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Chris Whale Watching Tours
Rating Details »
48 Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 375-5951
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 375-5951
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
8 reviews for Chris Whale Watching Tours
It was my first time to whale watch. It was a fun and terrible experience for me. Why? Read on:
Pros:
1. This company is not my first choice of whale watching trip because I have another company in mind. They were my second choice because they let my almost two year old daughter board and I (pregnant that time).
2. Captain was alright and he seemed to narrate well.
3. Got a discount.
4. Have about 2.5 hrs to view the whales.
5. Have a bathroom.
Cons:
1. No vests for passengers.
2. They didnt have an alternative for people who have sea sickness other than telling them do go to the far side of the boat.
3. Boat was really small.
4. There were only two bathrooms, no other amenities provided.
5. I think the Captain was too afraid to come close to the whales and he didn't say where were they (i.e. they are on the right of the boat or left of the boat, etc...)
(It was fun for me because at least am no longer virgin with whale watching...terrible because I couldn't get a snapshot that is close to whales and I was sea sick the remaining hour. Note to self: Should have taken a medicine or so)
I was all excited about seeing whales. That would be my first experience. What a fiasco! :(
One hour or more to get to the part of the ocean where we were going to see whales, and after waiting for so long in a very cold weather we just saw a couple of blows and whale's fluke twice. That was all. I was a little disappointed, but at least I saw something. Also, we got a sweet discount.
First time to go whale watching ... everyone was friendly ...the captain was knowledgeable.... lots and lots of whales ... eventually the captain cut the motor down since there are restrictions on how close the boat can get up close to whales ... but the whales can come up to you if they want ... and they did ! Wow !
Only draw back, is a couple of people got seasick and you can hear them barfing in the bathroom.... so if you are one of those people that get sick, do us paying patrons a favor and don't go on this tour.
It's a crap shoot, whether or not you'll see any of the Grays, Humpbacks, Blues, dolphins, porpoises or Killer Whales, but with this company offering a discount, it's not a bad way to spend 3 hours while visiting Monterey. Bring warm clothes and don't hold on to high expectations but bring a camera anyway...you might just see that huge Blue breaching the surface.
With single income, I was looking for a reasonable rate for whale watching. Chris charges less than other boats. The boat was not fancy but comfortable. We saw hundreds of dolphins. There were not any other boats around so Chris gets the credit for finding them. He then took us back to look for killers whales and he found them too. He is very good at what he does.They were friendly and easy going. Also, if you can go on a Sunday, street parking on Alvarado is free. How can I have so much fun for so little money!
There are four whale watching companies on the wharf. All of them are acceptable and they generally leave at the same times, find the same whales, etc.
We whale watch several times a year and occasionally visit all four companies to see who is willing to offer the best rate. Summer is superior both in terms of weather and the variety of whale (humpback) you are likely to see.
Most of the whale watch companies sell gift certificates, and one does so online (an excellent stocking-stuffer). If you're prone to sea-sickness all four companies sell Dramamine, and some have ginger candies that are quite medically effective. Several boats have cafes with hot cocoa, beer, etc. Also, all four companies offer a 'rain-check' if you fail to see whales.
Everytime we take a whale watching trip almost all other customers are European tourists, so the trips can also be a great opportunity to practice your german, etc. !
Great experience. The captain was excellent in his handling of the boat as well as his very educational narrative. The boat was in relatively nice shape. Better seating / viewing would be nice, but it's not that bad. Shocking how many folks didn't know to keep their eyes on the horizon. Half the customers were sick by the time we got to the whales. So cool to be out there with the big creatures. Also, the captain took a detour on the return trip because he found some cool big dolphins for us to see. I'd go back. Don't forget to negotiate!
For the price one pays for 1.5-2 hours not bad! The service is average when checking in - however the captain and his first mate are great! They explain everything about the different types of whales and when they will be seen (season wise) as well as the different dolphins that are around. I have been whale watching on the East Coast and the tours out there, try to get you as close as possible to the whales. This captain did point out which side the whales and never really got us close enough to see them or take pictures. The captain did try to follow where the different pods were moving, but never was close enough to really get a good look at the whales. Overall, it was a great experience - not sure I would use this tour company again!