Whale Watching in Monterey Bay with Kids: A Dad’s Honest Guide
When my wife suggested we take the kids whale watching in Monterey Bay, I had two thoughts:
That sounds amazing.
That sounds like motion sickness, granola bars, and maybe regret.
But spoiler alert: it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable family adventures we've had.
As a dad of three (ages 3, 6, and 8), here's what I learned about whale watching with kids, how to prepare, and why it’s absolutely worth it.
🐋 Why Monterey Bay?
Monterey Bay is part of a protected marine sanctuary that attracts whales year-round. Depending on when you visit, you might see:
Humpback whales
Gray whales
Blue whales
Orcas
Dolphins and sea lions
We went in late June, and saw four humpbacks and a pair of dolphins — plus a ton of wide-eyed kids (ours included).
📅 Best Time to Go (and What You’ll See)
Spring–Fall (April to October)
🐋 Humpbacks, blue whales, dolphinsWinter (December to March)
🐋 Gray whale migration + occasional orcas
Morning tours tend to be less windy and bumpy — great for little ones (and sensitive dads).
👨👩👧👦 What It’s Like with Kids: Real Talk
The boat is smaller than it looks. You’ll feel the waves. We brought Dramamine and Sea-Bands — highly recommend. My 10-year-old looked queasy for 15 minutes but recovered. The 4-year-old napped. Go figure.
The whales are breathtaking.
Even our wildest child went silent when a humpback breached nearby. That moment alone was worth the trip.
It’s cold, even in July.
Pack like it’s fall in Alaska: windbreakers, hoodies, beanies, gloves.
The bathrooms are tiny.
Go before you board. Seriously.
🧳 What to Pack
🎟️ Digital or printed tour tickets
💊 Dramamine / Sea-Bands
🧥 Layers: windbreaker, hoodie, hat
🧃 Water bottles
🧻 Wipes & tissues
🍪 Non-messy snacks
📸 Binoculars (fun but optional)
🧸 Small comfort toy (for younger kids)
📍 Where We Went: Tour Details
Company: Princess Monterey Whale Watching
Departure: Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Duration: ~3 hours
Cost: ~$65/adult, ~$45/kid (under 3 was free)
Kid policy: All ages welcome
Before and after the tour, stroll the wharf for:
Free clam chowder samples
Saltwater taffy
Sea lion sightings
Coffee for tired parents
🏨 Where We Stayed
We booked a family suite at the Portola Hotel & Spa, just a 10-minute walk from the harbor. Kid-friendly, clean, and spacious. Highly recommend. Other options nearby:
Pacific Inn Monterey (budget-friendly)
Spindrift Inn (ocean view)
Local Airbnbs with kitchens and bunk beds
✅ Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely — with snacks and sea bands in hand.
Was it a little chaotic? Yes.
Did one child spill Goldfish crackers at the exact moment a whale surfaced? Of course.
Was it magical anyway? 100%.
Whale watching in Monterey Bay is awe meets adventure, with a splash of unpredictability. If you’re thinking about doing it with kids — my advice? Do it. You’ll thank yourself later.
📌 Quick Tips for Success
🎯 Choose a morning tour
💊 Bring motion sickness meds
🧥 Dress like it’s winter
🧃 Pack snacks and water
📸 Don’t forget your camera!
