Princess Monterey Whale Watching Cruises

My Bride and I went on the Princess Whale watching cruise during our honeymoon. Although it was overcast and quite cold we had a very enjoyable time. We saw a variety or marine life including 4 whales, and a large group of 3 different species of dolphins. The boat ride was great. The "naturalist" on the tour was very knowledgeable and funny. All in all a very nice experience, that we would recommend to anyone who might be interested.

This trip had a small group with lots of room to move around and see what we came to see. We saw four humpback whales--two of them surfaced five times while we were there. We saw porpoises running along with the boat and dozens of dolphins. We even saw a jellyfish and some strange round white fish (sunfish?). It was very much worth the cost and I would do it again and again!

This trip was fantastic. It was a birthday gift for my friend and we both loved it. We arrived about 45 minutes early to find that the trip was being delayed about 45 minutes while the boat came back. It wasn't that bad to wait. The sun was shining and some of the smaller stores on the wharf were fun to look at. Getting on board finally, we chose our sitting spot on the far side of the boat from the dock. 5 minutes from the dock, we lost the sunshine and out came the jackets. Traveling to the spot where they'd seen whales that morning seemed to take forever but the ocean wasn't too bad and the information coming over the loudspeaker was interesting to listen to. We finally got to the spot and yes, there were humpback whales out there. The boat was kept pretty much facing them head on so the few of us who had been ill on the way out didn't get to see them that much. It was safer not to move just yet. Luckily for us, the whales moved almost directly in front of our side of the boat and gave us one heck of a show, with lots of blows and tail flukes showing. We also had plenty of visits from the porpoises, something we were told didn't happen too often. They were all over the front of the boat and right next to my side of the boat so I got to see plenty of them. My friend used the video capability of his camera to film them. It really was thrilling. It seemed way too soon when the boat had to turn around and head back to the dock. The greatest thing was, we ran into dolphins on our way back and those of us who were still outside were treated to quite a show. All in all, this trip was worth the longish drive from my friend's home, the coolness because of the fog, and the upset stomach. I'd do it again in a heartbeat and plan to later this year. Thanks for a great experience!

4 couples went on this boat trip. we all had a good time. it was cold but we dressed warm and enjoyed the ride.

We saw Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, and Moa. It was a good time.

While it was interesting to go see a few whales, it took a long time to go 14 miles out to sea and then come back, leaving only about 20-30 minutes of actual whale watching. Several people got seasick and I suggest the motion sickness pills, even though the swells and waves weren't that big. I went inside the cabin for a few minutes on the way out and immediately got queasy so I stayed outside - but it was quite chilly with the wind. The most negative part of the experience was walking past all the people on fisherman's wharf that were trying to get your business. There was just too much hawking for your business at the restaurants.

Do not expect to see dolphins right next to the boat. They're there, but they can dive up to 15 minutes without really knowing where they'll come up again. The crew does their best to spot and get close, so it's not a lack of skill, but you have to be a bit lucky as well. Make sure have have sailor's legs, the pacific can be quite rough, even at quiet times!

Crew was friendly, knowledgable, and helpful!

We had a ball on our whale watching tour in Monterey on our anniversary 2 weeks ago.

A great guided and informational tour by the Captain! We had a great time and got to see Hump Back Whales! I rate it with Four Star's!

My husband and I enjoyed seeing our first whales. It is definitely a new experience and they are unique creatures. The only thing my husband and I were disappointed in was that once we found the 3 whales we stayed there for the next hour watching those 3 whales, never leaving to find other whales. I guess we expected to search for different groups of whales. We did see a group of dolphins on our way back to shore. That was nice as well. Unfortunately I did get sick (I think because we stayed in one spot rocking back and forth for an hour as I felt comfortable whenever we were moving). The staff was very helpful though with everyone that was sick.

We did'nt get as close to a whale as we would have liked, but we did have a couple opportunties to see them jump . Having only a digitall camera that goes to sleep often ,I was not able to get a picture. Made me wish I had bought an old fashion film reguired camera. There were numerous Dolphins following the ship & were quite entertaining. The biologist was very enthusiastic about her work and she made the trip memorable. We did get to smell Whale Breath. They say that doesn't happen on every trip out, but when it does it's breath taking. Really. The trip was a little on the rough side on the way out and 5 people got seasick that I know of. I myself took 1 sea sick pill, and took a little piece of ginger to chew on, and I was fine. If you aren't sure, take something about 1 hour before departure. The trip was not enjoyable for those 5 people. We will certainly take this boat the next time we go.

The boat was awsome in itself! the guide gave us a lot of knowledge of her background as a biologist and the captains background of working in the coast guard, lets us know that they both were really into there jobs. we saw 6 humpback whales it was so much fun me and my girlfriend loved it. i think the animals that they said we would most likely see(i.e. dolphins, seals) we actually didnt see any dolphins kind of a let down but the whale sightings where enough for us. next time we go which we will definetly go again we will go when they are just coming back at this time of year they are working hard to gather food beofre they go several months without eatin(learned that from the tour)

would have love to see dolphins too :)

It helped that the weather was beautiful and the whales cooperated, but it really was a nice trip. The boat was good, the crew was friendly and knowledgeable. We saw a pair of humpback whales. They became curious and hung around the boat for upwards of half an hour. It was great. Got plenty of great photos of them - right next to the boat! Lots of tails in the air, too. Also saw a large group of dolphins, many running right along the boat or in its wake. Nice trip. Very memorable.