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Monterey & Carmel guide

Best Sightseeing Tours in Monterey & Carmel

Here's our pick of the best Sightseeing Tours in Monterey & Carmel, ranked by traveler rating. No sponsored spots, just what's actually worth booking.

Browse Monterey & Carmel experiencesSee everything in Monterey & Carmel

Honest prices and ratings, never a sponsored spot

Options40
Rated★ 4.6–5.0
From$9

Checked against live availability and pricing, last updated September 29, 2026.

How we build this

This guide includes real bookable activities from our booking partners. Travinora may earn a commission if you book through a link here, at no extra cost to you.

Our top pick for a sightseeing tour in Monterey & Carmel is Luxury 3‑Hour Whale Watching Experience. Travelers rate it 5.0★, and it's the highest-rated option right now. Watching your budget? Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is a lovely, well-rated option from just $9. Want it just for your group? 17 Mile Drive eBike Tour in Monterey is a private tour, so you can go at your own pace.

Our picks

Luxury 3‑Hour Whale Watching ExperienceBest overall

Luxury 3‑Hour Whale Watching Experience

★ 5.022 reviews
$225View ↗
Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio TourBest value

Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★ 5.02 reviews
$9View ↗
17 Mile Drive eBike Tour in MontereyBest private

17 Mile Drive eBike Tour in Monterey

★ 5.04 reviews
$59View ↗
Big Sur McWay Falls opt 4 or 5 Hour Private Tour up to 12 pplBest premium

Big Sur McWay Falls opt 4 or 5 Hour Private Tour up to 12 ppl

★ 4.962 reviews
$328View ↗

What to check before you book

Shared or private
Private tours cost more but move at your own pace.
Duration
Check the real time commitment against the rest of your day.
Group size
Smaller groups generally mean more personal attention.
What's included
Confirm entry fees, transport, and food are covered where relevant.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation gives you flexibility if plans change.

Compare every option

TourRatingDurationFormatPrice from
Luxury 3‑Hour Whale Watching ExperienceBest overall
★ 5.03 hrShared$225
Half Day Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour
★ 5.03.3 hrShared$240
Big Sur Sightseeing Tour
★ 5.03.3 hrShared$248
17 Mile Drive eBike Tour in MontereyBest private
★ 5.03 hrPrivate$59
Carmel Point: A Self-Guided Audio TourBest value
★ 5.01.8 hrPrivate$9
Monterey CA 17 Mile Self Guided GPS App Driving Tour
★ 5.03 minPrivate$12
Monterey Self-Guided Walking Tour Cannery Row to Old Monterey
★ 5.02 hrPrivate$10
Old Monterey Walking Food Tour
★ 5.03.5 hrShared$164
Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr
★ 5.03 hrShared$59
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
★ 4.91.5 hrShared$45

What you'll pay

Budget

$17

average · 6 options

Mid-range

$76

average · 11 options

Premium

$247

average · 7 options

Practical advice

  • Some of these offer free cancellation, which is worth checking before you commit to one that doesn't.
  • A few of these tend to sell out fast, so if your dates are set, it's worth booking a few days ahead.
  • Plan for anywhere from 3 min to 4 hr, depending which one you pick, and factor that into the rest of your day.

See every real, bookable experience in Monterey & Carmel in one place.

Browse Monterey & Carmel experiences

Frequently asked questions

What's the best sightseeing tour in Monterey & Carmel?⌄

Luxury 3‑Hour Whale Watching Experience is our top pick. Travelers love it, rating it 5.0★.

How much does a sightseeing tour cost in Monterey & Carmel?⌄

Prices here range from $9 to $328 per person, depending on the operator and what's included. You'll see the exact total when you book.

Are there more Sightseeing Tours in Monterey & Carmel than just these?⌄

Yep, we found 40 in Monterey & Carmel in total. We're showing you our top 24, ranked by traveler rating.

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