Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching - Monterey, California

Carlos Mangrobang

I was apprehensive in going on this whale watching trip because of my vertigo and additional intestinal challenges but I figure it's now or never. My wife arranged the whole thing online, acquiring a Groupon for 8 guest. One couldn't go due to health reasons so they gladly gave us a voucher for a single guest. Before boarding, all guest were instructed to take motion sickness medicine. They sold them there for convenience but we brought our own. Anyway, boarding was quick, and departure was uneventful but exciting. Fearfully, I struggled with the length of time of the trip but fortunately we were greeted by friendly whales 30-40 mins out from the wharf. There were two pods of sea lions keeping us amused while whales readily waved, body rolled, and breached the surface with their tails. At one point, the whales blow hole was so close to us that we could feel the warmth of their breaths. Call it lucky, or Captain's abilities in navigating close to these majestic ocean gentle giants. Our encounter was not unique but to see whales up close and personal is worth the headache, fear of water, and motion sickness. Sure I recommend it at least once in your lifetime.

lontongstroong

Time of tour: early October 2024

We got lucky the tour was in relatively calm sea and fair weather! Had it been a few days later it might've not been possible due to the deteriorating visibility. We tracked pack of 7 humpback whales hanging around the bay and the underwater ravine, feasting on krill swarms in the nutrient-rich water. The nature treated us with a beautiful sunset en route back to the wharf (it's the last tour of the day). The guide and boat captain even said it was one of the top 10 of the year. It's a bit expensive side ($50) but totally worth it. The tour took something like 2 and a half hour so spare a lot of time.

Note that the tours tend to be performed in weekends - some of my colleagues tried to book one in weekdays with no avail.

S Posko

Great experience! I’m now an Annual member because of my first trip. I can’t wait to go again for photos!

Staff are nice old sea dogs. Professional and to the point!

Nice boats and you get what you pay for!

Alex Filatov

Suggest checking for Groupon or other discounts. Personally 60 bucks isn't quite worth the experience. But that's my opinion. The captain was great as well as his mate. Boat was a bit smaller than I expected, but still big enough for everyone. Saw TONS OF WHALES. These guys know what to look for and are experienced in you having a good time. Would reccomend.

wigschevy 420

2nd time, I've gone on this fishing charter. Both times have been great. This time, we went a little further, and Captain Joey and Roy got us on some big fish! It's definitely worth the trip

Denise Woodham

Chris’s Whale Experience is something which will live with me forever we saw so much wild life, not just the magnificent Whales but seals, sea lions, birds an unusual fish and I even saw an Otter banging Clams.

Going with this smaller Family business was well worth it. They are a proper Family owned business, they take the trouble to speak to one personally, they helped me with booking in-line and at the end of the Trip I believe it was Keith, the son, took the trouble to speak to all his passengers and say that he hoped we’d enjoyed ourselves, and to tell us there would be a video on-line of this Trip - at no extra charge, again adding to the Families Personal Touch.

The Crew were more than helpful with me, in particular, because at 84 I was probably their oldest on board, they helped me on the steps both on and off the boat. After the Tour they also contacted my Family to say the Tour was over so that they could collect me. They are a true Family Business - caring and sharing all that is spectacular about Monterey Bay and imparting their local knowledge to all their customers.

I cannot thank them enough for my wonderful Whale Tour and will never forget this experience. I certainly urge anybody to travel with Chris’s Whales and to take home precious special moments.

Sybo Mensonides

We had one of the best experiences of our lives! Hundreds of Seals diving into a school of anchovies which were under our boat. Humpback whales diving around and coming out of the sea. The boat stayed on site for more than an hour longer for this fantastic spectacle. WOW and Thank You

Janet Little

The staff and crew were awesome! The weather and nature is unpredictable so there is always a risk with this type of adventure that things won’t go as you had hoped. The staff was honest that the seas were rough and we chose to go anyway.
They even called the day before and offered us a morning trip because they knew we the afternoon waters would be too rough.

We did get to see whales and otters and sea lions and lots of birds. While the whales didn’t perform any tricks or leap out of the water, the staff made sure we got eyes on their breath plumes, rolling backs and one came straight up for a bite to eat.

The water was turbulent and the winds were strong, the boat cut the water well and the captain did an amazing job of getting us out and back safely. The ride was the best part!

Appreciated the open and honest communication. Enjoyed the trip. Recommend and may return with family in the future.

Thank you for the great adventure!