Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

I had heard on the local news that the whales were coming up to the boats. A humpback whale swam all around and under our boat. It was amazing. It was turning and waving and pushing its nose straight up out of the water right next to the boat. We also saw blue whales that were pretty close. We could see many whale blows in the distance. The narrating was fabulous. I felt like I always knew what was happening.

We had a wonderful time and saw lots of whales. I enjoyed the narration by a naturalist who told us where to look. The boat was very large and clean, and had an indoor heated cabin. They claim they have the only boats with heated cabins in Monterey. One of their two boats is 75 feet and one is 100 feet, which looked larger than any other I saw out on the water. If you are prone to seasickness, it might be nice to be on this larger boat. The only reason I gave this trip four stars instead of five was that the boat was packed with people. Visibility was good when the whales were on our side of the boat but we couldn't see a thing except for the heads of the other passengers when the whales were on the other side, the front or the back. Also, I don't understand why their aren't more outdoor seats on the back of the boat. People were jockeying for seats on the trip out and back and it looked like there was plenty of deck room to add more so there didn't seem to be the need for this tension and competition among the passengers. We did go at a peak time (middle of the day, weekend, summer) so this would be a wonderful choice if it was a time when the boat was less crowded.

There were way too many people on the boat. I could see very little, and my kids couldn't see anything. There was nowhere to sit, and the railings were literally 2-3 people deep at time. They need to reduce by at least 50% the maximum number of people allowed on the boat. Also, they need to say "obstructed view," like when you go to a concert and you have to stand behind a post the whole time. I will try another boat next time.

There was definitely many whales to be seen. I do wish that there were a few less people on the boat. There was not enough room for everyone to sit. Comments were good by the guide.

They know what they are doing and they do it perfectly. We are planning to go again next week!

Not only did we see whales, but the tour guide was informative and the boat ride in the bay was great. It was my mom's 70th - and she had a great time!

I'm travelling around the US and Canada, and trying to see as much as possible for as little as possible. The $40 ticket made me equivocate, not sure if it would be worth it. I figured, however, it might be worth it just for the chance to see some of these magnificent creatures I've only read about and seen on TV. Apparently, the marine life has been strangely active lately, even for animals out of season. We saw a number of porpoises, a Minke Whale, about half a dozen Humpback Whales (several of whom felt the need to do the launching out of the water thing, just like on a documentary), and a few Blue Whales! Bigger than the friggin' boats around them, and only a chunk of them was actually visible. Totally worth the money. Staff was very informed, wiling to take time to talk about the animals in detail, other tourists on the boat were extremely friendly and from all over. Free appetizer coupons to restaurants on the same wharf were also provided, and just a short drive from Steinbeck's Cannery Row. If you're in Monterey, it would be a shame not to go.

If you like whales go on this trip, but do it soon as the whales follow the Krill and who knows how long they will stay. A very enjoyable time on the waters of Monterey Bay and beyond. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Isabella's on the wharf after the whale cruise.

Enjoyed the whole trip. Saw lots of blue and humpback whales. Will definitely recommend to others.

Many great sightings. While I was distracted with a sea sick 3 yr old the crew was fantastic and very helpful.

We went to this whale watching tour expecting to have a good time. We arrived early and started to get in line early too. The lady who introduced herself as the marine biologist came up from the port and addressed the people waiting for the ride. There was no line and people are trying to get in ahead of each other without any sort of order. The lady "marine biologist" is enthusiastic and perhaps over-enthusiastic with a very loud shrill voice. It was good that she seems to be engaging and was trying to be humorous however her jokes are not very appropriate. She asked the children if they have been on a boat and joked about getting them thrown out from the boat to be fed to the whales or sharks!!! I don't think this is a very good thing to say when we, the parents are trying to encourage our children to get interested with the animals and the environment. We did see blue whales, humpback whales and basking sharks but they were very far from the boat unlike what you will see in the video they were showing inside their office at the port. My kids have to ask me, are they really whales? They look like the marine biologist who dressed up like a whale and all you can see is their big backs.

Saw 4-8 blue whales, a few humpbacks, some Risso's dolphins, and a basking shark. Two blue whales came close to the boat, it was very exciting. :)

The boat ride is a view from the inner monterey bay to about 2 miles out. Try to watch weather forcasts and news for best conditions. Always take what is recommended for the trip. Extra warm clothing, rain jackets, gloves, hats, cameras and sunscreen. Binoculars are important because of the distance you can start seeing whales. the whales and dolfin are not coming up to the boat to say hi. If you need all the equipment is available for a price at the sign in shop, the money is donated, My wife and I have taken the trip twice and I would like to go again or get a job on the boat. Everyone on the boat was friendly and courtious. The children on the boat were frustrated because they did not have binoculars.

We got there early because we wanted to get a good place on the boat. We were probably 6 or 8 in line. When you guys opened the gate people started cutting in and there was no line control which we found dissappointing. We had driven 2 1/2 hours to be there, we even took the day off of work. Before everyone started cutting in line though you guys let some actor from some saop opera on first. Whatever. We did actually get to the front of the boat so no harm done. Once we were underway and started seeing whales spouting and stuff it was real fun. But for some reason the whales were only on the right side of the boat, we were on the left. The Captain kept turning the boat to the right side. I felt real bad for the people who were on the left side but not in front because they litterally saw NOTHING. We could at least see a little. You know who was on the front right of the boat? The soap actor that's who, you guys completely catered to that guy. I paid almost $90 for the ride. I sure hope he paid more because he sure got a better ride than anyone else. Catherine was fantastic however and actually "sensed" something may have been wrong with our side of the boat and came over and chatted and edgucated us on the whales we had seen. Her happy, enthusiastic attitude was contagous.

we had a great time it was a perfect day the crew was wonderful the whales cooperated the ship was beautiful... will do this again.