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Boat Tours & Charters in Santa Cruz, CA

5 of the 62 marinas and boating businesses we list in Santa Cruz are boat tours and private charters.

Excursions range from captained private sailboat rentals and sunset party boats to scheduled wildlife cruises and eco-tours. Choosing the right operator depends on whether you want a catered, hands-off experience or a BYOB group outing, as well as age restrictions for children. A map location shows where the vessel docks, but it will not tell you if fuel, captain fees, and safety gear are included in the listed rate.

  1. California Classic Sail LLC

    790 Mariner Park Way #9, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Boat rentals
  2. O'Neill Yacht Charters

    275 Lake Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

  3. Chardonnay Sailing Charters

    790 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-3853

  4. Nomad Sailing Charters

    789 Mariner Park Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

  5. Go Fish Santa Cruz Charters

    Santa Cruz Upper Harbor Enter at corner of 7th Ave and Brommer St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Check the inclusions. Confirm whether the quoted price covers captain fees, fuel, port taxes, and gratuity, or if those are billed separately at dockside checkout.

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Good to know

What is the difference between a boat tour and a boat charter?

A boat tour sells individual tickets on a scheduled route with a set itinerary and shared passengers. A charter reserves the entire vessel for your private group, often allowing custom routes, flexible departure times, and personalized food or drink options.

Are food and drinks usually provided on board?

Larger sightseeing tours often feature a cash bar or light snacks, while private charters frequently operate on a BYOB basis with ice and coolers provided. Always check local regulations and company rules regarding glass containers and alcohol before boarding.

How much do boat tours and charters typically cost?

Shared passenger tours typically cost between $30 and $90 per person depending on the duration and destination. Private charters generally start around $300 to $600 for a few hours on a smaller craft, while larger yachts or specialized sail charters can run $1,000 or more.