Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Unlimited Rides

If you’re looking for a unique combination of thrill, family fun, and a touch of pirate adventure, Treasure Hunt: The Ride on Cannery Row might just be your next favorite outing. While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a lively, engaging attraction that appeals to all ages.

What grabs our attention most? The interactive pirate theme, the possibility for multiple rides at a great price, and the family-friendly storytelling and effects. Plus, the opportunity to compete for the highest score adds a playful edge to the experience. That said, it’s worth noting that this attraction is best suited for children over 3 feet tall, and food or souvenirs aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, immersive activity with a dash of friendly competition in a scenic setting, this ride offers excellent value and entertainment. It’s especially perfect for families, groups, or anyone who enjoys interactive games with a story.

Contents show

Key Points

Family-Friendly Adventure: Designed for all ages, with a pirate theme that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Interactive Experience: Use devices to hunt for treasure and fend off skeleton pirates, making each ride engaging.
Unlimited Rides Option: Get the most out of your day with unlimited access, perfect for boosting your score or just having more fun.
Great Value for Money: At $23, the unlimited ride pass provides hours of entertainment, especially with PowerUp Tokens for extra points.
Accessible & Flexible: Valid anytime during the day, with options for flexible booking and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Scenic & Themed Setting: Located right on Cannery Row, with a story inspired by the area’s maritime history and pirate legends.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Look at the Experience

Looking for more options in Monterey? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The adventure begins at a central ticket counter, where you’ll check in and receive your pass. The attraction is set in a location that feels part theme park, part storybook. As you approach the entrance, you’re greeted by the sight of a towering, 30-foot wooden mast with an animatronic pirate, Shark Bait Sam, perched in the crows nest, ready to welcome you into the pirate world.

The entire scene is lively, with signs, pirate-themed decor, and hints of the area’s historic ties to fishing and cannery work. This physical setting immediately immerses visitors into the storyline, making you feel like part of a buccaneer crew rather than just an observer.

The Pre-Show and Queue

Expect a 15-minute wait before the main adventure begins, during which you’ll be entertained by pre-show elements that set the mood. Reviewers specifically mention the pre-show entertainment as a fun teaser that builds excitement. It’s a good opportunity to get familiar with the storyline and learn how your interactive devices will work.

The Elevator Ride and Ascent

The first true thrill of the experience is a small elevator ride, which transports you down into a subterranean pirate hideout. As you descend, the story unfolds of lost treasures, ghostly pirates, and lurking dangers, setting the scene for what’s to come.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Main Adventure: The Ride Through the Caverns

Once underground, you board your old-fashioned ore carts, with a capacity of four seats each. The carts are equipped with interactive Treasure Collectors, which you use to hunt for gold, jewels, and artifacts.

The 5-minute ride takes you through dark, cavernous tunnels filled with special effects—think flickering lights, animatronic skeleton pirates, and ghostly apparitions. Reviewers have noted the unexpected level of detail and the fun of fending off cave creatures and collecting treasures.

There's plenty more to explore in Monterey

The Competitive Element

One of the major draws is the scoring system. With each ride, you can try to beat your previous score by collecting more treasures and avoiding hazards. The availability of PowerUp Tokens adds a strategic twist—boosting your points and making the game more engaging. Several reviews mention how addictive it is to try and improve your score, especially if you’re visiting multiple times.

Duration and Flexibility

The entire experience lasts around 20 minutes, including queue, pre-show, and ride. However, the ticket grants unlimited access during the day, meaning you can hop on as many times as you like—an incredible value for thrill-seekers or competitive families.

What We Like About Treasure Hunt: The Ride

Top-Quality Theming: The pirate storyline, combined with animated figures like Shark Bait Sam and the detailed cavern decor, makes you feel part of a story rather than just riding a machine. The setting on Cannery Row adds historical authenticity that enhances the experience.

Interactive Fun: Using real devices to gather treasures and fend off skeleton pirates turns what could be a simple ride into an active game. It appeals especially to children and competitive spirits alike.

Value for Money: At $23, the single ride might seem modest, but the unlimited rides option transforms this into a full-day adventure. Incorporating PowerUp Tokens adds a layer of strategy and replayability.

Accessibility & Convenience: The ticket is valid all day, so you can fit it into your schedule as you explore Monterey. Plus, the activity is wheelchair accessible, accommodating more visitors.

Authentic Reviews: Guests have described it as “a piece of Disneyland in Monterey,” emphasizing the quality and fun factor. One reviewer called it “world-class,” highlighting its appeal beyond a typical theme park attraction.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While many reviewers raved about the fun, some noted that food and souvenirs aren’t included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase nearby. Also, the attraction isn’t suitable for children under 3 feet tall, which might exclude some of the youngest travelers.

The ride is relatively short—about five minutes per go—so if you’re not a competitive type or don’t plan to ride multiple times, the value might be less apparent. However, if you love games and competition, the unlimited pass is hard to beat.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start: Ticket Check-In and Pre-Show

Your day begins at the ticket counter, located centrally on Cannery Row. Once checked in, you’ll be directed to the pre-show area, where a lively presentation introduces the story of the lost pirate treasure and the dangers lurking in the underground caverns. The pre-show is designed to get you excited, with lively narration and pirate antics, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

The Ascent: Descending into the Pirate Caves

Next, you’ll climb a staircase wrapping around the mast for the elevator ride. This vertical descent is quick but effective, adding a dose of anticipation before the main ride.

The Main Ride: The Ore Cart Adventure

Once underground, you’ll board your interactive ore carts. The carts’ Treasure Collectors allow you to shoot at targets, pick up treasures, and avoid hazards like cave creatures or skeleton pirates. During the ride, special effects such as sound, lighting, and animatronics create a lively, slightly spooky atmosphere that’s fun without being frightening.

End of Ride & Replay Options

After the five-minute ride, you’re returned to the surface. If you’ve bought the unlimited pass, you’re free to hop back in line for another run, aiming to beat your high score or simply enjoy the ride again. The PowerUp Tokens help boost scores, a feature appreciated by those who enjoy gaming elements.

End: Return to the Meeting Point

The activity concludes back at the starting point, but with the option to continue exploring Cannery Row or to revisit Treasure Hunt: The Ride for more fun.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Try This?

Treasure Hunt: The Ride is an excellent choice for families or groups seeking interactive, themed entertainment. Its blend of storytelling, gaming, and scenic setting provides entertainment value that exceeds many typical amusement rides. The affordable price point combined with unlimited rides makes it especially attractive for visitors wanting multiple attempts, competitive thrill-seekers, or anyone who enjoys a good story.

Because it’s wheelchair accessible and offers flexible timing, it’s inclusive for many travelers. However, it’s less suitable for very young children under 3 feet or those expecting a lengthy adventure. If your group loves pirates, fun challenges, and light-hearted competition, this attraction is likely to be a highlight of your Monterey trip.

FAQ

Is there a specific age requirement for Treasure Hunt: The Ride?
Children need to be over 3 feet tall to participate, ensuring they can safely enjoy the interactive elements and ride components.

Can I buy tickets with PowerUp Tokens?
Yes, tickets can be purchased with or without PowerUp Tokens, which help boost your game scores during the ride.

What’s included with the ticket?
Your ticket grants unlimited access to the attraction during regular opening hours, allowing you to ride as many times as you like.

Are food and souvenirs included?
No, food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included in the ticket price. You might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase items nearby.

Is the ride suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the attraction is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for diverse visitors.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full experience, including queue, pre-show, and ride, takes about 20 minutes, but you can stay longer by riding again with an unlimited pass.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, the tickets are fully cancellable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the best way to maximize the value?
Opt for the unlimited rides option and use PowerUp Tokens to improve your scores and enjoy multiple rides throughout the day.

Where do I meet for the activity?
Check in at the ticket counter located in the middle of the building, with the activity ending back at the same point.

To sum it up, Treasure Hunt: The Ride offers a lively, engaging pirate-themed adventure rooted in Monterey’s scenic Cannery Row. Its interactive design and competitive scoring make it an ideal choice for families and friends looking for a fun, memorable, and affordable experience. Whether you’re aiming to beat your high score or just enjoy a themed ride, this attraction delivers a playful escape into pirate lore with a modern twist.