Cruise port · United States · Pacific Coastal
Monterey cruise port guide
Monterey is a historic California coastal town on a deep, wildlife-rich bay about two hours south of San Francisco. Ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the wharf area, and the highlights are the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row, sea otters and whales, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Marine wildlife
- Aquarium
- Scenic drives
- History
Photo: Smatprt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Pacific Coastal
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are standard; a little cash helps at wharf snack stands.
- Best time to visit
- April–October
- Average highs
- 60–71°F through the year
About Monterey
Monterey was the capital of Spanish and Mexican Alta California, then a sardine-canning powerhouse made famous by John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Today the old canneries house restaurants and shops, adobe buildings line the historic downtown, and the bay is one of the best places in the country to see marine life from shore.
A typical port day involves the aquarium, a waterfront walk to spot sea otters and sea lions, and either a whale-watching trip or a drive along 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach and Carmel. The coastal recreation trail links the wharf, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, making the town easy to explore on foot or by bike.
It's a fine port for nature lovers, families, golfers and photographers. It's less suited to anyone wanting a beach day, as the water is cold, and fog can hide the views, particularly in early summer.
Where cruise ships dock in Monterey
Monterey is a tender port. Ships anchor in Monterey Bay and tender passengers to the harbor near Old Fisherman's Wharf, close to downtown. From the landing, the wharf's restaurants, the historic adobes and the start of the coastal recreation trail are a few minutes' walk away. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) along the flat waterside trail, roughly a 30 minute walk; local shuttles, trolleys and taxis also serve the route. Carmel-by-the-Sea and 17-Mile Drive are 15 to 30 minutes by car or tour. Swell and fog can occasionally affect tendering.
Best things to do in Monterey on a cruise
- 1
Monterey Bay Aquarium
family
Built in an old cannery on Cannery Row, the aquarium is famous for its towering kelp forest exhibit, sea otter rescue and care program and open-ocean galleries. Buy timed tickets in advance and go early to beat the crowds. Allow at least two to three hours.
- 2
Cannery Row
history
The waterfront street immortalized by John Steinbeck is lined with converted canneries now housing restaurants, shops and tasting rooms. Plaques and sculptures recall its sardine-industry history, and the bay views make it a pleasant stroll.
- 3
17-Mile Drive
scenery
This scenic toll road loops through Pebble Beach past rocky coves, golf courses and the famous Lone Cypress, clinging to its granite outcrop above the surf. Tours often combine it with Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- 4
Whale watching
wildlife
Monterey Bay's deep underwater canyon attracts whales close to shore. Gray whales migrate through in winter and spring, while humpbacks and sometimes blue whales feed in the bay from spring into fall. Boats leave from Fisherman's Wharf, and dolphins are common.
- 5
Carmel-by-the-Sea
culture
This storybook village of cottages, galleries and boutiques ends at a white-sand beach backed by cypress trees. Nearby, the Carmel Mission is one of California's most beautiful. It's a short drive from Monterey.
- 6
Kayaking with sea otters
nature
Guided kayak tours paddle along the shore and kelp beds near the harbor, where sea otters float, groom and crack shellfish on their chests. Keep a respectful distance as required by law.
- 7
Monterey State Historic Park
history
Steps from the wharf, this collection of adobe buildings includes the Custom House, among the oldest government buildings in California. It tells the story of Monterey's Spanish and Mexican eras.
Monterey weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 6016 | 6016 | 6016 | 6217 | 6317 | 6719 | 6820 | 7021 | 7122 | 7121 | 6518 | 6016 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5111 | 5010 | 5010 | 5111 | 5211 | 5513 | 5614 | 5815 | 5915 | 5714 | 5312 | 5111 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.1103 | 2.461 | 2.769 | 0.923 | 0.614 | 0.12 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.26 | 0.616 | 1.641 | 3.282 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Monterey
Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl is the classic Fisherman's Wharf lunch, along with calamari, rock cod and Dungeness crab in season. Nearby Castroville calls itself the Artichoke Capital of the World, so look for fried artichokes on menus. Monterey County wines, including those from Carmel Valley, are widely poured. Cannery Row and downtown offer a range of seafood restaurants.
Tips for your port day
- Book Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets ahead and plan to arrive early in the day.
- Get tender tickets early if you're exploring on your own, and allow buffer time to return.
- Dress in layers; Monterey is often cool and foggy, especially in the morning.
- Bring binoculars to spot otters, seals and whales from the shore.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the coastal trail to Cannery Row.
Cruise lines that visit Monterey
Often on the same itinerary
Monterey cruise FAQs
Is Monterey a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor in Monterey Bay and tender passengers to the harbor near Old Fisherman's Wharf.
How far is the Monterey Bay Aquarium from the cruise tender landing?
About 1.5 miles along a flat waterfront trail, roughly a 30 minute walk. Shuttles and taxis are also available.
Can you see sea otters in Monterey?
Yes. Sea otters are often seen near the harbor, along Cannery Row and in kelp beds just offshore. Kayak tours and the aquarium's otter exhibit offer close views.
When is whale watching season in Monterey?
Year-round. Gray whales pass through in winter and spring, while humpbacks and sometimes blue whales feed in the bay from spring through fall.
Is 17-Mile Drive worth it on a cruise stop?
Yes, if you enjoy coastal scenery. A tour that combines 17-Mile Drive with Carmel-by-the-Sea fits comfortably into a port day.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.