Whale Watching Trip on Monterey Bay

*This is truly an ocean adventure for the whole family! We see whales YEAR-ROUND!*

About

Summer Whale & Sea Life Excursion:

May through November the Humpback whales frequent the Monterey Bay as their feeding grounds! Climb aboard and join us as we search the bay sanctuary for a variety of marine mammals including Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Sea Otters, Sea Lions and more.

Winter Whale Watching:

December through April is Gray Whale season. The chance of sighting the Gray Whales at this time is very high, somewhere around 90%!

20,000 California Gray Whales pass through our bay waters on their annual winter migration from the cold arctic waters, to the warm lagoons of Baja Peninsula. You can get breathtaking close-up views of these beautiful cetaceans. Sightings of dolphins and other marine mammals are also common. All trips are narrated and offer fascinating insight by our knowledgeable crew.

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Duration

Trips can last approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the conditions, as we try to see as much wildlife as possible!

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**Meeting Location**

For GPS: 789 Mariner Park Way, **DOCK F**, Santa Cruz, CA, (by Aldo's) Do not use Santa Cruz Harbor for GPS.

**What Is Not Included?**

Food and beverages: Both boats feature a galley, which sells Hot Dogs, chips & candy bars as well as your favorite cold beverages (including beer and wine). You many also bring your own food and drinks (but no alcohol!). Cash or credit ok.

Gratuities: For parties of 10 or more on public trips we will collect an 8% gratuity. Call the office to coordinate. Smaller groups can pay on the boat or at check-in.

You can Rent Binoculars for $6/pair. (or bring your own)

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FAQs

What whale and dolphin sightings have you seen lately?

FOR RECENT SIGHTINGS AND PHOTOS CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: Santa Cruz Whale Watching by Stagnaro Charters or INSTAGRAM: @santacruzwhalewatching

January 19th: 8+ Gray Whales!

January 18th: 12+ Gray Whales!

January 17th: Humpback Whales & 3 Gray Whales!

January 14th: 3+ Humpback Whales!

January 11th: 2 Humpback Whales!

January 10th: 5 Humpback Whales!

December 31st: 2+ Gray Whales! A Minke Whale!

December 30th: 10+ Humpback Whales!

December 28th: 5+ Humpback Whales, including “Danger Zone” & “Ruffles”! Saw lunge feeding & tail throws!

December 27th: We saw 5 ORCAS TODAY and 5+ Humpback Whales!

December 23rd: Humpback Whales!

December 20th: Humpback Whales!

December 19th: We saw a FIN WHALE! As well as, 8+ Humpback Whales, including “Danger Zone” & “Checkmarks”/“Chex Mix”! First two photos are of the Fin Whale.

December 14th: Again 10+ Humpback Whales, with behaviors of breaching, tail throws and pec-slapping! We also saw California Sea Lions, Southern Sea Otters and Harbor Porpoise!

December 13th: 10+ Humpback Whales, with displays of breaching, tail throws, pec-slapping and lunge-feeding! We also saw California Sea Lions, Southern Sea Otters and a Mola-Mola.

December 7th: 15+ Humpback Whales again including “Ruffles” & “Akiko”! Friendly whales came close! We again saw 200+ California Sea Lions, plus, Mola-Mola & Moon Jelly!

December 6th: 15+ Humpback Whales! Including “Ruffles” & “Akiko”! We saw breaching & tail throws! Also, a Mola-Mola, Moon Jelly and 200+ California Sea Lions!

When do Whale Watching Trips run?

We see whales all year long and our trips are scheduled frequently throughout the year! Trips depart out of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor at the north end of Monterey Bay. Please check our calendar for upcoming events. Other marine life can also be seen on our Marine Wildlife Encounter (spring thru fall) or inner bay 1-hour Scenic Bay Cruise (summer).

Do you guarantee that I will sees whales on the cruise?

We have a success rate of over 90% for sightings of whales and/or dolphins all year. Sea lions and sea otters are quite common in the bay. Mother nature can be elusive, but we will try our best.

How long is the trip?

Our trips may vary in length depending upon the time of year and where the whales are located. They can last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on where the animals are on a given day.

What is the best time of the year to see whales?

Anytime. We see different types of whales at different times throughout the year. Every trip is different. No two trips are alike.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are welcome to attend.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child?

For children between the ages of 4 and 13, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. All passengers, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way. Infants, 3 years and younger are free but you still need to book a ticket for them.

Is this cruise suitable for pregnant women?

For safety reasons, this cruise is not suitable for pregnant women. If you are pregnant and would like to attend anyway, you must first consult with your doctor. You will need to sign a waiver at check-in.

What happens if it rains?

The trip runs rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. But don't worry. Some of our best trips have taken place in less than perfect weather, so plan your attire accordingly. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Can you make special arrangements for groups?

We are able to accommodate groups of 10 or more who would like to go Whale Watching. If your group is interested in this trip, please click on the "Contact Stagnaros" link. Or call (831) 427-0230.

What types of food and beverages are served in the galley?

The Galley has hot dogs, chips, candy bars, water, soda, beer & wine for purchase. You may bring your own food and drinks (but no alcohol!).

I am planning on eating in the galley, how much money should I bring?

Approximately $15.00 should cover the cost of your snacks, as well as some wine or beer.

Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?

Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages, but outside alcohol cannot be brought onto the boats. Please limit your cooler size to less than 20 inches. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the galley.

Can I bring an ice chest?

A small one for your food and beverages (no alcohol!). Coolers longer than 20" in length are not allowed, so as to not deprive yourself or everyone else of space.

How close do we get to the whales?

Once spotted we must stay back and maintain a respectful distance of a minimum of 100 yards then let the whale do what the whale wants. Sometimes they will be very friendly and approach us at which time the engines are shut down.

Can I touch or swim with the whales?

Unfortunately, no. We are there to observe and learn. Besides, our waters are too cold!

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on the boat.

What should I wear?

Warm layered clothing and rubber-soled shoes are best. It is always much cooler on the ocean than on land, so it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Once you become comfortable you can always peel a layer off. If rain is in the forecast, a poncho or raincoat may be necessary.

Will I get seasick?

We sure hope not. Unfortunately, this is not something we can predict. While we can't recommend you take any medications, prevention might be a good idea if you are susceptible to motion sickness.

Where does my trip end?

Your trip will end in the exact place that it starts from.

Where will we be going?

In the winter, we follow the gray whale migration routes. During the summer, the whales are active 8-10 miles off the shore, or sometimes closer to Santa Cruz.

Is the boat safe?

Are dogs or pets allowed on the boat?

Unfortunately, no pets or dogs are allowed on our boat.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Our boats are accessible to those with walkers and canes. Though we are often able to accommodate people in wheelchairs as well, our boats are not wheelchair accessible by average standards. If you are in a wheelchair, please keep in mind that steps leading to the boats prevent you from wheeling directly on board. As a result, you will need to be able to walk up the 4 stairs with help or have friends with you that will have to physically carry you from the dock, on to the boat, and back into your chair.

Where does the boat depart from?

Trips depart from the Santa Cruz West Harbor at Atlantic Avenue. **Use this address for GPS: 789 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz. DOCK F**.

ALL Visitors must park in VISITOR spots, following Harbor pay parking rules. Pre-pay with a physical credit card (not virtual or App) at the blue pay stations at the harbor (across from Aldo's), $2 per hour. Put the receipt in your dash and park in a space marked Visitor. (Free w/ Handicap Placard in visitor space). Walk past Aldo’s restaurant & restroom, take a slight right, then a left at hoist, we are about 2 Docks down. (Visitor parking near Dock F is very limited due to construction) (Limited free street parking on Atlantic)

How early should I arrive to check in before my trip?

NEW!*** Arrive about 30 minutes prior to departure at the west harbor: **789 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz. DOCK F**. (put the exact address in GPS, not Santa Cruz Harbor)

Remember to take traffic into account when making your plans, which is much heavier during the weekends and in the afternoons. The Murray St/Harbor Bridge is under construction, closed to westbound traffic. Check for congestion/detours.

The naturalist will come up to the parking lot about 15 minutes before departure.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. Indoor seating and limited awnings are available if you need to get out of the sunlight.

Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?

There is a limited amount of space on the boat for your personal belongings. Please keep your coolers under 20 inches in length. Out of respect for your fellow passengers, please keep your personal items to a minimum.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes! Gift certificates for Stagnaro Charter Boats are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, contact Stagnaro's directly by phone 831-427-0230 or email [email protected].

We have an ocean themed Gift Shop at 1718 Brommer St, Santa Cruz. We are open 7 days a week!

**Meeting Location**

(For GPS) 789 MARINER PARK WAY, Santa Cruz, CA, DOCK F** Santa Cruz Harbor West, near Aldo's. *DO NOT Use Santa Cruz Harbor for GPS/Directions

*Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to take care of parking*

Give yourself plenty of drive time, plan for construction/weekend/beach traffic** (No Refunds for missed trips, limited rescheduling)

Note: Murray St/Harbor bridge is fully closed for construction 6/23/2025-1/2028. Expect delays.

Parking** ALL Visitors must park in VISITOR spaces only, following Harbor pay parking rules. Pre-pay with a physical credit card (not virtual or App) at the blue pay stations at the harbor (across from Aldo's, Dock E or Dock F), $2 per hour you will be parked there. Put the receipt in your dash and park in a space marked Visitor or Slip renter. (Free w/ Handicap Placard in any space). Walk/Drive past Aldo’s restaurant & restroom, take a slight right, then a left at hoist, we are about 2 Docks down. (Limited free street parking on Atlantic)

NEW: ParkMobile now available!

Waivers:** Please have all passengers in your group sign an electronic waiver (if not done yet), you can copy the link and email/text to each one.

If someone ends up not attending, please call the office so we can update our passenger manifest count*.

If you are traveling in a large RV, Call us for alternative parking information*.

**What Is Not Included?**

The Galley has hot dogs, quesadillas, chips, candy & cold drinks: water, soda, beer, wine. You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass) No outside alcohol allowed! Cash or Credit ok. Coolers longer than 20" in length are not allowed.

Things to bring: Layered clothing, camera, binoculars, seasick medications, if needed.

Gratuities: For parties of 10 or more on public trips we will collect an 8% gratuity, we will contact you. Smaller groups can pay on board or at check-in.