Question 1

What is the "Fake Monterey Bay Aquarium ticket resellers" scam in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

Individuals on Cannery Row and near the aquarium entrance offer discounted aquarium tickets or "skip-the-line" passes. Monterey Bay Aquarium requires timed-entry tickets bought through its own website or authorized partners; resold paper tickets often fail at the gate or are for a different timed slot. Buy aquarium tickets only at MontereyBayAquarium.org or at the aquarium's ticket windows. Avoid any street reseller, even at steep "discounts."

Question 2

What is the "Unlicensed whale-watching operators at Fishermans Wharf" scam in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

Pop-up tables at Fishermans Wharf sell whale-watching tours at 30-40 percent below established operator rates. Some are unlicensed, use vessels without Coast Guard charter compliance, lack life jackets for all guests, and cancel without refund. Book whale watching only through licensed operators like Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Princess Monterey Whale Watching, or Sanctuary Cruises. Confirm Coast Guard charter licensing and read TripAdvisor reviews dating back 2+ years.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Big Sur and Carmel tour packages collecting deposits" scam in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

Websites and hotel lobby flyers sell "Big Sur and Carmel day tours" from Monterey at 60-120 dollars per person. Some operators are unlicensed, skip advertised stops, or do not pick up at booked hotels. Deposits are sometimes lost entirely. Book tours through licensed operators like Monterey Guided Tours, Big Sur Jade Cove Tours, or Ag Venture Tours. Verify California CPUC or TCP Charter-Party Carrier licensing before paying.

Question 4

What is the "Cruise ship tender dock solicitors and "official" shore excursions" scam in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

On cruise tender days at Pier 2, individuals solicit passengers for "official" Monterey shore excursions that are not affiliated with the cruise line or any licensed operator. Tours may skip advertised stops or fail to return passengers to the pier in time for last tender. Book shore excursions only through the cruise line or established licensed Monterey operators with CPUC/TCP numbers. Verify return-time guarantees in writing.

Question 5

What is the "Sea otter photo and "official guide" upsells at Elkhorn Slough" scam in Monterey?

Accepted Answer

At Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough, individuals pose as "park naturalists" or "wildlife guides" and offer to show otters for 20-40 dollars. Elkhorn Slough is a publicly accessible estuary; no guide is required for viewing from the shore or the free public kayak launch area. View otters for free from the Moss Landing State Beach, the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Visitor Center (small fee), or on an official kayak tour with licensed operators like Monterey Bay Kayaks or Kayak Connection.

Tour & Activity Scams in Monterey

Fake Monterey Bay Aquarium ticket resellers

Unlicensed whale-watching operators at Fishermans Wharf

Fake Big Sur and Carmel tour packages collecting deposits

Cruise ship tender dock solicitors and "official" shore excursions

Sea otter photo and "official guide" upsells at Elkhorn Slough

Experienced a scam here?