Whale Watching Tour
4.5
Whale Watching Tour
By Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching
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About
The longest running whale watching company on Monterey Bay. We have 3 boats ranging in size from 53’ to 70’. All boats are USCG inspected and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. Our captains are among the most experienced and will provide you a fully narrated trip, bringing to life the wonders of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and surrounding area. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime tour in the whale watching capitol of the world.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Restroom on board
What's not included- Snacks
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 198381P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 198381P1
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£48.84
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 0gregoryk0 contributionsA lot of funI liked the experience. My first ocean fishing trip and i liked it. A lot of fish. They provide everything you need to catch fish.Written 8 July 2024
- jessemH2721FM0 contributionsNot happy with the fishing trip I paid for.Did the rock cod / ling cod fishing trip on 7/7/23. The trip was postponed / detoured for about 2 hours while the captain was trying to catch some Tuna. While trolling for the tuna we hit a few bad swells the last one tossed me about 3-4 feet in the air causing me to hurt my lower back and right leg. I was at the front of the boat but the captain did not acknowledge the incident. I ended up sitting the rest of the trip in the cabin not able to fish. I feel they they were more interested in tuna then keeping to the trip we paid for. I did end up at the hospital later that night with fluid in the knee. Unfortunately they did not go over any safety protocols.Written 9 July 2023
- Mobile3242540 contributionsFishing funHad a great day fishing. Deckmaster Roy made sure the day went smoothly. Looking forward to going again. Thanks for a great day!Written 17 November 2022
- jimwM117AG0 contributionsGreat fishing tripGreat day. Boat got limit for everyone plus. They were able to catch bonito and shared with everyone. Well worth the trip! Very helpful and personable captain and crewWritten 29 October 2022
- Compass171717170 contributionsAwesome time!!!My husband and I went deep-sea fishing for the first time together and had an absolute blast! The crew on the boat is very helpful and knowledgeable. We caught over 40 pounds of delicious fish! I highly recommend this for any family couples or groups that want to have an enjoyable time at all the beautiful ocean.Written 17 October 2022
- Something_SmellFishy0 contributionsOkay experienceI would say this was an average experience for deep sea fishing. We went on the full rockcod trip. We caught rockfish limit early so we came back early; however, I would have liked to catch and release or try for some long or halibut. I think we got back to the dock about 2 hours early. I also assumed the price would include live bait as it was expensive. Additionally, I caught a cowcod-obviously i know it’s no take but the deckhand didn’t allow me to take a photo with it and then vented the rockfish (Not encouraged) and put it back without a descending device so it just floated on the surface and was pecked by gulls. Overall, it was an okay experience.Written 8 July 2022
- DennisAB1230 contributionsRock Fish TripYou may feel that I was expecting a yacht instead of fishing boat, but simple health and safety for a public venue is important. This review is strictly base on what I encountered on the day of the trip. The weather, the bite, the size or amount of fish caught has no influence on this review. First, the boat needed more attention to its daily cleaning. The bait station and gutting area had a great deal leftovers, bait, guts and fish bits from previous outings. Next, there were two restrooms and one was not working. Again, if this area was cleaned, then management needs a better understanding of what a clean and useable restroom is. I understand that this a fishing boat, and waves make it hard to hit the target; if you know what I mean, however, the smell along tells me that the system hasn’t been pump out recently, or the only restroom available was being over used. No way should the restroom smell be that bad that early in the morning. If one isn’t enough to supply the charters, then get the other fixed. I did not see any seat covers or toilet paper, and for the three ladies aboard, the restroom should have been a total embarrassment to Chris’s Charter. There was a hand sanitizer outside the restroom and it was so low in product that no product was coming out. As a courtesy, all the useable sitting area outside should have been wipe down to remove as much moisture as possible. It would have taken the deck hand two minutes. The sliding door entering to the cabin area was stuck half way open. I tried to slide it open but was stuck. When I gave it a harder tug, it slid open and smashed my hand. There should have been stoppers to keep the sliding door from collapsing on the handle. Needless to say, that put a damper on the day. If OSHA knew about this hazard, I’m sure it would have been fixed. Last, there was no mention of any emergency procedures or locations of life vest etc. Now the deck hand; I’ve had employees and they represent me, my business. When I was young, I was a deck hand on a small commercial trolling boat. The above mention was my responsibility. A deck hand makes extra money on tips for helping out those who are fishing. At best he did little as possible to be referred to as a deck hand. I will give credit to the deck hand for making sure all clients caught their limit, including those who were seasick. After all, it wouldn’t appear to look good if Chris’s Charter fish count didn’t have everybody aboard to have limited out. I understand in today’s world with COVID and the likes; however you are being charged for a service and I want the service, in this case a Rock Fish Charter.Written 21 May 2022
- carlosgD1320PK0 contributionsRecommended fishing tripWe had a good fishing trip on the CAROLINE. The skipper took us to Big Sir and Carmel and we had a solid limit of Rockcod. The weather was exceptional and the catching went steady all day. Real nice pre Christmas trip. Highly recommended.Written 12 December 2021
- garymL935AS0 contributionsGreat Fishing Trip. Experienced helpful crew.Took the Grandkids on their first fishing trip. Everyone on boat caught limits before noon. Kids are wanting to know when we can plan the next trip. Troy the Deck hand is extremely helpful working with the younger kids.Written 22 July 2021
- Holly B0 contributionsNot for the experienced anglerThe rock fish/ling cod charters are NOT for experienced ocean anglers. The boat traveled two hours south without any communication from the crew to the patrons. People were walking around the boat asking what was going on and why we were traveling so long. So buyer beware you're paying for 4 hours of travel with the remainder of the journey designated to "fishing until everyone catches limits". Rock fish are found at the bottom of the ocean. We brought our own gear and fished the bottom and caught rock fish. However, the majority of the patrons rented the company's gear and were told "the fish aren't on the bottom so don't drop it all the way down." Basically, the captain found a school of large "blues" (much smaller ocean fish than rock/ling cod) and people were doubling up on these tiny fish. Once everyone had their limited (which was less than 90 minutes) the boat headed in. My husband was even asked to stop fishing the bottom and throwing back smaller fish as the captain was ready to leave. The bathrooms are NOT for the faint of heart and even though we left at 6:30am they hadn't been stocked with any toilet paper. The deckhand were unprofessional and rude and talked crap whenever they had the chance. If you've never been fishing in the ocean and are just excited to catch ANYTHING, you'll definitely come back with fish. But the 4 hour round-trip ride wasn't worth the short time fishing.Written 11 July 2021
- Voyage1407190 contributionsWonderful whale watching day on the bayGroup of 8 of us ranging in age from 3 to 65. Sun cam out just as we departed the wharf. Came across two humpbacks very near Marina and stayed with them for a fun time getting lots of great pictures. Truly magical day!Written 9 July 2021
- back2ak0 contributionsGreat fishing day! 🎣There was 12 of us and everyone caught great catches. Check in was fast and guys on the boat were super helpful and polite. Great for all ages. Take your nausea meds b4 u go. Water can get choppy. They will even clean the fish for a fee too! Great day!Written 26 May 2021
- Amandaniederquell0 contributionsGood timeWe went rock cod and ling cod fishing. Had. Good time with the family. Came home with some fish and good memories.Written 5 April 2021
- ctreso0 contributionsExcellent Fishing TripMy boyfriend and I went on the rock cod fishing trip and loved it!!! Best experience on a boat. Troy, the skipper, was so helpful and patient! He was the best! It was my first time ever and highly recommend Chris' fishing trips! We caught a lot of fish.Written 13 July 2020
- 435gaylek0 contributionsExcellent day on the seaMy boyfriend and I booked a whale watching tour on Groupon. It took about an hour to get out to our location. The ride was beautiful. We saw four whales, a large pod of Dolphins and loads of sea lions. Our captain was very knowledgeable and the crew very helpful. If it had only been the boat ride that would have been worth it but seeing the whales and other sea life was an experience we will never forget.Written 11 December 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
268 reviews
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214
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35
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14
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Chopper833
Nottingham, UK206 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I cannot recommend this company enough!
We booked via email well in advance after reading reviews and paid on the day and the whole process was very smooth!
The skipper was amazing and the trip was so smooth and the way he positioned the boat so everyone saw these beautiful animals was just incredible!
We saw plenty of humpback whales, some of which were jumping from the water! We saw a huge group of smaller dolphins then later saw some larger dolphins. We also saw seals and otters.
The boat itself had everything we needed including indoor seating and a toilet.
We booked via email well in advance after reading reviews and paid on the day and the whole process was very smooth!
The skipper was amazing and the trip was so smooth and the way he positioned the boat so everyone saw these beautiful animals was just incredible!
We saw plenty of humpback whales, some of which were jumping from the water! We saw a huge group of smaller dolphins then later saw some larger dolphins. We also saw seals and otters.
The boat itself had everything we needed including indoor seating and a toilet.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
21 contributions
Dec 2022
Wow what an incredible tour. We went in early December on a tour with Captain Nick. We say Humpback whales, Rizzo dolphins, sea lions, otters. The boat was not over crowded we had plenty of room to move about. Captain Nick was able to locate humpback whales and Rizzo dolphins. He had incredible knowledge of the area and the local wildlife. His years of experience definitely showed thru in a positive way.
I thought the pricing was great value, especially considering the amount of time we got on the water and the fact the boat was not over crowded. We saw other boats in the area when searching for whales and the boat seemed filled to the brim.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone in the area looking for a great value and great experience.
I thought the pricing was great value, especially considering the amount of time we got on the water and the fact the boat was not over crowded. We saw other boats in the area when searching for whales and the boat seemed filled to the brim.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone in the area looking for a great value and great experience.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin d
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
On the last day of our round tour in Western America we made a trip of 60 km and 3.5 hours instead of the 2.5 hours stated on the site. For the first two hours it seemed like we wouldn't see any whales. Fortunately, that was more than made up for in the last 1.5 hours. We saw several whales (humpback whales), even one just 8 meters from the boat. The staff clearly knew a lot about the whales and knew how to convey that information in a fun way. They also made sure that everyone could see the whales clearly. Top! We couldn't have wished for a better end to our holiday.

Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bianca I
3 contributions
I booked this tour thinking I would get a chance to see a handful of whales up close as the pictures online showed. When we boarded the boat we decided to stand on the left side of the boat. This was a mistake. Once we got to the spot the whales were hanging out in the boat was only facing in a way where the people on the right side could see. I stand 5’2 so I couldn’t see anything the entire time. The ladies next to me couldn’t either. ALL the views were in the left side so the people on the right were basically tippy towing trying to see. We went inside to take a rest from standing and also from frustration from not being able to see and the only table that was available on the boat had a bucket of throw up that was stinking up the cabin. It was such a disappointing experience. If you go STAND ON THE RIGHT SIDE
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy S
Pacifica87 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The trip out to the whales was a bit rough, but the captain found multiple groups of whales that were very active. HIs narrative about the whales size, birthing and diving habits was interesting but very difficult to hear and understand. Inside seating was comfortable but difficult to see anything outside due to weathered yellowed windows. Outside seating was limited and uncomfortable so we stood for most of the trip.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KD
62 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
We had originally booked with a different company, but had a happy change of circumstances to go out with Chris's whale watching instead.
The boat only had about 20 or so guests on it. The crew were very nice and talked about all of the wildlife we saw on our way out to see the whales. The captain did a good job of getting us in a good position to watch the humpback whales as they were feeding. Some of the whales came close enough we could see all the bumps and barnacles on them! It was a great day!
The boat only had about 20 or so guests on it. The crew were very nice and talked about all of the wildlife we saw on our way out to see the whales. The captain did a good job of getting us in a good position to watch the humpback whales as they were feeding. Some of the whales came close enough we could see all the bumps and barnacles on them! It was a great day!
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana P
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • Couples
Fantastic experience! We were staying in Pacific Grove and decided to look into whale watching. Read an article mentioning this place, thought the price was great based on some shopping around and bought tickets on a whim the night before. Best money we have spent on a trip in a long time! The team was super friendly, clearly very knowledgeable and the atmosphere from the beginning was so fun. We saw dolphins, so many of them. That was before we even got to the humpback whales. We witnessed two groups of 3-4 whales feeding. Everyone watched in awe and silence when we first spotted them. We clapped and cheered with our mouths open when they started lunging vertically to the surface. It was stunning!! The crew explained the eating patterns were were seeing and we hung out around the whales for a good while. If you're like us, and have done the aquarium multiple times, or maybe it's your first time in Monterey this is absolutely worth the time and money!!! We stopped to see otters playing in the kelp on our way back in. Ate at Cafe Fina, right across from the store front, at the recommendation of the crew at that also did not disappoint. Already planning our next trip during another time of year to see different types of whales.
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy B
48 contributions
I cannot speak highly enough about Chris' whale watching; from the second we got to the pier and "checked in" the staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. The boat was perfect size in my opinion, yes it's smaller than some others we saw out in the sea but I think anything bigger would be too crowded.
The whale watching itself was absolutely incredible, we sailed for approximately 5 mins and came across a load of sea lions and birds. We then sailed for a further (approx.) 45mins and instantly came across two humpback whales. I appreciated the fact that they didn't attempt to get too close and crowd the whales in their natural habitat! Both the captain and deckhand were incredibly cheerful and very informative. It is obvious that they thoroughly enjoy what they do and were providing facts about the wildlife around the entire trip. We spent around 45 mins with the first two humpback we saw and they took us on another 30 min sail to another pod of whales. This time we saw 4 or 5 whales together and again, followed them whilst maintaining a distance that wouldn't spook them or make them act any differently to their normal.
I honestly cannot speak highly enough about this team of people. I would fly back thousands of miles to do this tour with Chris' in a heartbeat. A nice finishing touch was afterwards, we stopped at Casafina on the pier (directly opposite the "check in" point for the tour) and received an $18 appetizer (calamari) for free as we were part of the tour!! Another recommend as the food was incredible!
The whale watching itself was absolutely incredible, we sailed for approximately 5 mins and came across a load of sea lions and birds. We then sailed for a further (approx.) 45mins and instantly came across two humpback whales. I appreciated the fact that they didn't attempt to get too close and crowd the whales in their natural habitat! Both the captain and deckhand were incredibly cheerful and very informative. It is obvious that they thoroughly enjoy what they do and were providing facts about the wildlife around the entire trip. We spent around 45 mins with the first two humpback we saw and they took us on another 30 min sail to another pod of whales. This time we saw 4 or 5 whales together and again, followed them whilst maintaining a distance that wouldn't spook them or make them act any differently to their normal.
I honestly cannot speak highly enough about this team of people. I would fly back thousands of miles to do this tour with Chris' in a heartbeat. A nice finishing touch was afterwards, we stopped at Casafina on the pier (directly opposite the "check in" point for the tour) and received an $18 appetizer (calamari) for free as we were part of the tour!! Another recommend as the food was incredible!
Written 23 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rob1764
Providence, RI359 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
While in Pacific Grove, we decided to get on a Whale Watching tour. There were so many options, but we found a Groupon for Chris's Whale Watching and we decided to go with them.
The reviews were good and the price was right.
They had sailings at 10AM and 1:30pm, so we chose the morning one.
Our vessel was average, there were about 25 people on our cruise and it did not feel cramped at all. There are indoor benches as well as outdoor benches to sit and watch the whales. There's also a restroom on the boat, no snack bar.
Around 35 minutes into the trip, we stared seeing whales, first we saw some baleen whales, a bit later we saw some humpback ones. We also saw many seals and sea lions as well as many birds. We spent about 1.5 hours very close to whales and other marine animals, it was a great experience and the captain got on the PA often explaining what we were seeing and where to look for the whales...very informative.
I fully recommend this tour.
The reviews were good and the price was right.
They had sailings at 10AM and 1:30pm, so we chose the morning one.
Our vessel was average, there were about 25 people on our cruise and it did not feel cramped at all. There are indoor benches as well as outdoor benches to sit and watch the whales. There's also a restroom on the boat, no snack bar.
Around 35 minutes into the trip, we stared seeing whales, first we saw some baleen whales, a bit later we saw some humpback ones. We also saw many seals and sea lions as well as many birds. We spent about 1.5 hours very close to whales and other marine animals, it was a great experience and the captain got on the PA often explaining what we were seeing and where to look for the whales...very informative.
I fully recommend this tour.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heinsite@sbcglobal.net
6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Great ride out, lots of rocking but hang on and fun! We saw at least 50 whales one way or the other, coming up, tailing down, way cool and worth the 120$ for my wife and I!
Highly recommended!
The Hein’s
Highly recommended!
The Hein’s
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I believe so. There was a sitting are on the boat we used. The only big issue would be getting on and off boat. I believe there was a high step on and Off.
Written 6 May 2024
Hi, where do you get on the boat? In Monterey or somewhere else?
Written 10 September 2022
It probably isn’t free but I’m not sure of that. I saw a very young child on our boat so they do allow children.
Written 6 June 2022
We went last week and saw many humpback whales. We also went further out and found a small pod of Blue Whales. The guide told us the Humpbacks usually hang around the bay area year round.
Written 19 May 2022
We just got back last week. We saw many humpback whales in the bay. We went farther out to see Blue Whales. The guide told us humpbacks usually hang around the Monterey bay area year round.
Written 19 May 2022
How far out do you go? Do you find people can handle the trip without motion sickness?
Written 2 May 2022
We went pretty far out. Took us about one hour and 20 minutes to get to where the Blue Whales were. They were amazing to see. Then when we came back into the bay we saw many humpback whales. There were about 30 people on the boat. There was a small space with tables that were inside. Most of the people stayed outside. I didn't see anyone getting sick during the 3 hour trip.
Written 19 May 2022
Sherpa16409472972
Los Gatos, California
Hi, is vaccine card required to join in whale watching?
Written 15 February 2022
Is it the whale migration season? In Monterrey Saturday Jan 18
Written 9 January 2020
There are whales in Monterey Canyon all year around, several different species. It's the perfect spot.
Written 12 October 2021
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