Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

Only 40 minutes into the ride out of the bay, we came across two humpback whales. That alone would have been a successful trip but ordinary success was not the outcome. We moved along with the whales for some time until the captain was notified by other boats in the area that there were larger groups of whales just a little ways away, so off we went followed by a few dolphins in our wake. By the time we reached the said location, you could look out from any point of the boat and whales would entertain you. Here it comes...the once in a lifetime moment. After several hours of enjoying the ocean with the whales, it was time to get back. The captain started to move ahead, if by chance you were at the back of the boat and looking out, you may have seen a humpback whale breach the water, turn and splash back into the ocean as if to say goodbye. Magnificent!!! I understand that each trip may not bring the same experience and there is no guarantee to see wildlife each trip but at least take a chance to have a once in a lifetime experience as I did.

I shared this adventure with my husband and it was so amazing! It was such a thrill to see the humpbacks up close from just a few 100 yards away. I didn't even need binoculars! We got some incredible pictures, including the "money shot" of the tail in the air before the whale dives completely under. It is a very big awe moment for sure. Some tips: Absolutely bring a jacket! Doesn't have to be a windbreaker or necessarily a rain jacket if it's a good day. Best might be a fleece or heavy sweatshirt, but dress in layers in case you get warm. 2- DEFINITELY take sea sickness medication! Whether you are prone to it OR NOT! Don't be proud or macho! You will be out there for 2hrs or so, so don't be brave, be smart so you can enjoy the experience! 3- bring chapstick. 4- bring your own binoculars in case and so you don't have to pay $ to rent a pair! And then you'll be set to have an awesome time!!!!

I am so glad we were able to see a Blue Whale as well as some Humpbacks and a variety of dolphins because the seas were so rough it would have otherwise been miserable. The afternoon trip was canceled before we even left due to this and it would have been better if we returned to port earlier as many people were getting sick which made it unpleasant for everyone. The staff however was knowledgeable and very helpful. and the boat was fine.

A humpback pup breached! Flukes! Vocalization! Upclose encounters! At one point we were stopped in the water to observe and we watched one humpback swimming straight at the boat to investigate us. I got an excellent picture of the blowholes! And our Marine Biologist was such a kick! Informative with personality plus! So much fun! The crew and shore staff were helpful and friencly. Excellent. The total experience is well worth it. PS: Morning gives a calmer ride. Please, please, please! If you might be motion sensitive (can't read a book in the car), take preventitive measures. I recommend and use Seabands. They are a nice alternative to popping a pill that makes you drowzy and can be purchased at any drug store. You will enjoy the ride so much more and so will those around you.

The whalewatching activity was far beyond our expectation. We had an outstanding time and were thrilled to watch the whales playing and splashing in and out of the water. Of course, seeing other sea creatures along the way were an added bonus. I couldn't snap my pictures fast enough. We talked about the trip frequently through the remainder of our vacation. It was definitely a highlight and I would go again. The staff were terrific. They went out of our way to make the activity fun and offered many suggestions to us so we could enjoy the event to its fullest. Thank you

The staff was friendly, enthusiastic and helpful, both at check-in and on the boat. I especially appreciate the crew being very kind with my grandmother during the boat ride. The conservationist was funny and enthusiastic and she seemed very knowledgeable. The gentleman at the counter was really friendly as well. Check-in was easy and quick, which was much appreciated. The only complaint would be the limited number of whales (3 all together, but only 1 up-close). That's not something the company has control of though!

Was not expecting to see much of anything but I was surprised at how many times we spotted humpbacks. Probably due to the season we didn't see anything else other than sea lions and birds of the bay. And the whales we did see were pretty far out. Bring binoculars. We went on the calmest of days and it was sunny on the shore. Out there, though, it seems to always be cloudy and cold. Even if the water was as calm as it could be the boat ride will be pretty bumpy. It cant be helped though. It is not like the ocean is a still pond. I took two pills to prevent motion sickness. They didn't help and I have come to accept the fact that I am very prone to motion sickness. Fortunately I was able to tough it out till the end by staring out into the horizon. Looking at any part of the boat would just bring up bad feelings. The crew took really good care of us. Guiding us to the rear of the boat where it is a lot less bumpy and wet. they would always inquire to ensure that we were content. They even gave my girlfriend a loner jacket to keep her warm. The jacket was well worn and had questionable stains but she kept it on because it was just that cold.

Our guide was friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. It being the afternoon, the ride out was bumpy but lots of fun (apparently the water isn't as rough in the morning), and we got a great look at two humpback whales in addition to other animals. Even though it was crowded on the wharf that day, the boat wasn't too crowded, and there are many places to sit and stand even if the maximum number of people are riding with you. I've been out with this company twice and seen whales both times (not to mention I had a great time) - definitely worth the time and money.

While making reservations through the internet I made an error and they called us and correct the problem. On the trip we saw a large pod dolphins and large whales, even though the weather was foggy and cool the trip was successful. .

The lady on our trip you can say was a complete talker & laugher. But trust me, she was the life of the party, made it so intresting to learn about the animals. I would defenitly go again. I got seasick, & the crew was very helpful they gave me some recommended candy that vistors got when they got seasicks. The helped me to the back of the boat & gave me tips on how to ease it off, & the would continuasly check if I was getting better or worse. Very helpful, funny, generous, kind.

The lady on our trip you can say was a complete talker & laughter. But trust me, she was the life of the party, made it so interesting to learn about the animals. I would definitely go again. I got seasick, & the crew was very helpful they gave me some recommended candy that visitors got when they got seasick. The helped me to the back of the boat & gave me tips on how to ease it off, & the would continually check if I was getting better or worse. Very helpful, funny, generous, kind.

Our first whale watching trip with a 7 yr old and a 5 yr old. We went in the 10am trip and to keep it short, we saw 6 orcas from a mile away and about 20 dolphins. These sightings lasted approx 5 mins out of the 2 1/2 trip. Pluses: -VERY friendly caring crew and tour guide - Decent boat and clean - Being in the ocean Negs: - Whale watching is a gamble. Good trips yield very good close up sightings as indicated on their websites, brochures. Bad trips ....well...don't get your hopes too high. Other: - Its is the ocean so dress as warmly as possible. When they say dress in layers, it ain't for nothing!! If you have kids, dress them properly as the cold winds are brutal. - Sea-sickness: If you are prone, u WILL get sick , regardless of your remedies. Both my kids were fine but my wife spend 2 hours sitting inside the cabin. Now we've done it once, it's enough for us. If we wanna see whales/dolphins close-up, Sea World is a better place plus u can dress in shorts/sandals :-). Like I said, don't be over-expectant. There's no bad person/company in this as it depends on mother nature and the whales themselves. If you get lucky, u'll highly appreciate the encounter but if not, then you'll come back a little 'down'. Good luck to all future whale watchers :-).

i am a returning customer and wouldnt go anywhere else . i havent had a bad trip yet and the employees are amazing and will do all in there powers to get you in the action

The whole team were efficient friendly and very welcoming and the biologist/guide was probably the most enthusiastic person i have ever met We did see whales but from a distance and not for very long so dont be too optimistic about close encounters of the whale kind but even so the trip was definately worth it and not be missed as we saw plenty of other wildlife up close especially dolphins

I thoroughly enjoyed the biologist aboard. She was entertaining as well as knowledgeable. The company had to cancel the tour we signed up for and they called our cell phone and rescheduled with us. Take a camera and wear a warm wind jacket!