Join us for a private Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey and witness breathtaking whale encounters against a stunning twilight backdrop. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable seating and accessible layout
Wildlife
History
Monterey Bay has been a vital hub for marine trade and fishing since the 1800s, and its waters remain one of the most important habitats for whale migration.
Conservation
Monterey Bay Whale Watch and local agencies actively promote marine conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of whales and ocean health for future generations.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Join us for a private Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey and witness breathtaking whale encounters against a stunning twilight backdrop. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!
Monterey Bay Whale Watch is a Monterey-based charter operator specializing in whale watching and pelagic wildlife excursions across Monterey Bay and adjacent offshore waters. The operator offers a range of trips—from short three-hour sunset cruises to full-day twelve-hour pelagic and whale-watching voyages—designed for photographers, families, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Guided sailings combine experienced captains with marine naturalists and guest experts, including a dedicated Ted Cheeseman four-hour Humpback Whale naturalist cruise and seasonal killer whale search trips offered in April and May.
Safety and vessel readiness are prioritized: trips operate from fully equipped boats with life-saving equipment and experienced crew trained in marine wildlife protocols. Sightings commonly include humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, orcas, dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds such as shearwaters and albatrosses. Pelagic seabird trips focus on offshore species and often coincide with feeding events that attract large marine predators.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch also facilitates unique services like unattended burials at sea with a waitlist option for families seeking a maritime memorial. Reservations are recommended—especially for full-day pelagic trips and seasonal specials—due to limited capacity. The operator emphasizes education, ethical viewing practices, and compliance with federal and state marine wildlife regulations, making it a trusted choice for visitors seeking responsible, informative, and memorable ocean experiences.
Vessels are spacious and fully equipped for photography, with indoor seating, raised viewing decks, and restrooms for comfort on longer voyages. The company routinely collaborates with local researchers and contributes sighting reports to regional marine databases, reinforcing credibility and conservation-minded stewardship.
Trip Lengths
3–12 hrs
Short cruises to full-day expeditions
Tour Types
Multiple trip types
Whale, pelagic, memorial, naturalist
Expert Guides
Marine naturalists
Guest experts and local researchers
Seasonal Specials
April–May orca search
Timed for peak migrations
Book sunset cruises, pelagic seabird trips, Ted Cheeseman naturalist voyages, seasonal killer whale searches, or a burial at sea today.
Dress in Layers
Evening temperatures can drop quickly at sea, so wear layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience with binoculars to spot distant whales and marine wildlife more clearly.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15-30 minutes before departure ensures you find parking and settle in without rushing.
Use Sunscreen
Evening sun can still be strong over the water, so apply sunscreen to protect your skin during the trip.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you warm as it can get chilly on the water during the evening hours.
summer
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture stunning photos of whales and the sunset scenery during the tour.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays even during sunset hours.
summer
Hat and Sunglasses
Shield your eyes from glare and stay comfortable in bright conditions.
summer