In short
- Standard adult tickets cost $60 to $80.
- Children's tickets average $40 to $55.
- All-day orca tours cost $150 to $200 or more.
In this article
Whale watching costs depend on the length of your trip and the type of boat. Most visitors book a standard half-day tour, but extended specialty trips are available for specific wildlife searches. Prices fluctuate slightly by operator.
How much is a standard half-day tour?
Standard half-day tours cost $60 to $80 for adults.
These trips last between 2.5 and 4 hours. Children's tickets average $40 to $55. Operators usually include a marine biologist guide and indoor seating. You can often see humpback, gray, or blue whales on these shorter trips depending on the month.
What are the prices for specialty all-day tours?
Specialty full-day trips cost $150 to $200 or more per person.
These tours last 8 to 12 hours. They focus on finding killer whales (orcas) in deeper waters. Orcas are most frequently spotted from mid-April to mid-May and late August to October. Because these trips cover more distance, they require higher ticket prices.
| Tour Type | Duration | Average Adult Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Half-Day | 2.5 to 4 hours | $60 - $80 |
| Specialty Orca Tour | 8 to 12 hours | $150 - $200+ |
How much does parking cost at the departure locations?
Parking at the main Waterfront Lot costs $2 per hour.
The daily maximum for parking is $14. The Waterfront Lot is located at 245 Washington St in Monterey. This lot serves visitors departing from Old Fisherman's Wharf. You can use the ParkMobile app to extend your parking time while you are out on the water.
Are there cheaper alternatives to standard boat tours?
Kayak rentals or estuary boat tours offer lower price points.
A two-hour kayak rental in Monterey Bay starts around $40. You can paddle near the shore to look for sea otters and sea lions. The Elkhorn Slough wildlife boat tour in Moss Landing costs about $45 for a 1.5-hour trip.
What extra costs should I plan for?
Expect to pay for food, drinks, and motion sickness medication.
Most standard tours do not include lunch or snacks in the ticket price. Some boats have basic snacks and sodas available for purchase. You will also need to supply your own motion sickness medication, sunscreen, and warm clothing layers.
Do Monterey whale watching prices change by season?
Ticket prices remain relatively consistent year-round.
Tours operate year-round with over a 90% chance of sightings on any given month. While the whales change from winter gray whales to summer blue whales, the standard half-day boat tour costs stay within the $60 to $80 range. Exact rates vary by individual operator.
Questions travellers ask
Do kids get a discount on whale watching tours?
Yes. Children's tickets for standard half-day trips average $40 to $55. Adult tickets for the same trips cost $60 to $80.
How much is the sunset whale watching tour?
Sunset tours generally align with standard pricing. For example, a 3-hour sunset tour departing from Monterey starts from $75.
Is parking included in the tour price?
No. You must pay for parking separately. The main Waterfront Lot near Old Fisherman's Wharf charges $2 per hour or $14 for the day.
