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wildlife · Santa Cruz

Monterey Bay Sunset Sail with a Naturalist Skipper

Board a small sailing vessel at dusk to watch humpbacks and sea lions in one of the richest marine sanctuaries on earth, guided by a marine biologist.

What to expect

You'll cast off from the Santa Cruz harbor as the fog lifts and the light turns gold, sailing out into Monterey Bay's protected marine sanctuary. The crew points out sea otters, sea lions, and, in season, migrating humpbacks and gray whales, while explaining the deep submarine canyon beneath the boat. Wine and light snacks are typically included. You return as the sun drops behind the Boardwalk's lights.

Book it
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
$95 per person
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Good to know

Book the earliest sunset sailing of the day if your ship's all-aboard is in the evening; harbor is a 10-minute taxi from the pier. Reserve at least a week ahead in summer.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Santa Cruz — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Journey
9 nights · calls at Santa Cruz
from $2,079
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Oceania · Oceania Insignia
15 nights · calls at Santa Cruz
from $2,475
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Marina
13 nights · calls at Santa Cruz
from $2,749
View sailing →
Explora Journeys · EXPLORA II
5 nights · calls at Santa Cruz
from $2,765
View sailing →
See all cruises to Santa Cruz →

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