Monterey and Carmel are more than just pretty seaside towns—they’re packed with opportunities to experience nature, culture, and local flavor firsthand. Whether you’re eager to spot whales in the Pacific, cycle along breathtaking coastlines, or taste your way through charming neighborhoods, this area offers a diverse range of tours. We especially love the 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey for its exciting wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides, and the Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour for its intimate tasting experiences and local stories. The variety of options means whatever your interests—wildlife, food, history, or scenery—you’ll find a memorable way to explore.
Quick Overview
This list includes whale watching cruises, scenic bike tours, small-group food adventures, and wildlife excursions. Each tour offers a unique way to engage with the stunning coastlines, abundant marine life, and local culture of the Monterey and Carmel area. For specifics, check out our detailed reviews below, including the Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour and the 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Tour.
1. 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey
This 3.5-hour cruise from Monterey is a top choice for wildlife lovers. Your naturalist guide shares insights about gray, humpback, and blue whales, often spotted alongside dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. The boat departs from Monterey Bay, a renowned whale-watching spot, ensuring high chances of sightings. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable crew and the opportunity to photograph whales in action. One reviewer remarked, “This was the best tour we’ve ever taken, with a feeding frenzy of humpbacks and sea lions.” The tour is suitable for all ages, though it’s wise to dress warmly given the ocean breeze. The trip stands out for its engaging commentary and wildlife diversity. For nature lovers wanting a shorter, impactful experience, this tour delivers.
Bottom line: If you want a highly rated, exciting, and educational whale watching experience, this tour is hard to beat, especially given its excellent reviews and competitive price of $85.
2. Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive Electric Bike Tour, 2.5-3 hour
Cover more ground with less fatigue on this electric bike tour of the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Starting in Pacific Grove, your guide leads you through stunning oceanfront scenery, including stops at Bird Rock, Lone Cypress, and the Pebble Beach golf course. The e-bikes make the uphill sections easier, so you can focus on the spectacular views without breaking a sweat. Guests highlight the knowledgeable guide Zane, who shares local lore and history, making this more than just a ride. The tour is family-friendly, with tandem bike options for kids, and includes helmets and gloves. Reviewers describe it as “fabulous,” with “gorgeous views” and “great value.” If you love scenery and want an active way to explore, this is a fantastic choice.
Bottom line: For around $59, this guided e-bike tour offers a relaxed yet immersive way to enjoy the coast and learn about its history, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Carmel Small Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour
Step into Carmel’s culinary scene and charming streets with this 3-hour small-group food tour. Your guide takes you to 6-7 local eateries where you’ll sample everything from chocolates and pastries to farm-to-table dishes. Alongside delicious tastings, you’ll learn about Carmel’s development as an art and foodie enclave. The tour is limited to 16 people, making for a relaxed, personalized experience. Guests often comment on the enthusiasm of the guide and the variety of food. One reviewer noted, “We enjoyed local lore and sampling hidden gems, making it perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned locals.” It’s an ideal way to combine culture, cuisine, and history in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: If you love food and want insider stories about Carmel’s unique character, this intimate tour offers excellent value at $149, especially for art and food lovers.
4. Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
This 1.5-hour boat tour offers a close look at Elkhorn Slough’s wetlands in Moss Landing. On your electric-powered catamaran, you’ll learn about this vital estuary as you scan for sea otters, sea lions, and a variety of bird species. The naturalist guides provide engaging commentary, making it perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts. Guests rave about the abundance of otters and birds, with some saying it was the “best wildlife experience” they’ve had. The tour departs at convenient times, and the calm waters make it accessible for most. However, binoculars (or even a camera with zoom) will enrich your wildlife sightings.
Bottom line: For wildlife and nature lovers seeking a peaceful, educational experience, this tour’s affordable price of $45 and naturalist guide make it a great value.
5. 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour
Similar to the earlier bike tour but with a focus on Pebble Beach and additional stops, this guided e-bike covers less than 3 hours but hits key highlights like Spanish Bay and Point Joe. The small group (max ten people) ensures personalized attention, and the ride is smooth thanks to the electric assistance. Guests mention the “magnificent scenery” and “super knowledgeable guides”. The route includes informative stops at landmarks with plenty of photo opportunities. The tour is perfect if you want to learn about the area’s golf history, geology, and coastal features while enjoying a relaxed ride.
Bottom line: For $75, you get a personalized, scenic experience that’s suitable for all skill levels, especially those who prefer a leisurely exploration.
6. 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey
This 3-hour cruise combines wildlife viewing with comfort, as you set out from Monterey on a boat with modern amenities. The naturalist guides share insights into whale behavior and conservation, making this educational as well as exciting. Guests often spot humpbacks, dolphins, and sea lions, with some calling it “exceedingly memorable.” The boat’s size and facilities make it suitable for families or those prone to seasickness, provided they dress appropriately. Because the boat departs from Monterey, it’s a convenient choice for many travelers.
Bottom line: If you’re after a well-rounded whale watching experience with a focus on education, this tour at $75 offers solid value.
7. Old Monterey Walking Food Tour
For a full lunch experience, this 3.5-hour walking tour takes you through historic Monterey’s best eateries. Starting at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll taste a mix of Indian, Greek, and local specialties, including artisan ice cream and California wine. The small group size ensures personal attention and relaxed pace. Reviewers mention the “diverse cuisines” and “interesting stories” about Monterey’s past**. It’s perfect for foodies who like to learn about local culture through sampling and storytelling. The tour’s price of $164 reflects the quality and quantity of tastings involved.
Bottom line: For those wanting a real culinary adventure combined with history, this tour offers a rich experience, especially if you enjoy a full lunch.
8. Afternoon Whale Watch
This 3-hour family-friendly tour offers a relaxed, afternoon adventure into Monterey Bay. With marine biologist guides, you’ll search for orcas, humpbacks, and playful dolphins, all while enjoying the sea breeze. The boats are well equipped with bathrooms and indoor/outdoor decks, making it comfortable for everyone. Reviewers say it’s “great for kids” and suitable for all ages, emphasizing the informative guides and beautiful scenery. Since the tour departs in the afternoon, it’s a great way to combine with other sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you want a family-oriented, comfortable whale-watching experience, this tour at $75 offers good value and engaging commentary.
9. Monterey Whale Watching Tour
Known for its 99% success rate, this 2-3 hour boat trip offers a high chance of whale sightings, including gray, humpback, and blue whales. The boats are large and modern, with options for indoor and outdoor seating. The captain and crew are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each trip educational and fun. One reviewer pointed out, “We saw whales, dolphins, and seals, and the crew was excellent at locating marine life.” The departure from Monterey makes it accessible and convenient.
Bottom line: For a high success rate and a comfortable environment, this tour is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts ready for a memorable voyage.
10. Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea
This short, informative walk introduces you to Carmel’s highlights, including the First Murphy House, Golden Bough Playhouse, and historic cottages. The guide shares stories about Carmel’s artistic roots and its unique architecture. Guests praise the engaging storytelling and easy pace. It’s a perfect way to get oriented with the town’s charm and history in a quick, manageable outing. The tour starts conveniently in downtown Carmel.
Bottom line: Ideal for newcomers, this 2-hour tour offers a good overview of Carmel’s story and sights for just $40.
11. Whale Watching Tour
This 3-hour trip from Monterey offers a good chance to see whales, dolphins, and sea lions. The boats are comfortable and equipped with bathrooms, ensuring a smooth ride. The knowledgeable crew and naturalist guides enhance the experience with educational commentary. Reviewers mention spotting multiple whale species and say the trip is “well worth the money.” Departing from Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking reliable wildlife sightings.
Bottom line: If you want a dependable, educational whale watching experience with comfortable boats, this tour is a good investment.
12. Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour
Explore Carmel’s artistic homes, beaches, and historic landmarks on this e-bike tour. The small group ensures personalized attention, and the pedal-assisted bikes make it easy to cover significant ground without exhaustion. Highlights include the Carmel Mission, Fairy-tale cottages, and scenic Scenic Road Walkway. Reviewers love the easy riding and interesting commentary about Carmel’s architecture and environment. It’s suitable for all levels, especially those wanting a leisurely but comprehensive overview.
Bottom line: Perfect for history, architecture enthusiasts, and those who prefer a gentle ride—this tour packs in lots of sights in just a few hours.
13. Monterey Bay Whale Watching
This 2-3 hour trip from Moss Landing combines wildlife sightings with a comfortable boat equipped with indoor and outdoor decks. The diverse marine life, including humpbacks, orcas, and mola mola, makes this a thrilling adventure. Reviewers highlight the friendly crew and spectacular whales. Since Moss Landing is at the mouth of the Monterey Bay Canyon, it’s an ideal launch point.
Bottom line: For reliable whale sightings and a comfortable experience, this tour is an excellent pick for wildlife fans.
14. Monterey 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour
This 2.5-hour guided e-bike takes you along the famous 17-Mile Drive, focusing on the Pebble Beach golf course and scenic viewpoints. The small group size promises personalized commentary and ample photo breaks. Guests enjoy learning about local geology and history, all while riding pedal-assisted bikes. Many call it a “magnificent” experience, and some appreciate the easy ride even for beginners.
Bottom line: If you want a personalized, scenic adventure at a relaxed pace, this tour offers excellent value at $79.
15. Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour
In this 2.5-hour ride, you’ll explore Carmel’s fairy-tale cottages, Carmel Mission, and scenic coastline. The small group makes for an intimate experience, and the pedal assist reduces fatigue. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the ease of riding past landmarks like Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch. This tour suits travelers who want to cover lots of ground comfortably.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, informative ride through Carmel’s highlights, this is a great choice, especially for architecture and scenery buffs.
16. Macaron making with a Master Chef – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Finish your trip with a delightful hands-on experience learning to make French macarons from a Master Chef. This 90-minute class is perfect for food lovers interested in baking techniques and culinary tips. Participants will learn the science of perfect macarons and leave with their own batch. The instructor’s background on the Cooking Channel adds credibility. Reviewers mention the fun, instructive atmosphere, and the delicious results. It’s an excellent activity for groups or anyone wanting a memorable culinary souvenir.
Bottom line: For approximately $119, this interactive baking class offers a fun, tasty, and educational experience you’ll remember—and can recreate at home.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking from this wide selection depends on what kind of experience you seek. For wildlife and marine life, the 4 Hour Whale Watching Tour or the Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour are excellent options, especially if you value expert guides and diverse sightings. If scenery and active exploration appeal, the Carmel & Monterey electric bike tours and 17-Mile Drive guided ride provide stunning vistas with less physical effort.
Food lovers should consider the Carmel Small Group Food & Cultural Tour or the Old Monterey Food Tour — both offer local tastings and insights into the area’s culinary scene. For those focused on history and architecture, the Carmel Guided Walking Tour and Carmel Electric Bike Tour are perfect.
Booking early is always wise, especially for popular whale watching trips or small-group tours. Consider the time of year — whale sightings are generally good year-round but peak during migration seasons, and summer offers the warmest weather.
Monterey and Carmel provide a treasure trove of engaging tours—whether you want to witness whales breach, explore scenic coastlines on a bike, or taste local delicacies. These options cater to a variety of interests and activity levels, helping you craft a trip that’s both fun and meaningful. For maximum enjoyment, pick a tour that matches your pace, interests, and curiosity, and don’t forget to book in advance to secure your spot in these popular experiences.