santa cruz sailboat tour

California Classic Sail invites you to

Go sailing on a classic yacht, captivating sailing experience aboard a historic wooden yacht, running private and public sailing charters from santa cruz, running private and public sailing charters from santa cruz.

Looking for a unique and memorable way to experience the Monterey Bay? California Classic Sail offers private sailing charters on a historic classic yacht. Our two- to three-hour charters are perfect for groups of up to six people. Learn something new, or relax and enjoy the tour

Step aboard our yacht “Resolute”. She is a 1930s US Naval Academy Yawl , that we have meticulously restored. Her mahogany deck is wide and easy to walk on, and her elegant lines are close to the water. Experience how she moved through the open waters in a thrilling dance with the wind and sea and immerse in the beauty of the open ocean and marine life. Check out her history and restoration project .

Private Charters

2 Hours, up to 6 people. Brown bags are welcome.

Interactive Sailing

3 Hours, up to 6 people. For ALL LEVELS! First timers or experts.

Sunset Charters

Public Charters

$90 Per person 2 Hours charter Max on boat 6 people. Brown bags are welcome.

Step aboard our yacht “resolute”. She is a 1930s US Naval Academy Yawl , that we have meticulously restored. Her mahogany deck is wide and easy to walk on, and her elegant lines are close to the water. Experience how she moved through the open waters in a thrilling dance with the wind and sea and immerse in the beauty of the open ocean and marine life. Check out her history and restoration project .

Meet the Captain and crew:

Captain Forest has been sailing for over 30 years and is a sailing instructor. He is passionate about sharing his deep knowledge and love of sailing with others and making sure that his guests have a memorable and enjoyable charter. Forest is also a great storyteller and loves to share his experiences with his guests. He is always happy to answer questions and help guests learn more about sailing.  

Our crew is made of friendly and skilled sailors. Devoted to crafting a memorable and safe sailing adventure, they help Captain Forest with tasks such as hoisting sails up, execute sailing maneuvers, and help our guests with any need. 

Our sailing charter can accommodate up to 6 people.

You should bring sunscreen, hats, hair ties, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and warm/layered clothing.

We provide coast guard approved life jackets for all, but only children under 12 years old must wear life jackets on the Monterey Bay

No, pets are not allowed on the sailing charter.

No, there is no minimum age. Our youngest traveler was 3 weeks old.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the sailing charter. “Finger foods” and items that are easy to use at sea/under sail are recommended.

If the weather is bad on the day of your sailing charter, we will work with you to reschedule for another date that works for everyone or provide you a full refund

No, you do not need to have any sailing experience to go on the boat tour. Our experienced captain will handle all the sailing and navigation.

No, you cannot swim during the sailing charter.

Yes, there is a restroom on board the sailing charter.

We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled sailing charter, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Park as close to Gate F in the Santa Cruz harbor. Parking is usually available, but you must purchase a parking ticket from the machines located in the lot.

Yes, we have special interactive cruises for exactly that providing you sailing lessons from the Santa Cruz Harbor. Learn how to handle a classic double masted sailboat with a gaff rig or boom running across the top of the mainsail that is a vintage wooden boat design unlike most modern yachts.

Find Us 790 Mariner Park Way Santa Cruz CA,95062

Contact Captain Forest 831 706 8574  

email us at [email protected]  

Meet us In front of the gate to F dock  

O’Neill Yacht Charters

O’Neill Yacht Charters offers unforgettable sailing excursions on the Monterey Bay aboard the spacious 65’ Team O’Neill catamaran! A variety of fun and relaxing daytime, sunset and special event sails are offered during the May–October season, and tickets can be purchased on their website or by phone. Private charters can also be reserved year-round for special occasions including birthdays, weddings, corporate team events, anniversaries and ash scatterings.

(831) 818-3645

Located on L-Dock

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Website accessibility statement.

Santa Cruz Port District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Contact our compliance support team online with your request

Contact our compliance support team via telephone at: (888) 765-1970

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance coordinator.

The District has designated a Compliance Coordinator for website disability-related accommodations. The Compliance Coordinator has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices and requirements.

Compliance Procedures

The District is working to ensure all website content complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and controlling State laws. In an ongoing effort to continually improve and remediate accessibility issues, the website is regularly scanned to ensure ongoing compliance, and timely changes are made to any inaccessible content if found.

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The District is committed to providing all documents hosted on the website in an accessible format or making accessible alternatives available.

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Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests in a timely manner. If you need assistance or accommodations while accessing content on this website, please contact our Compliance Coordinator via the form below:

Chardonnay Sailing Charters

704 Soquel Avenue., Suite A Santa Cruz CA 95062

831.423.1213

• Open Mon-Sun: 9am - 5pm.
• Wildlife Watching
• Sightseeing
• Bird Watching
• Whale Watching

Chardonnay II and Chardonnay III are both luxurious Santa Cruz 70-foot sailing yachts. Chardonnay Sailing Charters offers a variety of daily Public Charters in addition to Private Charters, Team Building, Burials at Sea and Weddings. Our charters are the perfect excursion for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventurers.

Pacific Sail

The #1 american sailing association school in monterey bay, browse all pacific sail activities.

790 Mariner Park Way

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Sailing Classes

Memberships, sail boat rentals, team building, skippered charters, more options, signup to take your asa certification exams, gift certificates, have over six people in your group book with our sister company, chardonnay sailing, sail santa cruz & monterey bay marine sanctuary.

The Monterey Bay has unique sailing conditions, teeming with dolphins, otters, whales, and pelicans. It is the perfect location for sailing instruction, skippered charters, and team building regattas. Let Pacific Sail help you realize your sailing dreams!

EVENING SAIL

Beautiful evening on the water

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Clock Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Tag Capacity: 6 people

Sunset Sail in Santa Cruz, California

If you are looking for a beautiful unique outing, consider reserving Nomad for an evening sail.

We take pride in making our guests comfortable and safe so they can enjoy the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay. This is a customer favorites as they can enjoy the area on land for the day and then follow up with an evening sail out on the Bay.

Related Adventures

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 3 hours
• Clock 1 p.m. , 9 a.m.

WILDLIFE SAIL

Come aboard Nomad for a Santa Cruz sailing charter unlike other wildlife tours in the area. We take you to see dolphins, sea lions, and more and turn off the engine for quiet, peaceful viewing.

• Hour Glass 1-30 days
• Clock 1 p.m.

Sailing Instruction

From basic sailing to advanced offshore cruising, you can learn it all aboard Nomad! Enhance your sailing skills with us as we cruise around the beautiful Monterey Bay.

ISLAND PACKERS

Boat transportation to channel islands national park, summer whale watching is here, click here to view our recent sightings, anacapa island, anacapa island day trips, camper transportation & island wildlife cruises, santa cruz island, santa cruz island day trips & camping transportation, santa rosa island, santa rosa island day trips & camper transportation, san miguel island, san miguel island day trips & camper transportation.

We’re Using a New Reservation System For 2024! Learn More Here ➜

Boat Transportation to Channel Islands National Park Island Trips, Wildlife Cruises, Camping & More

Book now below click here to view our recent sightings, island trips, camping information, whale & wildlife trips, kayaking information, general information, group charters, about island packers, cruising the california channel islands for education, recreation and research since 1968..

Island Packers Cruises is the Official Boat Concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park. We offer year round transportation to the “local islands” Santa Cruz and Anacapa. We offer trips to the “outer islands”, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara (NPS Closure) from March through November on a limited schedule.

Island Packers Cruises also offer trips that get close to the Channel Islands without going ashore. These trip are designed for you to view the abundant wildlife found in the waters of the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Seasonally, in summer and winter we offer Whale Watching trips.

Other special trips for birding and trips to special areas of Santa Cruz Island that are property of The Nature Conservancy are available as scheduled.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Island day trip preparation.

• Please arrive at your harbor of departure 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
• Pack food and drink for your time on the island. A small cooler or a backpack can protect your food from small animals and birds.
• There are no shops or restaurants on the island…

Protect Channel Islands National Park

Non-native, invasive species threaten endangered animals and plants on the Channel Islands and are costly to control. Please watch the following video on bio security regulations & guidelines to help prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative species before they become a problem.

Get the National Park Mobile App!

One app, every park at your fingertips. The NPS App is the new official app for the National Park Service (NPS) with tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide. Help plan your trip and enrich your visit to Channel Islands National Park with this official, free app.

Get the Latest Weather in Our Area

Weather is important. It can cause cancellations, a rough boat ride, or a truly beautiful day. Have the latest information to help plan your trip. Click the button below to view the latest Marine Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service.

Islapedia Celebrates 8 Years

ISLAPEDIA is a comprehensive California Islands encyclopedia covering hundreds of topics and thousands of entries on all eight California Channel Islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente Islands.

• Chevron down Quick Links to a Few Great Topics
• Islapedia Homepage
• Non-Fiction Books & Articles
• Santa Cruz Island
• Anacapa Island
• Santa Rosa Island
• San Miguel Island

Camper Transport

• Please arrive at your harbor of departure a full hour before your departure time. Late arriving gear may not be loaded onto the boat.
• An Island Packers boat reservation.
• A campsite reservation. Please be prepared to give your campsite number at check-in as required by the National Park Service…

Santa Barbara Channel becomes the 9th Whale Heritage Area

The Whale Heritage Area (WHA) recognizes & accredits destinations that support / demonstrate responsible and sustainable whale & dolphin watching tourism. Island Packers is proud to be one of over 30 local organizations to promote sustainable practices to ensure the conservation of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Accessing Sea Caves

Many people like to experience sea caves from the water in a kayak. Visitors to the islands can kayak the caves three ways:

• Purchase a guided tour with Channel Islands Adventure Company.
• Bring your own kayak.
• Rent a kayak

Media Articles & Videos

The Channel Islands National Park and Island Packers Cruises have had many articles and interviews published over time. These articles are independently written, by professions journalists as well as bloggers, hikers, kayakers, divers, travel writers and happy visitors to the park. Click the button to view these articles and videos.

TOP-RATED FERRY TRIPS TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Island Packers is the only boat concessionaire approved to run trips to and from the islands within Channel Islands National Park. But it’s still a family owned company- with two children of the founder still operating the company! And even though you’re a captive audience, they still strive to provide an excellent experience - I’ve loved every trip I’ve taken with them!

Everything was smooth…Online tickets, picking up boarding passes, embarking…even the water. Found a table by the window and just enjoyed the view. Saw some sea lions on the way out chilling on a buoy. We landed at Scorpion Cove, and it was quite a day’s adventure. On the way back, I sat on the top deck. We saw so many dolphins, you just couldn’t count!

We cannot say enough great things about our experience with Island Packers! From the moment we checked in at the office, the staff was welcoming and friendly. The dock crew politely and efficiently instructed us how to load our camping gear and board the boat. The captain made special efforts to point out and share fun facts about the local marine life!

What a wonderful day! We went to Prisoners on Santa Cruz Island. Adam, the naturalist who was on the boat, led us on a hike toward Pelican Bay. He was so knowledgeable and thoughtful. We saw island scrub jays and even a couple of island foxes. Even the porta potties were clean. We saw dolphins on the ride out and a humpback whale on the return trip!

• Most Popular

Pizza Cruise in Santa Cruz, CA

Great for Families! Pizza, wine, beer, & soft drinks included.

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• User Ages: All Ages
• Clock Schedule: Time vary based on season
• Ticket Note: Infants: Free, unless the boat fills to capacity & a waitlist has developed (3 years of age or younger)
• Users Capacity: up to 49 passengers

When booking publicly, your group size cannot exceed 20. This is to ensure that everyone not part of your large group feels comfortable. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you!

Ages 0-5 (Please keep in mind that infants will be charged child pricing if the sail develops a waitlist)

Afternoon cruise with pizza included.

The afternoon is the most exciting time to be out on the water. Aboard Chardonnay Sailing Charters, enjoy complimentary pizza from Upper Crust, red and white wine, beer on tap, and soft drinks while taking in the beautiful view of the Monterey Bay coastline. It’s the perfect time of day to eat, drink, and soak up the sun!

Getting Here and Parking

Our harbor office is located at 790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

Arrive 30 minutes prior to the sailing time for check-in (allow plenty of time for traffic as the boat will depart on time).

Visitor parking spots are located near the Chardonnay check-in office (see address above). After finding a Visitor spot, proceed to one of the two available pay stations to pay for parking. The nearest pay station is located at Dock F, near the Stagnaro’s boat, Velocity. Chardonnay II is located at the next dock down, Dock FF.

The other pay station is located at the opposite end of the parking lot, near Aldo’s Restaurant. At either pay station, guests will be able to use cash, quarters, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) to pay for the amount of time they will be parked. The price is $1.25/hour. Parking fees are not regulated by Chardonnay Sailing Charters and are non-refundable. For further parking information please contact us.

What to Wear

• NO high-heels or leather bottomed shoes. This means no high heels, wedges, or heeled boots, or any shoes with leather soles. • Dress in warm clothes. Bring a jacket and wear sunscreen (sunscreen is available for purchase at our check-in office). • We have plenty of storage onboard for your belongings.

What to Bring

• All passengers 18 years of age and older must carry photo ID per Coast Guard regulation and for the purpose of possible alcohol consumption during excursions.

• Each child counts as a passenger regardless of age. For pricing, any passenger that is 14 years of age and under is considered a child. Children that are 3 years of age and under must have a reservation but will be given a complimentary spot aboard the boat unless we fill to capacity, at which time child pricing will be charged .
• All children that are 12 years of age and under AND that weigh 90 pounds and under are required to wear a life jacket per Coast Guard regulation.

**NOTE that all sails are tentative due to weather and amount of sign-ups. Please keep in mind, we do not cancel sails due to poor wind quality. Customers will be confirmed with/canceled 24 to 48 hours prior to their scheduled charter.**

Related Tours

• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• User All Ages
• Clock Time vary based on season

Champagne Brunch Cruise

Start your morning out on the Chardonnay II during one of the most serene times of day! Enjoy the view of marine animals while enjoying complimentary champagne, orange juice, and more.

• FAN FAVORITE

Sailing Regatta Charter in Santa Cruz

Get a front-row seat to the excitement of the local Wednesday Night Regatta, where 80 boats compete against each other in a thrilling event.