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Discovery
Whale Watch

Come see whales year-round at one of the best places on Earth! Join our daily whale watching trips departing from Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, California!

Discovery
Whale Watch

Come see whales year-round at one of the best places on Earth! Join our daily whale watching trips departing from Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, California!

Discovery
Whale Watch

Come see whales year-round at one of the best places on Earth! Join our daily whale watching trips departing from Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, California!

Who is Discovery Whale Watch?

Discovery Whale Watch, based in Monterey Bay, has a rich history rooted in marine exploration and conservation. Built on decades of local expertise, the company is committed to educating guests about the region’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

Our experienced crew, including Marine Biologists and Naturalists, leads daily whale-watching tours and private charters, offering unique wildlife encounters and insights. With a legacy of passion for the ocean, Discovery Whale Watch combines tradition with modern practices to provide memorable, family-friendly experiences that celebrate Monterey Bay’s natural wonders.

Why Choose Discovery?

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Join us in participating in citizen science! Learn how to take and submit photos for humpback whale research with Happywhale. Your involvement helps contribute to vital research while enjoying your trip.

a man holding a fish in the water

Our crew is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about marine life. Many have worked in the Monterey whale watching industry for years, bringing together expertise from across the West Coast.

a man holding a fish in the water

Safety is our top priority. We provide life jackets for all children aged 6 and under or those weighing 60 pounds or less. Our vessels undergo regular maintenance, are U.S. Coast Guard certified, and are inspected annually to ensure the highest safety standards.

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Monterey Harbor, situated at the protected southern end of Monterey Bay, is the perfect starting point for our 3.5-4 hour tours. From here, we can explore the entire bay and search for wildlife along the Pacific Grove coast and into Carmel Bay, rich feeding grounds for whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

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Our naturalists on board every trip stay current on the latest marine research and are dedicated to sharing up-to-date information with our guests. They communicate scientific knowledge in an accessible way, enriching your experience with the latest discoveries about local wildlife.

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We welcome guests of all ages, though we ask pregnant women to join us after their baby is born. For those with limited mobility, please note there are about 13 steps to navigate to the boarding area, and tide levels may affect the step onto the boat. We use steps to make boarding as level as possible.

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Discovery Whale Watch stays at the forefront of industry technology. We continuously update our vessels, web resources, and services to provide the best possible experience for our guests.

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There are several peaks throughout the year for whale sightings. It is possible to see whales any day of the year and every trip we go on is different.
 

Browse Our Top Monterey Whale Tours

Exclusive Private Charters

PRICE
May Vary

Looking for a unique trip? We offer private charters for scenic tours, whale watches, corporate events, and more! Our crew, including a Marine Biologist or Naturalist, will guide you. Options vary by vessel, trip length, and season. Ask our staff for details!
 

Check out our Whale Watch Reviews

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Excellent AM whale watching tour on Halloween with Isaiah, Kenny and Laura

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and professional guides. Good pacing, smooth navigation and multiple close sightings of humpbacks and dolphins! This was my second tour with Discovery Whale Watching. Highly Recommended!

– Alice W • Google Reviews
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Such a great day on the water with fantastic whale watching

Isiah and Ryan wowed us with their whale knowledge and care for everyone on board. We were so fortunate to see whales lunge feeding and can’t wait to come back! Thanks for a great tour!

– Joanne B • Google Reviews
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The trip was really heartfelt with some amazing sightings

Just completed a trip with you guys. We almost saw a group of 9 and then 5 and 3 and a single humpback whales totaling 18 humpback whales and a grey whale too. Thank you so much to Captain Andrew and Marine Biologist Andrew for their expertise that gave us amazing sightings. Love to come back.

– Mahima P • Google Reviews
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Our experience = 5 stars

We took the 1:30-4:30 pm Afternoon Whale Watch. Beautiful sunny day and plenty of Humpback Whales, sea lion “rafts” and a variety of sea birds. The crew—JJ, Maddy and Jesse—combined for storytelling, education, fun and importantly, they find the whales. We got a bonus with momma whale and baby calf together. Thank you, Discovery!

– Kristin S • Google Reviews
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By far one of the best experiences i have ever had

I love sightseeing, animals, biology, traveling and with Discovery Whale Watch, I got to experience all of that and more! Isaiah made it exceptionally fun with his personality and knowledge. Please please book this place as it will bring you tears of joy. Thank you to the captain and to Kenneth. Amazing crew!! Xoxo love from Texas

– Rudy G • Google Reviews
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Captain and guide were excellent

Banner day with killer whales, pod of humpback whales feeding frenzy with breaching, sea lions and seagulls everywhere, capped off with a single humpback whales breaching 20+ times in close proximity. Captain and guide were excellent - felt very lucky to go out on a sunny spectacular day!

– Steve R • Google Reviews