Santa Cruz Fishing & Wildlife Charters — Reel in Memories

Experienced captains, all gear included, family-friendly trips from 3 to 7 hours — wildlife tours, scenic BYOB cruises and professional fishing charters.

Featured Trips

Sunset wildlife viewing, BYOB scenic cruises, half-day and full-day fishing trips for rockfish, lingcod, halibut, tuna and Dungeness crab.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters' Captain's Choice Fishing Adventure

Join Santa Cruz Coastal Charters for a dynamic fishing trip tailored by the captain to guarantee prime spots and seasonal catches. Perfect for all skill levels, this water-bound adventure unfolds against the stunning backdrop of California’s coast. Keep reading to discover what makes this trip a must-do in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters' Captain's Choice Fishing Adventure

boat charters

water activities

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz

Wildlife & Sunset Cruise with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Join Santa Cruz Coastal Charters for a captivating three-hour cruise where wildlife abounds and the sunset paints the sky. Discover marine animals and coastal scenery in a peaceful, eco-friendly adventure ideal for all ages.

Wildlife & Sunset Cruise with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Santa Cruz

Rock Fish & Lingcod Fishing with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Join Santa Cruz Coastal Charters for a 3-hour near-shore fishing trip targeting rockfish and lingcod. All gear included, with plenty of action and stunning coastal views—perfect for anglers of all levels. Get ready for a hands-on fishing experience that’s as straightforward as it is rewarding. This trip is ideal for families, beginners, or anyone looking to spend a memorable day on California’s gorgeous coastline, reeling in fresh fish and savoring the local marine bounty. Stops are made in the productive waters just off Santa Cruz, where fish are abundant and the scenery is unforgettable. The crew’s expert guidance ensures everyone has a chance at landing their catch, which they can then enjoy fresh from the boat. Beyond the fishing, the trip offers glimpses of sea lions, seabirds, and possibly whales, adding an extra layer of wonder to the adventure. Santa Cruz Coastal Charters excels in providing a friendly, safety-conscious environment, making it a top choice for family outings and first-time anglers alike. This quick escape to the Pacific’s richest waters makes for an authentic, fun-filled experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Santa Cruz

Near Shore Fishing with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Join Santa Cruz Coastal Charters for a 7-hour nearshore fishing trip tailored for all skill levels. Reelin’ in rockfish and lingcod amidst stunning California coastline offers unbeatable marine adventure and camaraderie. Gear up and create unforgettable memories on the water today!

Near Shore Fishing with Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Santa Cruz

Halibut & Sea Bass Fishing Adventure in Santa Cruz

Join Santa Cruz Coastal Charters for a private 7-hour halibut and sea bass fishing trip ideal for all skill levels. Enjoy expert service, all-inclusive gear, and the thrill of fishing off California’s beautiful coast.

Halibut & Sea Bass Fishing Adventure in Santa Cruz

About Santa Cruz Coastal Charters

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters operates professional fishing and sightseeing charters out of Santa Cruz Harbor. The company offers a wide range of trips including wildlife viewing, scenic tours and a BYOB cruise, short three-hour sunset sails, Captain's Choice fishing excursions, and multiple seven-hour nearshore and offshore fishing trips. Trips target species such as rockfish, lingcod, halibut, sea bass, sanddab, Dungeness crab, albacore and bluefin tuna. Many trips include all gear and bait; some trips note limits such as a six-guest maximum on select nearshore trips. Fishing trips accommodate all ages and skill levels, with service that includes tackle, bait, and step-by-step guidance. Guests are asked to bring snacks, beverages and the required fishing license when applicable.

Vessels are crewed by experienced captains who select productive fishing grounds based on current conditions for Captain's Choice and deepwater outings. Safety and comfort are prioritized with briefings, modern safety equipment, and attention to weather and sea conditions. The operation serves families, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking memorable time on the water in Santa Cruz. Booking options range from single-passenger seats to private charters that allow small groups to share a boat. Clear descriptions for each trip outline duration, target species and what is included to set accurate expectations. Santa Cruz Coastal Charters has built repeat business through consistent service, transparent trip information and a focus on enjoyable, family-friendly experiences on the California coast.

Customer reviews highlight punctual departures, clean vessels, knowledgeable captains, and successful outings for first-time and experienced anglers alike. Seasonal availability.

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters — Fishing, Wildlife & Scenic Tours

Overview

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters provides a full range of Santa Cruz fishing charters, wildlife viewing cruises, and scenic BYOB cruises from Santa Cruz Harbor. With options from short 3-hour sunset cruises to full 7-hour nearshore and offshore fishing trips, the operation targets local favorites like rockfish, lingcod, halibut, sanddab, Dungeness crab, and seasonal tuna (albacore and bluefin).

Why choose these Santa Cruz fishing charters?

All gear & bait included on most trips, minimizing hassle for first-time and experienced anglers.
Family-friendly trips suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Captain's Choice excursions that follow current conditions and the captain’s local knowledge to find the best fishing grounds.
Variety of trip lengths: choose a 3-hour wildlife or sunset cruise, or book a 7-hour nearshore/offshore charter for bigger targets.

Popular trips and target species

Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Tours: ideal for families and photographers who want sunset views and coastal wildlife.
BYOB Cruise: relaxed, social cruises for small groups.
Rockfish & Lingcod (Near Shore and Afternoon trips): short and long options that include gear, bait, and guidance.
Halibut & Sea Bass: seasonal trips targeting halibut with comfortable boat setups.
Deepwater Rockfish Offshore & Tuna Trips: full-day offshore charters for albacore and bluefin tuna on flat-rate trips.
Rock Fish/Sanddab & Crab and Dungeness Crab: combined fishing and crabbing trips that maximize value and variety.

What to expect on board

Clear trip descriptions detailing duration, target species, and what’s included.
Safety briefings and modern safety equipment.
Professional captains who adjust locations based on weather and fish activity.
Recommendations to bring snacks, beverages and a valid fishing license when applicable.

Booking tips for Santa Cruz charters

Select the trip length based on stamina and goals: 3-hour cruises are great for wildlife viewing and sunsets; 7-hour trips are best for halibut, tuna and combined rockfish/crab outings.
Check seasonal availability for tuna and halibut; deepwater and Captain's Choice trips depend on current conditions.
Small groups can opt for private charters or share seats on scheduled trips.

Local search keywords to use

Santa Cruz fishing charters, Santa Cruz wildlife viewing, BYOB cruise Santa Cruz, rockfish charter Santa Cruz, lingcod fishing, halibut trips, Dungeness crab charters, albacore tuna trips, bluefin tuna charter, deep-sea fishing Santa Cruz

Final note

Santa Cruz Coastal Charters caters to anglers and sightseers seeking dependable, gear-inclusive charters in Santa Cruz Harbor. Whether booking a family-friendly scenic cruise or a full-day offshore tuna trip, guests can expect experienced captains, clear trip details, and a focus on safety and enjoyment.

Book a Charter Today

Reserve seats for 3–7 hour trips, private group charters, or a sunset BYOB cruise — secure online booking and flexible dates.