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Discovery Whale Watch, Monterey, CA
ToursOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Discovery Whale Watch

66 Old Fisherman's Wharf #1 · Monterey, CA

Why you should go…

Discovery Whale Watch runs daily three to four hour whale watching trips from Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, each narrated by an onboard marine biologist or naturalist. Depending on the season, passengers may see humpback, gray, blue and killer whales along with dolphins, sea otters and sea lions in Monterey Bay. The company also offers private charters and extended trips toward Big Sur.

  • #whale watching
  • #boat tour
  • #wildlife
  • #nature
  • #ocean

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Discovery Whale Watch, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Princess Monterey Whale Watching

    $50+

    Narrated whale watching and wildlife cruises on Monterey Bay aboard two large heated vessels departing from Old Fisherman's Wharf.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat Tours

    Under $25

    Cruise Monterey Harbor on a glass bottom boat to spot sea otters, seals, and kelp forest life.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Central Coast Scuba

    $50+

    Family-owned dive shop offering guided scuba and snorkeling tours plus PADI and NAUI certification courses in Monterey Bay.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Old Fisherman's Wharf

    Free

    Historic waterfront pier in Monterey lined with seafood restaurants, shops and whale-watching operators.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    Under $25

    Look down on McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops onto a Big Sur beach, from a trail above the cove.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Pinnacles National Park

    $25–$50

    Hike among volcanic rock spires, scramble through talus caves and watch for California condors overhead.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor