Women’s Whales & Wildlife Private Cruise Aboard Sanctuary Cruises May 17th & June 28th, 2026
Whales & Wildlife ~ Private Cruise $110
May 17th: 7:15am-11:00am
(Let’s meet for lunch together afterwards)
June 28th: 2:00pm-6:00pm
(Let’s gather for a beer tasting happy hour beforehand, bring a few beers to sample and share, we provide the snacks)
We continue to take 50% fewer customers on our upcoming trips to give everyone plenty of room on our vessel, just 22 plus our Blue Water Crew. Book a private tour or review our Local Tour Dates Here
Our whale watching charters have sold out most very time so don’t delay in registering for these great events on the water. Please learn more about Sanctuary Cruises here: Cruise
Join Blue Water Ventures on our Whales and Wildlife Private Cruise on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We hope to encounter a variety of whales, dolphins, pinnipeds and seabirds all while enjoying the comfort of our 43 foot vessel The Sanctuary, based in Moss Landing Harbor. We are very excited by the possibility of seeing incredible whale behavior such as lunge feeding, tail slapping, breaching or spy hopping. Humpback whales are known for their friendly behavior where a whale chooses to come along side our vessel for a closer look.
Though not on every cruise, such intimate wildlife encounters have been described by past clients as “life altering”. Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 21 days in advance of trip date. Space on the roster is guaranteed when payments are received and in the order that we receive them. We hope you can join us on this thrilling naturalist-led day with our local marine mammals.
Blue Water Ventures is very excited to offer a fantastic venue for viewing the incredible whales and wildlife of Monterey Bay. We have partnered with Sanctuary Cruises based in Moss Landing to offer a private wildlife cruise with Kim Powell, owner of Blue Water Ventures as your on board naturalist.
If you have questions, email Kim Powell at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
We will have waivers to sign before we board.
For detailed directions please visit: Directions to Our Boat.
Coined the “Serengeti of the Sea”, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary lies within a biologically rich pathway intersecting the migration patterns of an array of marine mammals, sea birds and even our planet’s largest sea turtle, the leatherback. 34 species of marine mammals are found within out extraordinary sanctuary, the largest federally protected marine reserve in the United States.
Departing from historic Moss Landing Harbor, we will see an array of species such as sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions as well as numerous seabirds that find refuge within the harbor.
As we depart from the harbor, we will begin scanning the water looking for whale spouts, tail slaps or even a breach. Weighing 80-90,000 pounds Humpback Whales are commonly sighted in Monterey Bay from March through November. Prevailing northwest winds in the spring and summer months drives a phenomenon known as upwelling where nutrient rich water rises to the surface along the Central California Coast.
Humpback whales are filter feeders that use their fringed plates of baleen to sort out krill, a small crustacean found in the plankton rich Monterey Bay Canyon. As we cruise in the comfort of our 43 foot vessel, we hope to observe a variety of whale behavior. In addition to Humpback Whales, we may encounter Risso Dolphins, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Orcas, Shearwaters or other pelagic seabirds.
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers –– medium-rated fleece, capilene, or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on as ocean breeze or fog approaches; a thin layer of capilene or silk long sleeve underwear are a nice addition, but any long sleeve undershirt will do. Down jackets are cozy but they may get damp from ocean spray.
* Long pants rather than shorts– you may get splashed if you go towards the front of the boat so you might consider quick drying nylon shell or rain pants
* Wind breaker or rain jacket-– an outer shell to help insulate from sea breeze or spray.
* Footgear – most anything is OK except high heels or shoes lacking tread (flip flops)
* Fleece or wool cap
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle nondisposable
* Snack in a compact lunch bag take in boat with you and Travel Coffee Mug
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk);
* Small, compact day pack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
* Flashlight or headlamp
* Snacks — sodas and snacks may be purchased onboard; please do not bring your own alcohol
* Small tip for boat captain and crew (optional).
* Face Mask and personal hand sanitizer (optional)
Sea Sickness Medication: If you are prone to sea sickness, we highly recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Your local pharmacist can advise you. In the past, several clients have successfully used “sea bands” which employ a pressure point on the wrists rather than medication. Sea Bands have no side effects and can be purchased at most dive shops or some drug stores. Please review recommendations outlined by our charter boat company at: Sea Sickness Prevention
May the Whales and Wildlife be with us!
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
Mobile Phone 831-345-2417
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
220 Kenneth St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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