave the dock. In fact, sea otters are so prevalent, there’s otter 841 residing on the opposite side of the bay that’s become an internet sensation. But of course, the main attractions are the whales and dolphins you’re bound to see on your trip.
Whale Species in the Monterey Bay
Seven whale species can be found in the Monterey Bay. This includes gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, and humpback whales. Incidentally, killer whales are the largest dolphin species seen during the spring. While the gray whale can be seen locally from December through May, its peak appearance is mid-March. Of these seven species, the most common is the humpback, typically spotted from April to early December. Not only is the humpback the most common, it’s also an internet sensation, known for its majestic leaps. That’s not to mention the blue whale, the world’s largest animal in history, found locally from June to October.
Dolphin Species
Like whales, many dolphin species can be seen in the Monterey Bay. For instance, Risso’s dolphins are pretty abundant, as are the Pacific white-sided dolphins. Not only can you see these dolphin species but the northern right whale dolphins, bottlenose, and common dolphins. Moreover, you might even see Dall’s porpoises and/or harbor porpoises.
Related: FAQs for First-Time Visitors to San Francisco
What To Bring On Your Monterey Princess Whale Watching Trip
Even during the summer months, you should wear layered clothing and a good pair of shoes. Although the local weather might be pleasant, it can be quite windy and chilly while traveling across Monterey Bay. Of course, you’ll want to take photos with your smartphone and personal camera. In addition, you should consider bringing a hat and binoculars and wear sunglasses and sunscreen. That’s not to mention lip balm and, if necessary, something to prevent sea sickness—for example, over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or natural remedies like chamomile or ginger. For breakfast, be careful to avoid greasy foods before your trip. Lastly, you can bring snacks and water, although there is a snack bar onboard.
Conclusion
Embarking upon a Princess Monterey Whale Watching trip at Old Fisherman’s Wharf will be an extraordinary experience for you. Not only will you be able to see these magnificent creatures, you’ll better understand the importance of preserving marine life and the oceans. Moreover, you’ll come away with memories that will last a lifetime while you enjoy these captivating whales, dolphins, and more.
Related: Best Hotel in Monterey: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.