Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

It started out rather overcast, and the swells were quite pronounced on our voyage out to the perimeter of the Monterey Submarine Canyon, but it was worth every moment of cold weather and rough seas! Once we arrived in the viewing area, the seas became much more calm. Then suddenly we were surrounded by 40 to 50 humpback whales diving, dining on krill, and actually swimming under the boat. Many, many fabulous views of their enormous flukes and huge pectoral fins. They were as curious about us as we were about them coming to the surface close by so we could easily see the tubercles on their heads. It was truly an emotional experience, and we were so glad to be with a quiet, respectful group of observers. The captain and the crew were outstanding, and the marine naturalist was extremely knowledgeable and spoke clearly on the microphone and then came down and answered everyone's questions. As we were about to leave, the captain announced that he had sighted a young blue whale and turned the boat so we could view him even though we were staying longer than the allotted time. The sun came out and the sea was calm as we returned to the harbor after the most wonderful whale watching trip that I have ever experienced.

Put this on your bucket list! The trip was great and the kids(3 and 6) loved it too. One whale surfaced right next to the boat. Matt from Truckee

So we decided to go whale watching this year, for my sisters birthday. We're from Stockton, CA. and our trip was to start @ 12 noon. We got there fairly early, checked in.. walked around fishermans warf grabbed some coffee and looked around in some shops. Anyways, we get to the boat.. We actually ended up on their bigger 100ft boat. Which was good! Never been on a boat before (took some dopemine (sp?) just in case..didn't want to get sick) & we were off. The view was amazing, weather was GREAT- and we were told it would take 45 min. to get to where the whales were. Saw a pod of dolphines on the way there, then finally..There they were Humpback whales. It was pretty great, we got close enough - not to bother them of course but took some nice pictures . .. saw some fin "flicks" and a mom and "baby" whale. We kept moving, & we'd see more. Never got to see them actually jump out of the water, but then again that could be asking too much :) but the trip was great. It was about 2 and a half hours... and the dopemine helped..A lot. I would 100% recommend this to anyone and everyone. Hope to go again soon and hopefully see some Orcas!! :D

Lots of them, fun. Knowledgable crew and naturalist on board. Kids can go inside if necessary. Two thumbs up!

We caught the 9am ride out. Definitely make sure you are early and you get a reservation beforehand. Take a snack with you. It's a 2-3 hour boat ride. We saw blue whales and a hump back whale. So amazing! The boat ride is not for the faint at heart. Take a Dramamine and bring some mint gum.

I felt the boat was too crowded. It was difficult to get to the rail and take pictures. I sat on the left front and the captain always moved the boat so the whales were on the right side. Even one time the blue whale was at 11 oclock and I quickly got to the rail on my side only to have him move the boat so the whale would be on the right. At that point I basically gave up any hope of getting a good photo. That was a real bummer. It would have been nice to know that he does that in advance. If the captain knows that he is only going to set up for viewing on only one side, you should only sell enought tickets so that everyone can get to the rail. I would not recommend this company to anyone else, but did in a qualified way, enjoy the day. It was great to see a blue whale and a couple humpbacks, but I had hoped to see more than three whales. I had also expected to be able to get to the rail without having to push through other people, which I chose not to do. I am quite fit and could have. It just seemed too rude to me. That did not stop others.

PROS: did see several whales, dolphins, sea birds. Boat is comfortable but not luxury cruise(didn't expect that anyway). On time departure. CONS: OVERALL: don't like the booking agent procedure, no problem with Zerve, but would prefer direct booking with boat company.(Save $2.00) Last minute changes are a hassle. In the stern area you will not hear the narration due to poor quality P.A. system & engine noise. Did not receive "safety briefing" from crew prior to departure. THIS TRIP: Reserved time(1:30, big boat) was requested by boat company to be changed (9:00, small boat)due to "their forecast for high winds & rough seas" . After checking National Weather Service marine forecast, no such forecast conditions were indicated. I guess they made up their own "forecast" to suit their load conditions. There was insufficient room for all passengers to be seated outside. Sit inside(unable to see whales) or stand outside. (Line up on the dock early)

Great view of whales, great guides and tons of fun.

Seen lots of whales. Just amazing.

Although you should prepare for the rather cold temps even in August, it was well worth it! We had many sightings of whales even if some of the sightings were the same whales. The seemed to maneuver us right in the middle of the action so everyone could view from their spot. I would do this again if I am ever in Monterey again. Just would recommend many layers and be prepared to cover your head and face as the winds can be brutal if you brave the front of the boat.

That was the best whale watching experience in my life...and more! The crew and the guide did a terrific job in making the trip most unforgetable.

One of the highlights of our Northern California vacation. Our family spent time in San Francisco, Napa Valley and Monterey. Jay and AJ were great "first mates". Whole family enjoyed the afternoon.

On the way to see the whales, the captain took a detour and suddenly we were surrounded by dozens of Rizzo and Right Whale Dolphins. They we were off to the Humpbacks and eventually the Blues. Knowledgeable and super nice naturalist on board, and very polite crew. The boat was clean and a really nice size, and no one seemed to be getting seasick. It was really an amazing experience.

This is the only whale watch company we go out with. The captains, crew and naturalists all know what they are doing. The most important thing to us is that they are very respectful of these wonderful creatures and do not bother them in any way. The operation is very professional and we received two emails to let us know that we needed to leave extra travel time due to another event in the area.

My wife and daughter made me go on this tour. I had visions of everyone sea sick and never seeing a whale...boy was I wrong. I have never had such a cool experience (going to see big fish) we were lucky enough to have the whales not only be in range, but to actually be rubbing on the boat and and what seemed to be posing for us. At one point I could have actually touched the back fin as it came-up in front of me...had I not been trying (and getting pictures of it right in front of me). The crew did warn us that this may not happen everytime you were to go out, but everyone had a blast. The crew and Captain were very friendly and the beer on the way back in was perfect...a great adventure -