Location: Santa Cruz
Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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The 5 Best Dolphin & Whale Watching in Santa Cruz, California (CA)
The quintessential California beach town of Santa Cruz! It was here that surfing was first brought to the mainland by Hawaiian royalty. Home to the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined downtown area, and the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, which stretches out a half-mile into the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Other highlights include UC Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and nearby redwood forests.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,287 reviews
The Stagnaro family has been serving the Santa Cruz area for over a century, ever since Italian patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879. This historical landmark business is still leading the way in ocean fun on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is something for everyone: Whale Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Fishing Trips and Private Parties for any occasion. Whichever your choice, today's fourth generation Stagnaro Charter Boats will surely make your trip fun and memorable.
2. O’Neill Yacht Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
Experience an exciting sailing adventure aboard the luxurious 65' Team O'Neill catamaran on the Monterey Bay! Sailing activities include afternoon cruises, sunset sails, local wine and beer tastings, seasonal firework cruises, live music sails and wildlife tours, each offering an exceptionally smooth and thrilling experience. Sailing enthusiasts and newbies alike will enjoy sailing along the Santa Cruz coastline, whether it's a family day out on a public sail or special occasion aboard a private charter.
3. Sea Spirit Ocean Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 200 reviews
Specializing in Whale watching tours and Great White Shark tours from the Santa Cruz California harbor. We venture out into the Monterey Bay Sanctuary while our various ocean safaris offer the nature viewer one of the widest ranges of marine life viewing of anywhere in the world. Join us to observe humpback whales, blue and grey whales, great white sharks, otters, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises along with a plethora of other marine life all from the comforts of our 50' uncrowded pilothouse vessel- where every seat is a front row seat!
4. Nomad Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Nomad Charters specializes in family friendly sailing charters. Our private sails, for up to six passengers, include wildlife and whale watching, offshore and coastal sailing lessons, sunset cruises, corporate and team building activities, afternoon sails, swim support for open ocean swimmers, and custom sailing trips to meet a wide range of interests.
5. Kayak Connection
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Kayak Connection is the Monterey Bay favorite for kayaking and SUP rentals, tours, classes and sales. Our Santa Cruz Rental Shop is conveniently located in the protected Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. With over a mile of navigable waterways opening into the pacific ocean, you can take in the stunning views of the Bay, the Walton Lighthouse, and paddle with whales, dolphins and sea otters.
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