Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

Before purchasing tickets I checked into several businesses offering the service. I chose the Princess Cruise. I must say my 11 year old daughter and I left the cruise feeling as if we had experienced a once in a lifetime sight. We were told, even by the skipper, that our experience was rare, and certainly, we did luck out. Not only did we see whales at a distance, but VERY UP CLOSE and PERSONAL, as they came right up against the boat. WOW!!! In addition, I must add a note, to please, bring your dramamine if there is any doubt about seasickness...I wish someone else would have noted that because as meticulous as I am, I forgot...and my experience would have been even better had I not been dealing with that issue. However, the crew was extremely compassionate to those of us having a problem, and I chalked it up to part of the experience...We were totally in awe of our brush with nature, impressed with the crew, and the very pleasant staff at the booth. Our experience couldn't have been more perfect!!! (just remember...dramamine!!). Thank you to all who made our time and experience so very memorable!!!!

My husband and I totally enjoyed this trip. The 2 Humpback Whales that used our boat as a back scratcher and belly board for about 45 minutes was such an awesome encounter that I can't even adequetly describe it. They circled around the boat, under the boat and came up to check us out and sprayed us with there blow holes........until this encounter.......it never dawned on me that the air they blew out really smelled like a human burping after a rather smelly meal.....it was really something else and brought smiles to all......I don't think that happens too often, but we were very fortunate for this type of encounter in the open waters and we could not ask for more - - - We never thought we would be showered with the spray from a whale's (2 of them) blow hole!!! The crew was even also out taking photos! -----They explained that the Humpbacks are very curious and that, they were. The Humpbacks appeared to be checking us out as much as we were checking them out! We never expected to have such a close encounter with these magnificent Whales!!!! Unforgetable! We highly recommend this trip...be sure to dress in warm layers and make sure everyone takes the motion sickness tablets about 1 hour before boarding. Unfortunately, several children were ill inside and missed it all because they were so sea sick and the seas were pretty calm that day!! HAVE FUN!

We are from North Dakota, where everyone thinks it is really cold, but we found it was quite chilly for the 10am tour. We had sweatshirts, but bought a coat on the wharf before boarding too. We had lots of activity and had one whale that came right up next to our boat. My husband actually got wet when it blew through its hole. The staff on board was very friendly and we would highly recommend it. Just remember to dress warm. If you have a weak stomach also know that it can be rough. We had couple younger kids( 8 to 10 year olds) get sick on our trip.

Wear warm clothes and make sure you bring your camera. The whales came right up to the boat and they were so playful! Highlight of our trip!

Excellence Trip! It's one of the best choice for foreign tourist to visit.

My mom and I had a great time on the cruise. We saw several different whales. The only downside were that several people around us got sick. I strongly suggest that people who have not been on the water before take motion sickness medicine. They sale it in the shop. Mom and I took some and did not feel sick at all.

we enjoyed the boat ride and saw glimpses of humpback whales and some dolphins. guests should realize it is2 1/2 hour boat ride on the ocean and whales don't always co-operate. We enjoy just being on the water so it was a fun cruise for us. It was also very cold on a July day. The Captain did a good job trying to locate whales. There is a full narration --all you would ever want to know about whales.

i was very pleased with the trip. i loved the wildlife we saw and thought we moved around the perfect amount. I wish there was more of the "naturalistic" focus that was promised. Also, I would suggest that people take seasck medicine beforehand because though I was unaffected, about 1/5 of the boat was ill enough to ruin the trip. I would recommend this activity. It's once in a lifetime.

We saw blue whales!!!!

My guests and I were very pleased with our whale watch tour on the Monterey Bay on August 2, 2008. I was accompanied by my fieds from Quebec Province on the Eastern seacoast of Canada. We only saw one Humpback whale but were lucky to see an hour long performance due to the skill and prowess of the Princess Monterey captain. The captain was very diligent in his maneuvering of the ship to follow, at the safest distance, the spectacular show presented by the humpback whale. We were presented with both spouting and flipper maneuvers by the humpback. Truly, these are special creatures and deserve all the protection that mankind can give to them!!! Thank you for a lifelong memory!!! car

I recently went on the Ecotour with my husband and teenage son and had an absolutely fantastic trip. When my oldest son decided to honeymoon in Monterey I bought them tickets for the ecotour. They also had a great time and was excited with all of the whale sightings they had!!!!!

As part of a three week touring holiday we booked the whalewatching trip on the Princess Monterey via the internet; it was really important that everything went smoothly as our schedule only allowed for one afternoon in Monterey. Great to arrive after a long drive to be greeted by helpful and cheerful staff who had all our booking details. The boat was in very good condition, clean and well staffed. Unfortunately the naturalist was unavailable that day but the captain gave lots of information about the bay and its wildlife. It was a breezy day so not a very calm sailing but we felt in good hands as we headed out to sea - we knew there had been whale sightings earlier that day but for a long time we didn't see anything. As he searched the waters the captain told us about whale behaviours and explained where he was going and why. We were eventually rewarded by several excellent views of hump back whales making this one of the best trips we have ever been on and a highlight of our USA holiday. Highly recommended!

REally good trip!

Our family(2 adults, 3 kids) had a wonderful time and were thrilled to see humpback whales and dolphins. We saw the whales breeching several times, jump twice, and we even saw a mother and her calf. This was one of the highlights of our roadtrip from Michigan to San Francisco. We were very impressed with Katherine's knowledge of all the birds, dolphins, and whales, and it really helped us to know what we were looking at. I would not hesitate to recommend this company and would take another trip with them again in the future!

It was an awesome experience. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. We saw several hump back whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. I highly recommend wearing several layers of clothes. Even in the middle of summer, it was really cold on the water. I recommend either not eating beforehand or taking some sea sick pills. I was slightly affected by some nausea, but never had to take a trip to the back of the boat, if you know what I mean! The crew was very informative, helpful and pleasant. It was well worth the cost.