Frequently Asked Questions

We offer whale watching trips daily.  Weather permitting/passenger interest we are scheduled for daily and only are closed for Thanksgiving & Christmas day. Please see our calendar for trip times and availability.

Our whale-watching trips are not wheelchair accessible.

Getting on the boat requires navigating stairs. While individuals with mobility challenges can pre-board early (with the help of railings for support while standing or moving), devices with wheels, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or rollators, are not permitted on the boat. Canes are allowed.

Please Note: Being on the ocean means you will encounter typical boating conditions, such as movement and uneven footing. We encourage you to exercise caution while on board and to disclose any medical conditions when completing the waiver.

If you have questions about accessibility, please call our office [831-372-7064] and we’ll go over the details with you to make sure we can accommodate your needs.

Mid-March to October we run 3 ½ – 4 hour & 2 ½ – 3 hour trips

November – Early March we run 2 ½ – 3 hour only trips.

Specialty trips like our Extended Whale Watch trips are 6+ hours long and are during April/May

We have 4 boats that rotate whale watching trips: Pacifica, Kahuna, New Horizon, and Chubasco.

For detailed information on our Vessels: Our Boats

Yes, we recommend reserving in advance to ensure you get the time and date that you want. During the high season (summer) in Monterey, trips do sell out, so booking at least three to four days ahead of time is recommended. You can book online at any time by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.

We are located on the Monterey Old Fishermans Wharf (Wharf #1) in Monterey California

Our address is:

66 Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey CA 93940

Please check in at our office at least 45-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.

You MUST park first before trying to find our building on the wharf

Parking Address (Click Address for direct Google Maps link):  

101 Washington St Monterey, Ca 93940

ONCE YOU FINISHED & PAID FOR PARKING

HERE’S HOW TO FIND US WHILE ON FOOT

After paying for parking, head towards Wharf 1. Look for the pink building known as The Harbor House; it signals you’re on the right path. Once you reach The Harbor House, continue down the wharf until you spot the yellow building named The Crab House, then turn right. Our location, Discovery Whale Watch, is the blue building on your right-hand side. Walk in and check in with us!

Building Address:
66 Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey CA 93940

Here is a link to a parking map provided by the City of Monterey.

RV parking is available in Wharf Lot #1.

• Warm layers – You can adjust your layers if you become too warm, but it’s important to bring everything you might need, as additional layers cannot be provided during your trip.
• Long pants and closed-toe shoes – Highly recommended
• Waterproof layer – Keeps you dry and protects against the wind
• Sunglasses, sun screen, hats and other sun protection – even on overcast days!

• Motion Sickness Remedies – **TAKE MEDICINE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES IN ADVANCE**
  • (If purchased thru us, check-in early enough to receive and take dosage)
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages are acceptable to bring onboard
• Cash for onboard purchases and gratuities
• Camera and Binoculars are optional
• Blankets are recommended as an extra layer of warmth

The weather really varies daily. We use the marine forecast and our observations on the ocean to determine the safest conditions for your trip. We strive to give you realistic expectations about weather on the day of your trip, so please call and ask a day ahead of time for the most up to date information if you are concerned. Weather in the surrounding areas is not necessarily the same as what we are experiencing on the ocean in Monterey. Typically, the calmest ocean conditions of the day are in the morning.

We do go out if it is raining, so long as sea conditions are still manageable.

Sometimes ocean conditions are deemed unsafe by the captain and we will have to cancel the trip, this decision is most often made just prior to departure, the day of a trip after careful consideration.

For up-to-date ocean conditions forecast check out the NOAA Graphical Forecast for Central Coast

If you suffer from other types of motion sickness such as on a plane or in a car, you might get seasick. If you are concerned at all about potential sea sickness, please take or bring a preventative remedy with you on the trip. We would also recommend going on a morning trip when the weather is typically calmer. We carry a few remedies in the shop that you can purchase, but we also encourage you to visit a local pharmacy where there is a wider selection of motion sickness remedy options.

**TAKE MEDICINE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES IN ADVANCE BEFORE YOUR TRIP** 

Yes, children of any age are allowed on our vessels. Our only passenger restriction is no pregnant women in their 3rd Trimester?

Often times we are over an hour from the harbor while watching whales. Should a pregnant woman become distressed on the vessel that means they are over an hour from proper medical attention. The risk of falling and the risk of dehydration are also higher and have much larger consequences for pregnant women while on the boat.

Yes, we have life jackets for all passengers on board as required by the US Coast Guard. Our crew will outfit all children 6 years old and younger with life jackets to wear during the trip and demonstrate how to wear a life jacket in the case of an emergency.

Yes, our vessels are certified and inspected by the US Coast Guard every year. We are fully equipped with life rafts, emergency beacons (EPIRB), life jackets, throw rings, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Our crew will give a full safety briefing at the beginning of the trip for all passengers.

We sight whales year around! The chances of sighting a whale are near guaranteed! The only reasons we won’t see a whale are either because of the weather (fog or swell) or they are off shore! If we do not sight a whale during your trip we offer “Rainchecks” a coupon voucher to come with us again (free) and it never expires!

Anytime! Different species are seen at different times of year:

• Gray Whales: December – May
• Humpback Whales: April – December
• Killer Whales: April, May, and late September – November
• Blue & Fin Whales: June – August

Summer tends to offer the most variety due to peak feeding season, but great encounters happen year-round.

We abide by recommended guidelines of 100 yards (~100 meters) distance from the whales. Sometimes the animals choose to move closer to us, which is always a thrill. Generally, we are close enough that you can get nice photos even with your camera phone.

That really depends on the whales. Sometimes they are very close to shore while migrating or feeding, but typically we do have to travel 30-60 min to the best sighting areas.

Yes, we send a marine biologist or naturalist out on every whale watch trip.

It depends on your schedule and budget. Each trip offers a unique experience, and wildlife sightings can vary throughout the day.

Everyone is required to complete a waiver as part of our safety and documentation process. The information helps us in case of an emergency and is also required by the U.S. Coast Guard and our insurance provider. Like many adventure activities, it’s simply a way to acknowledge that you understand the nature of the trip and any potential risks before heading out on the water.