The 7 Best Monterey & Carmel Tours

1.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,300 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $75Our pick

Monterey Bay whale watching cruise with a biologist, hot drinks, and a strong shot at humpbacks, grays, dolphins, and more.

“Fantastic day out today, the weather was dry and the seas calm. We saw about 10+ whales and lots of seals! The whales were breaching and jumping out of the water which made it even more special! The team were brilliant and full of knowledge, always there to answer any questions we had. Would 100% recommend! Thanks again”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

3-hour Monterey Bay whale watch from Old Fisherman's Wharf. Gray, killer, and humpback whales plus dolphins, seals, and expert guides.

“Awesome experience! We saw many whales with a close distance and took amazing photos. We were totally amazed. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,045 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Monterey whale watching with marine narration, smart photo tips, and a small group cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, about 3.5 hours.

“Absolutely amazing. Maddie and Ivy looked after us while we were out on the water. They both did a great job explaining all of the different animals we saw on the trip. We were lucky to see multiple humpback whales and a pod of killer whales!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 870 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59Best value

Guided electric bike tour along 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove, with wildlife photo stops and a Pebble Beach Market break.

“Flo was amazing!!! We had a great trip. Enjoyed Pebble Beach. Bikes were high quality. Best way to see the city.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Monterey: Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with A Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 519 reviews · 3 hours · from $75

Monterey Bay sunset whale cruise with a naturalist guide. Spot humpbacks and dolphins, learn the seasons, then return after a 3-hour ride.

“Isaiah was a fabulous tour guide. He explained history of the area, whales migration patterns and we were able to see and experience alot through his expertise. The captain was great navigating the boat very well. No one got sea sick. It was a great experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 476 reviews · 11h 30m · from $139

Monterey, Carmel, and the 17-mile drive from San Francisco by coach, with Highway 1 photo stops, Steinbeck-era time in town, and scenic pacing.

“Our driver and our tour guide Michelle were wonderful. Very comfortable transportation. This was an educational and entertaining tour and the locations visited were breathtaking. Gorgeous ocean views, adorable homes and businesses at Carmel by the Sea. Lots of info given to us about San Francisco neighbourhoods and each stop along the way. Highly recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 348 reviews · 2h 30m · from $70

A 150-minute Monterey whale watching cruise with a marine guide, heated cabins, and 360 viewing deck in Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.

“I enjoyed myself. I was solo and still had a great time. I saw Whales and Sea Lions. 2 whales even breached right in front of me and close to the boat! It was awesome. I recommend this excursion.”

Check availability →Read our full review