California Coast Private Adventure Tour
Monterey Wildlife Watching & Coastal Trails
- Available: January-December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations:
-
Group Size:
2-8 Guests
Min Age: 6
Highlights
- Get a private VIP tour of the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Take in the beauty of of Point Lobos by bike or by surfboard
- Get up close looks at dolphins, otters, seals, and more on a wildlife cruise
Itinerary
Drive to Monterey
Day 1
After arriving at San Francisco International Airport, secure your rental car and drive south to your overnight hotel in Monterey.
Accommodation: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium and Kayak Elkhorn Slough
Day 2
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium on a private VIP tour this morning before it opens to the general public. See playful sea otters, hundreds of species of fish, mesmerizing jellies and other creatures who call the ocean home. An expert guide will show off the aquarium's most popular exhibits as well as some exclusive areas behind the scenes.
This afternoon, head to Moss Landing on Monterey Bay for a private kayaking excursion. Elkhorn Slough is well known for diverse marine wildlife. After a safety and instruction briefing, look for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and marine birds. The calm waters of the Slough make it the perfect destination for kayaking. Drive back to the hotel for overnight.Accommodation: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
Activity: Customizable kayaking
Meals: Breakfast
Hike at Point Lobos and Bike or Surf
Day 3
Today begins with a hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, featuring the spectacular natural beauty of headlands, coves, meadows, and a rich marine habitat located just offshore. Your guide will choose a route to fit current conditions and your desired activity level. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds.
This afternoon offers the choice of a guided e-bike ride on famous 17-Mile Drive or a private surf lesson. Those who choose to e-bike will meet their guide for a route along the coast, through the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Conservation Area. Those who choose to surf will meet their certified surf instructor on a nearby beach. The lesson is tailored to fit your experience level and current water conditions.Accommodation: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
Activity: Customizable hiking, 3.5 hour bike ride and 2 hour surf lesson
Meals: Breakfast
Take a Marine Wildlife Cruise
Day 4
Known for a whale feeding season that span spring through fall, Monterey Bay also offers fabulous habitat for other marine wildlife and seabirds. This area is home to six species of resident dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions and porpoises. Get a closer look today on a private marine cruise. Board a low profile fast raft, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. Keep that camera handy as the knowledgeable naturalist and captain provides education on native species while in search of local populations. After returning to shore, this afternoon is free to relax or explore independently.
Accommodation: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
Transportation: 3-4 hour cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Depart San Francisco
Day 5
After breakfast this morning, check out of the hotel and drive back to San Francisco for homebound flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Call for Private Trip Pricing
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary, including all taxes and resort fees
- Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- All special equipment required for activities
- Trip logistics, operations and monitoring during travel
- All tours, transfers and activities as detailed in the itinerary
Price Does Not Include
- Additional meals not noted in the daily itinerary
- Entry fees to National Parks, museums and other attractions when not accompanied by a guide, unless listed on inclusions
- Airfare, airport taxes or baggage fees for all flights
- Optional activities and spa services
- Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, laundry or souvenirs
- Discretionary tips for guides, drivers and resort staff
- Optional travel protection
- Rental car
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Joel Clark
Never without his old battered hat, given to him by his grandfather, Joel Clark has an addiction to the wide open spaces of the West. He has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and charted his own cross-country trek across the Mojave Desert totaling some 8,000 miles. Joel is an experienced guide, leading adventure tours and horse riding expeditions through the canyon lands of Southern Utah for nearly 10 years. When he gets out his guitar around the campfire, bring a handkerchief because you're going to hear some soulful old cowboy songs.
Rachel Urban
Rachel began her guiding career in 1994, and has led trips throughout the US Southwest and the Canadian Rockies for the past 10 years. Rachel is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and her favorite pursuits are hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. When Rachel is not on the road leading adventures she can be found relaxing in Bali, surfing, doing yoga and rejuvenating.
Jen Barnes
Jen, is a North Carolina native and a Florida State University graduate with a degree in anthropology. Jen has taught school in Japan, cleaned fish in Alaska, and toured the entire perimeter of India. She's a music lover, a reader of anything, a fan of superhero movies, a bicyclist, a chili hound, a serious cook, and a woman of letters. But mostly she's a tour guide. She's conducted tours throughout the Southwest, from coast to coast in America, in Alaska, and in Canada. If you make her laugh, she'll be your friend for life.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. While you should expect to be on your feet most days, most of the terrain is easily walked or can be customized based on your needs. On Day 3 you will be able to take either a 3.5 hour bike ride along 17-Mile Drive or take 2 hours of surf lessons.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Customizable kayaking
Day 3
Customizable hiking, 3.5 hour bike ride and 2 hour surf lesson
Accommodations
A modern and luxurious hotel that overlooks the Bay and features an array of modern amenities, including marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, as well as a restaurant serving fresh, local foods.
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
The InterContinental Clement Monterey overlooks the sapphire waters of Monterey Bay on Cannery Row. The beautiful waterfront hotel features the perfect mix of urban energy, modern luxury and coastal charm. The well-appointed rooms and suites offer state-of-the-art technology, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers and in-room Nespresso coffeemakers. The hotel also features a business center, spa and the on-site C Restaurant and Bar which has panoramic bay views, serves fresh seafood, premium meats and local produce.
Weather
Expect cool and foggy mornings and evenings on the coast with warmer temperatures moving inland.
Similar Trips to California Coast Private Adventure Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me-widening my view of the world and its peoples."
Jane B.
MT Sobek Guest
"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."
Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest