Explore California’s kelp forests on a private snorkel tour with Monterey Expeditions. Encounter diverse marine life and enjoy a personalized, eco-friendly adventure along Monterey’s stunning coast. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience offers unforgettable underwater sights in a protected bay setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic swimming ability and good health, but no advanced fitness level is necessary.
Wildlife
History
Monterey's rich maritime history, including its role as a major fishing port, underpins the region’s vibrant marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Conservation
Monterey Bay is part of a protected marine sanctuary, with strict regulations in place to sustain its diverse habitats and prevent environmental degradation.
Monterey Expeditions
Explore California’s kelp forests on a private snorkel tour with Monterey Expeditions. Encounter diverse marine life and enjoy a personalized, eco-friendly adventure along Monterey’s stunning coast. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience offers unforgettable underwater sights in a protected bay setting.
Monterey Expeditions operates from Pacific Grove, California, delivering guided outdoor experiences across Monterey Bay and surrounding coastal areas. The company offers five distinct trips: Surf Lesson, Guided Hike, Paddle Board Tour, Tide Pooling, and Discover SCUBA. Each experience is led by experienced instructors and guides who prioritize safety, local knowledge, and hands-on instruction.
Surf Lesson is a two-hour introduction to ocean surfing suitable for beginners and for surfers seeking refresher coaching. Guided Hike runs about 1.5 hours and explores diverse trails in Monterey County, highlighting local plant and animal life, geology, and regional history. Paddle Board Tour combines a two-hour lesson and guided glide through kelp forests and harbors, welcoming families and participants of varying skill levels. Tide Pooling is a 1.5-hour guided exploration of intertidal zones that introduces children and adults to hermit crabs, nudibranchs, and other marine invertebrates. Discover SCUBA provides a supervised introductory dive, teaching basic SCUBA skills and giving first-time divers a safe opportunity to observe underwater life.
Monterey Expeditions emphasizes accessible, family-friendly adventures with small group sizes and on-water or on-trail instruction tailored to participant ability. Safety briefings, basic gear orientation, and environmentally responsible practices are part of each trip. The business operates along the Monterey Bay coast, offering close-up wildlife encounters and scenic views without requiring full-day commitments. Monterey Expeditions is a local provider focused on quality outdoor instruction and memorable coastal experiences.
Reservations and schedule information are available via Monterey Expeditions' online listings and The Adventure Collective feature page for current availability updates.
Tours Offered
5
Five distinct coastal experiences
Typical Duration
1.5–2 hrs
Short, guided half-day trips
Skill Levels
Beginners Welcome
Options for first-timers and families
Location
Pacific Grove, CA
Monterey Bay coastal access
Book surf lessons, guided hikes, paddle board tours, tide pooling, or Discover SCUBA with experienced instructors and flexible scheduling.
Wear your wetsuit and snorkeling gear comfortably
Ensure your wetsuit fits well to stay warm and comfortable during your underwater exploration.
Check the weather forecast before booking
Calm seas and good visibility are crucial for a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Stay close to your guide
Follow your guide’s instructions and stay within the designated area to ensure safety and marine preservation.
Bring a waterproof camera or phone
Capture vibrant images of underwater life to remember your adventure.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in cooler waters and provides buoyancy while snorkeling.
Snorkel mask and fins
Essential gear for clear vision and efficient movement underwater.
Protective reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming marine life during your underwater adventure.
Waterproof camera
Capture vibrant underwater photos to relive your experience.