10-Day Forecast | Surf Forecast
- • Be familiar with the laws
and guidlines regarding
Marine Mammals - • Dress warm
- • Wear sunscreen and shades
- • Take sea-sickness medication
- • Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes
- • Secure your camera or binoculars
- • Book your trip in advance
Marine Mammal viewing guidelines
Chart of Whale Activities
The incredible story of our "Lunge-Feeding Whales" photo! (we had incorrectly identified these whales as "Spyhopping" - thanks Seymour Marine Discovery Center!)
Whale watching in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay provides some of the best views of the California Gray Whale, as they pass through the waters off Santa Cruz on their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico in the winter months. In the spring, humpback whales return to Santa Cruz as they search for food in the nutrient-rich waters of the Monterey Bay. Catch sight of these majestic creatures and other sea life by taking a whale watching tour or a sailing charter on a luxury yacht. An abundance of sea otters, dolphins, blue whales, porpoises, sea lions and a variety of ocean birds can be spotted as well in the unique ecosystem of the Monterey Bay. Come to Santa Cruz County and experience some of the best whale watching California has to offer! Read more...
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Kayaking, Standup Paddleboard, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Tours
Kayak Connection
We offer kayak rentals & kayak tours every day. Also stand up paddling classes and rentals along with wetsuits & boogie boards. Beginners and families especially welcome. See you soon!
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.479.1121 | visit web site | more info
Boating /Sailing, Wildlife Watch , Whale Watching
Chardonnay II Sailing Charters
Chardonnay II is a 70-foot luxury sailing yacht offering a variety of sails daily. It is the perfect excursion for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventurers.
Santa Cruz Harbor, CA | 831.423.1213 | visit web site | more info
Points of Interest, Boating /Sailing, Fishing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Standup Paddleboard, Kayaking
Santa Cruz Harbor
Full-service marina with charters offering sailing, fishing, whale watching, eco-tours, kayaking and more. Landside, enjoy our restaurants, beach, RV park and retail shops.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.475.6161 | visit web site | more info
Points of Interest, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab
Touch a shark, marvel at a whale of a skeleton, dive into the latest discoveries in ocean science. Exhibits, aquarium, daily tours, touch tank & Ocean Discovery Shop. Come explore your ocean!
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.459.3800 | visit web site | more info
Fishing, Boating /Sailing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Tours
Stagnaro Whale Watching & Fishing Tours
Year-round whale and dolphin tours, plus deep sea fishing for all ages. Trips and tours are arranged for both public & private outings. Groups from 1 to 63 aboard Monterey Bay's newest passenger yacht.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.427.0230 | visit web site | more info
Kayaking, Whale Watching, Bird Watching, Standup Paddleboard, Tours, Wildlife Watch
Venture Quest Kayaking
Kayak & standup paddle board rentals from the Santa Cruz Wharf. Guided tours. Sea otters, seals, dolphins and whales. Next to the Main Beach and Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.425.8445 | visit web site | more info
Kayaking, Standup Paddleboard, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Tours
Kayak Connection
We offer kayak rentals & kayak tours every day. Also stand up paddling classes and rentals along with wetsuits & boogie boards. Beginners and families especially welcome. See you soon!
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.479.1121 | visit web site | more info
Boating /Sailing, Wildlife Watch , Whale Watching
Chardonnay II Sailing Charters
Chardonnay II is a 70-foot luxury sailing yacht offering a variety of sails daily. It is the perfect excursion for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventurers.
Santa Cruz Harbor, CA | 831.423.1213 | visit web site | more info
Surfing, Standup Paddleboard, Tours
Club Ed International Surf School, Camps & Rentals, Inc.
Learn with the Surf Coach Professionals. We guarantee you will surf in the safest and most fun environment possible. Rentals & lessons daily year round. Learn with the best, ignore all the rest.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.464.0177 | visit web site | more info
Standup Paddleboard
Covewater Stand Up Paddle
Northern California's stand up paddling headquarters. We offer stand up paddling (SUP) lessons, rentals, equipment & accessories. Allow us to introduce you to this fun & exhilarating new sport!
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.600.7230 | visit web site | more info
Boating /Sailing, Tours, Transportation
Harbor Water Taxi
See Santa Cruz Harbor and have fun too! Free inner-harbor water taxi stops at four locations.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.475.6161 | visit web site | more info
Boating /Sailing
Pacific Yachting and Sailing
Sailing school and charter company since 1979. Offers complete certification, skippered charters, team building.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.423.7245 | visit web site | more info
Points of Interest, Boating /Sailing, Fishing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Standup Paddleboard, Kayaking
Santa Cruz Harbor
Full-service marina with charters offering sailing, fishing, whale watching, eco-tours, kayaking and more. Landside, enjoy our restaurants, beach, RV park and retail shops.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.475.6161 | visit web site | more info
Points of Interest, Fishing, Shopping Area, Bird Watching, Wildlife Watch
Santa Cruz Wharf
Within the sanctuary waters of northern Monterey Bay, the Wharf is home to restaurants, gift shops & activities for all.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.420.5273 | visit web site | more info | watch video
Fishing, Boating /Sailing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watch , Tours
Stagnaro Whale Watching & Fishing Tours
Year-round whale and dolphin tours, plus deep sea fishing for all ages. Trips and tours are arranged for both public & private outings. Groups from 1 to 63 aboard Monterey Bay's newest passenger yacht.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.427.0230 | visit web site | more info
Kayaking, Whale Watching, Bird Watching, Standup Paddleboard, Tours, Wildlife Watch
Venture Quest Kayaking
Kayak & standup paddle board rentals from the Santa Cruz Wharf. Guided tours. Sea otters, seals, dolphins and whales. Next to the Main Beach and Boardwalk.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.425.8445 | visit web site | more info
Specialty Gifts, Fishing, Kayaking, Sporting Goods
Leo's Sportfishing & Nautical Treasures
Everything you need for a day at the beach! Beach apparel & accessories, beach games, sportfishing equipment, snacks. Kayak, boogie board & wetsuit rentals. Unique and beautiful gifts.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.476.2648 | visit web site | more info
Parks, Fishing
Loch Lomond Recreation Area
A beautiful jewel in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hiking, picnicking, fishing, interpretive walks & water education with rangers. Boat rentals, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, souvenirs. No swimming.
Felton, CA | 831.335.7424 | visit web site | more info
Fishing
Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen
Visitors are welcome to our meetings held first Wednesdays at the Aptos Grange. Please see web site for more information.
Santa Cruz, CA | 831.274.4024 | visit web site | more info
- Read about our "Lunge-Feeding" whales photo!
- More about the whale photo...and kayaker!
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Wildlife Attractions
- Wildlife Events
- Request Birding & Wildlife Kit
- Wildlife Travel Packages
Whale Watching Videos:
Respect the Whales
