3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

Discover Monterey and Pacific Grove in a Zip-Style Sea Car for $189

The 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour offers a lively way to explore California’s central coast. For $189 per group, up to two people can enjoy a self-drive convertible equipped with GPS guidance and a talking tour guide. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed yet engaging sightseeing experience.

This tour departs from 230 Alvarado St, Monterey, and includes helmet, full tank of fuel, and a safety orientation. With the opportunity to choose a tour time that fits your schedule, it’s flexible for different travel plans. While the tour is generally praised for the fun and scenic highlights, it’s important to note that drivers must be 21 years or older with a valid license, and the car fits most people but can be tight for those over 6 feet 3 inches.

The tour’s engaging GPS guide and well-known stops make it a popular choice, especially for those seeking a fun, interactive way to see Monterey. Its high recommendation rate of 92% reflects overall satisfaction, with many reviews highlighting the exhilarating ride and stunning views.

Key Points

• Self-drive Sea Car equipped with GPS and a talking guide
• 3-hour tour exploring Monterey, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove
• Price of $189 per group (up to 2 people)
• Includes helmet, full tank of gas, and safety briefing
• Drivers must be 21+ and hold a valid drivers license
• Tour features scenic stops at Lake El Estero, Asilomar State Beach, and Butterfly Sanctuary

The GPS-Guided Sea Car: A Unique Way to Explore Monterey

This tour uses GPS-guided Sea Cars, which are self-driving convertibles that navigate themselves while providing audio commentary about various landmarks. The zippy two-seater design allows for a fun, open-air experience as you cruise along Monterey’s streets and coastlines. The talking guide adds an informative layer, sharing interesting facts about the landmarks you pass.

The full tank of fuel and helmet are included, ensuring a smooth start. Riders need to be comfortable driving a small vehicle, and most travelers find the GPS navigation easy to follow. A notable point from reviews is that bumpy roads can make the ride more challenging, and the suspension might cause some jolts over uneven surfaces.

This tour really shines for its interactive experience and scenic routes, making it far more engaging than traditional bus tours. Most users find the GPS guide helpful and informative, adding to the enjoyment of the ride.

Starting Point at 230 Alvarado Street in Monterey

The tour begins at 230 Alvarado Street, a central location in Monterey. After a brief safety orientation, guests hop into their self-driving Sea Car. The pick-up and return happen at the same location, simplifying logistics. The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for visitors staying nearby.

The flexible scheduling allows for choosing a time that suits your day, often booked 10 days in advance. The tour is designed for most travelers, with the only notable restrictions being drivers must be 21+ and pass a license check.

Exploring Cannery Row and Downtown Monterey

The tour takes you along Cannery Row, the famous waterfront street lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. The GPS guide offers fun facts about the area’s history, making the ride both enjoyable and educational. You’ll see the famous landmarks and get a sense of Monterey’s past and present.

Driving through downtown Monterey, you’ll be able to see the vibrant city life and get a feel for local culture. The compact size of the Sea Car makes maneuvering through narrow streets easy, although limited turn radius is a point to consider.

Scenic Routes to Lake El Estero and Asilomar State Beach

Beyond the city streets, the tour extends out to scenic coastal areas, including Lake El Estero, a peaceful spot perfect for photos and relaxing views. The trail by Lake El Estero offers a glimpse of local wildlife and serene scenery.

Next, the tour passes Asilomar State Beach, where guests can appreciate stunning ocean vistas and the natural beauty of the California coast. The breezy open-air ride amplifies these vistas, with many reviews noting the refreshing ocean air and beautiful scenery.

Visiting Pacific Grove and the Butterfly Sanctuary

A highlight of this tour is the stop at the charming town of Pacific Grove, famous for its Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. This location attracts visitors seasonally, and the tour allows guests to see the butterflies and enjoy the quaint seaside atmosphere.

Travelers often appreciate the photo opportunities here and the chance to breathe in the fresh ocean air. The tour includes short stops at these scenic points, allowing plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the surroundings.

Comfort and Practical Tips for the Ride

The Sea Car is described as rear-wheel drive, and most find it easy to operate after a brief orientation. However, wearing a jacket is recommended, as the ride can feel breezy and cool, especially along the coast.

Since the vehicle fits most people, the maximum height of 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) is set to ensure comfort for all passengers. The small size makes the experience more intimate, but those who are not comfortable in tight spaces may prefer two cars if traveling in a group larger than two.

The suspension system on the vehicle is designed for fun rather than smoothness, and bumpy roads can cause some jolts, as noted in reviews. The ride loudness is also mentioned, which might be a consideration for those seeking a quieter experience.

Insurance, Additional Costs, and Booking Details

The standard rental includes collision damage insurance for $12, covering damages up to $500. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so participants need to arrive at the meeting point for pickup and return.

Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is often booked 10 days ahead. The non-refundable policy means changes or cancellations are not possible, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Enjoy This Monterey Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous couples, friends, or small groups looking for a fun, hands-on way to explore Monterey’s highlights. History buffs and scenic lovers both find value here, thanks to the informative GPS guide and beautiful stops.

The interactive nature of the Sea Car and the scenic coastline make it especially appealing for those wanting a more engaging experience than traditional sightseeing tours. It’s suitable for most ages, though drivers must be 21+ with a valid license, and children as young as 7 can ride if accompanied by an adult.

The Sum Up: A Unique and Fun Way to Experience Monterey

The 3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row, and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour offers a lively, self-driven adventure that combines scenic coastal views with informative commentary. The GPS-guided Sea Cars make it easy to navigate and fun to operate, making it a great choice for those who enjoy interactive sightseeing.

While the tight fit and occasional bumpy ride are considerations, most reviews highlight the exhilarating experience and stunning sights as major strengths. The flexibility in scheduling and central location add to the tour’s convenience.

For those seeking a memorable, hands-on tour of Monterey’s coastal attractions, this tour provides a balance of fun, scenery, and local insight. It’s especially suited for adventurous couples and small groups eager to explore in an unconventional way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cost of $189?
The price covers the rental of the GPS-guided Sea Car, helmet, full tank of fuel, and a safety orientation.

Are there any age restrictions for drivers?
Yes, drivers must be 21+ with a valid drivers license. Children 7 years and older can ride as passengers if accompanied by an adult.

Can I book a tour for a specific time?
Yes, you can pick a tour time that fits your schedule, and tours are on average booked 10 days in advance.

Is insurance included?
Insurance is not included in the basic price but is available for an extra fee of $12, covering damages up to $500.

Do I need to be an experienced driver?
No, the orientation and GPS guidance make it straightforward, but drivers must be comfortable controlling a small vehicle in city and coastal traffic.

Can I do this tour if I have limited mobility?
The tour requires driving and sitting in a compact vehicle, so it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.