Things to Do

Santa Cruz · cruises, tours & watersports

Whale watching
seasonal

The Harbor

tap a boat

Whale Watching Cruise

Whales

Monterey Bay is one of the best whale-watching spots on the Pacific coast -- gray whales in winter, humpbacks and blues through summer, plus dolphins year-round.

1:00 PM

Next boat

3 hrs

Trip

$60

From

Departures · Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor

LIVE CLOCK

Dock wisdom

Whale watching is best December to April for gray whales and June to October for humpback and blue whales.

The Small Craft Harbor is a 10-minute walk east of the Boardwalk along the coast.

Morning whale-watch departures are calmer and more productive than afternoon trips when the afternoon wind builds.

Cowell's is the calmest launch point on the bay -- SUP and kayak rentals are right on the sand.

fair winds

Operators are real local fixtures — confirm current sailing times and prices with each operator before you go. Countdowns run on the real local clock and the sunset sail time is computed from tonight’s actual sunset.