Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

Although the boat ride itself was smooth and we didn't get sea sick due to calm waters, the whales were farther away then the tour guide had described prior to our journey. The tour guide, although she seemed funny when meeting us at the dock, was continually speaking in a high-pitched, loud, squeaky, chatty voice that we often could not hear through the speakers on the boat. She was inaccessible once we boarded the boat due to her standing the entire time in a "staff only" level of the boat, so we couldn't climb the steps and ask her any questions due to this restriction - so she just spewed out whatever she wanted over the microphone - and would exaggerate sightings. Additionally, the speaker friction made the guide's voice drown out so we just got this high-pitched "wah wah wah..." and most the guests had no idea what she was rambling on about due to the poor sound quality (and again we couldn't tell her because she was on an "employees only area" of the boat--) In summary, although it was nice to be on the calm waters, it would have been nicer to have a more calm, realistic guide with a relaxed speaking voice that we could actually enjoy listening to and a better speaker system on the boat.

This trip was very exciting, sorry that we waited so many years to take the tour. We want to go again, this time with our grandchildren! We've lived in the area all our life and we finally got to see the beauty in our Monterey Bay. We were lucky to see three different species of whales. They are marvelous creatures so big, but yet so gentle and graceful. Their performance was great. Yes it was as if they performed for us, just to let us know to take care of them and they will take care of us. We took a lot of pictures, but next time we'll bring a video camera as well. If you live locally, and just want to get away for the day - don't forget about our local beauty and all it has to offer. The Sisters

Overall, this was a great and memorable activity for the whole family. The website is very easy to find, its one of the first that comes up on Google. It is also easy to navigate and provides lots of great information. The ticket purchasing is very straightforward and eliminates guessing. On the day of or reservation, we did not realize that the Gilroy Garlic festival was that weekend and the traffic was heavy. I called the ticket desk and they were really positive, responsive and helpful. They helped me get our trip rescheduled. Once we got there, the staff was so nice and accommodating. They moved our trip with no hassle. The staff on the boat was also excellent, they were enthusiastic and upbeat. They even provided my 2 sons with loaner jackets to wear since they had forgotten theirs.

The time is now (late July, 2010). We felt as if we were visiting an aquarium, there was so much activity--Blues and Humpbacks. The staff was great. Loved the biologist on board. She made it fun and interesting for all ages. I also felt they kept a respectable distance from all species. Definitely gets cold, but with layers, including hats and gloves, it's quite manageable.

I was disappointed as the boat never got into a position to facilitate a good whale tale shot nor any other. The attendant promised only a wide angle lens was necessary. If I had not used my 40mm zoom I would have came home empty handed. I whale watch frequently and will use someone else next time. Sorry.

I'm glad I read the prior reviews and bundled us up like we were on an Arctic expedition. You get pretty cold out there for sure. But the boat is great, the Guide was fabulous, and the views were just what we were hoping for. Lots of blue and humpback whales! I'm also glad I brought some binoculars. great stuff!

We felt very comfortable on the ship and enjoyed the hospitality of the crew. We also learned some facts about whales, turtles, dolphins, jellyfish and other aquatic wildlife. Both of my daughters and my wife were so happy with the experience.

Crew was very attentive and pleasant, all of them. Saw lots of whales too.

We were in the area from Palm Springs for a wedding, and happened to read July 25, San Fran Chronicle cover story about a rare krill bloom that came up from the deep shelf out in the Monterey Bay that attracted whales from far and near. Seeing humpbacks AND bluewhales was beyond our expectations. I videoed instead of trying to get a lucky shot. I have been practicing doing video on my little digital camera, zooming in AND OUT when I needed to find the subjects again. I got at least half a dozen fluke shots and many blows and surfacings. It was, wow, terrific and the tour leader was enthusiastic and professional, and the crew well-managed. I felt very safe and I'd use the Princess again.

I would highly recommend this tour. The naturalist was enthusiastic and had so much information while at the same time being quite funny. The captain did a great job piloting the boat around the whales to give them space but at the same time allowing the passengers to get a good look. There was also a respect for other tour boats out there. All of the tour boats communicated well and did not crowd each other.