Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Unlimited Rides

Travelers visiting Monterey often look for unique experiences that combine entertainment, a touch of local flair, and value. The Treasure Hunt: The Ride offers just that—an imaginative, family-friendly adventure wrapped in a pirate theme, right on Cannery Row. With its blend of interactive gaming and immersive storytelling, it promises hours of fun, especially if you opt for the unlimited ride pass.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are its interactive nature, easy accessibility, and the chance to compete with friends for the highest score. Plus, the attraction’s setting on Cannery Row adds a charming coastal backdrop. However, it’s worth noting that this is a shorter, 20-minute experience, so those seeking a full-day adventure might want to pair it with other activities.

This tour is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who loves a good mix of play and exploration. If you’re after a memorable, fun-packed break that doesn’t break the bank, Treasure Hunt: The Ride could be just the ticket.

Contents show

Key Points

Interactive pirate-themed adventure with game elements and storytelling
Unlimited ride options provide added value and more chances to compete
Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible for all ages and needs
Located on Cannery Row, making it easy to combine with other Monterey attractions
Includes pre-show entertainment and a scenic elevator ride
Price at $23 per person, considered good value given the experience and flexibility

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is Treasure Hunt: The Ride?

Treasure Hunt: The Ride is a unique attraction tailored specifically for Monterey’s Cannery Row. Unlike typical theme park rides, it combines a 5-minute ride with interactive gameplay that puts you right in the middle of a pirate’s quest for lost treasure. The experience begins with a theatrical pre-show featuring animatronic pirates and a lively storyline, setting the scene for a fun, engaging adventure.

The core of the attraction is a 15-minute interactive ride aboard old-fashioned ore carts equipped with Treasure Collectors. These devices allow you to gather treasures, fend off skeleton pirates, and avoid cave dangers—all while competing for the highest score. The ride is designed for families and groups, with up to 20 guests riding together, which fosters a lively, competitive atmosphere.

Your ticket grants unlimited access during regular operating hours, allowing you to go on multiple rides, improve your score, and really get the most out of the experience. You can also purchase PowerUp Tokens to give your score a boost—something reviewers particularly appreciated, with many mentioning that riding multiple times keeps getting better.

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

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Entrance and Pre-Show

Starting at the ticket counter in the middle of the building, you’ll be welcomed into a themed area with pirate décor and lively animatronics. Here, Shark Bait Sam, a charismatic pirate with a booming voice, along with his parrot sidekick Scuttle, introduce you to the storyline. This segment lasts around 15 minutes and includes pre-show entertainment that keeps both kids and adults engaged.

Ascent to the Adventure

Next, you’ll climb a staircase wrapped around a towering wooden mast—standing about 30 feet tall—which leads to the beginning of the ride. The setup is quite charming, blending theatrical flair with a sense of adventure. Once you reach the top, you’ll board an elevator that takes you into the caverns beneath Cannery Row, setting the stage for the action ahead.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Main Ride

Upon arriving underground, up to 20 guests board old-fashioned ore carts. These carts are equipped with interactive Treasure Collectors, which serve as your gaming devices during the 5-minute ride. As you glide through dark caves, your goal is to gather as much treasure as possible while avoiding skeleton pirates, cave monsters, and the ghost of Bouchard himself.

The ride is designed to be thrilling yet accessible, catering to families with children (though not suitable for children under 3 feet or 90 cm). As one reviewer mentioned, the ride is “amazing,” and many appreciate how each round feels different, especially when using PowerUp Tokens to enhance performance.

There's plenty more to explore in Monterey

Returning to the Surface

After the ride, guests are led back to the starting point, where you can compare scores with your friends or family. Many riders find that multiple rides—especially when taking advantage of the unlimited pass—are the best way to maximize fun and improve their scores.

The Value of the Experience

Priced at $23 per person for an unlimited ride pass, this attraction offers solid value, particularly given the high replayability. Several reviews highlight that the more you ride, the more enjoyable it becomes: “The unlimited ride pass is the way to go,” one guest noted, emphasizing that each subsequent ride feels even better.

Additional options include purchasing PowerUp Tokens, which boost your score. For kids and competitive adults alike, these tokens add a layer of strategy and fun, making each ride feel slightly different.

While food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included, the attraction’s affordable entry fee makes it easy to budget for these extras elsewhere in Monterey. The ticket being valid any time during opening hours also offers flexibility for planning your day.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The attraction is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for guests with mobility needs. It’s also suitable for most ages, except very young children under 3 feet tall. Pets are not permitted, so plan accordingly. The attraction operates with English-speaking hosts and offers flexible cancellation policies—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The location on Cannery Row makes it convenient to visit alongside other attractions, shops, and restaurants, making it an easy add-on to a day exploring Monterey.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently praise the attraction for its stellar guides and animatronics. One reviewer described the staff as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which added to the immersion. They also loved how stunning the themed environment was, noting that the theatrical pre-show and pirate décor felt very authentic.

Many mention that the experience feels like a mini Disney in Monterey, with one calling it “a piece of Disneyland in Monterey.” The interactive nature keeps both kids and adults engaged, and multiple reviews highlight how the experience improves with each ride, especially when using PowerUp Tokens.

A common theme is the fun competitive aspect, with guests enjoying trying to beat each other’s scores. This aspect, combined with the immersive storytelling and lively animatronics, makes Treasure Hunt: The Ride not just a ride but a memorable game-filled adventure.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This attraction suits families with children, given its playful theme and accessibility. It’s also a fantastic choice for groups of friends or couples who enjoy friendly competition and interactive attractions. If you love themed adventures, pirate stories, or simply want a fun, lighthearted activity in Monterey, this ride is a strong option.

However, those seeking a longer, more immersive experience or outdoor adventures might find this too brief. Because it’s a game-based ride, it’s especially appealing to those who enjoy playful challenges and scoring high.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

Treasure Hunt: The Ride offers a well-priced, entertaining experience that combines storytelling, gaming, and scenic storytelling in a compact package. Its location on Cannery Row means you can easily fit it into a broader Monterey itinerary. The unlimited ride pass maximizes fun and value, making it perfect for those who want to go back for multiple rounds.

The attraction’s interactive gameplay and engaging pre-show create a lively atmosphere, ideal for families or groups wanting to bond over a shared adventure. The fact that many reviewers have described it as “world-class” and “a piece of Disneyland in Monterey” speaks volumes about its quality.

If you’re after a fun, family-friendly activity that offers good value and loads of giggles, Treasure Hunt: The Ride is likely to be a highlight of your Monterey visit.

Is Treasure Hunt: The Ride suitable for young children?
Yes, provided they meet the height requirement of 3 feet (90 cm). It’s designed to be family-friendly and accessible for most ages.

Can I ride the attraction multiple times?
Absolutely. Your ticket is valid for unlimited rides during the day, and many guests find that riding multiple times improves their scores and enjoyment.

Are PowerUp Tokens worth purchasing?
Many reviewers say yes, as these tokens help boost your score, making each ride more exciting and competitive.

Is the attraction wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, ensuring guests with mobility needs can enjoy the adventure.

How long does the experience last?
The whole experience, including queueing, pre-show, and ride, takes about 20 minutes.

Can I visit at any time during the day?
Yes, your ticket is valid for use at any time during the park’s regular opening hours.

Is there an age limit?
Children under 3 feet or 90 cm are not allowed. The attraction is suitable for most other age groups.

What is included in the ticket price?
The unlimited ride pass and access to the pre-show entertainment. Extras like food, drinks, and souvenirs are not included.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where is the attraction located?
It is situated right on Cannery Row, making it easy to include in a day of exploring Monterey.

Treasure Hunt: The Ride offers an engaging, interactive pirate adventure that’s perfect for families and groups who enjoy friendly competition and storytelling. Its affordable price point, unlimited ride option, and central location make it a standout choice for those seeking a fun, memorable activity in Monterey.

If you’re after a lighthearted, well-designed experience that combines theme park excitement with a touch of local charm, this attraction is definitely worth considering. With knowledgeable guides, exciting gameplay, and the opportunity to revisit multiple times, it provides excellent value—especially for those who want to make the most of their day on Cannery Row.

Whether you’re a pirate enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to break up your sightseeing, Treasure Hunt: The Ride brings a playful spirit to Monterey that you won’t forget.