Stagnaro Charter Boats

We enjoyed our times seeing the whales and the pilot made the whales as visible as possible and spent extra time getting as close as possible to the whales. There was good nature information provided along the way. Our concern was for the safety passengers and crew as the boat was overloaded and we felt all passengers should be wearing life vests.We felt the accessibly of vests to all passengers would be impossible in the even of an emergency.

Crew was knowledgable and very capable, got us to the best vantage point to see the whales. Boat was wonderfully cared for. Would definitely recommend this to a friend.

We came upon two Humpback Whales within a short distance from Santa Cruz Harbor. We were able to observe them the whole time (almost 4 hrs.) that we were out there. Ocean was calm, and weather was perfect. It couldn't have been any better. They jumped out of the water; went under the ship; waved their fin;saw their tales many times. Great photos. Nice Snack Bar & Restroom. Staff knowledgeable. Great trip!!

very nice trip. lots of whales. captain and crew very good. well informed,helpful and polite. the captain knew where to find the whales. had a great day. thanks

Great day we had! The whales were very active and it was amazing. The crew was great, and the Naturalist explained everything. I could not have asked for a better experience. I am a local and it was fun to be with all the out-of-towners on the boat and be so grateful that I live here!

I was happy to get out on the water to see the whales.I was watching from land and wanted to get closer observations. The boat took us out where the whales were. We were told where to look. I enjoyed seeing the sea otters and birds. Seeing the dolphins swiimming along the boat was thrilling and to see them so close! We received excellent information from our lecturer about sea life. Our group was friendly and relaxed. I would consider a future trip.

It was a first for both my husband and myself. At first we were getting disappointed because there was not a whale to be seen close to shore as there had been even the day before. But the captain kept searching and found two whales a ways out and we followed them all around the bay. They put on quite a show and the captain kept our boat front and center to the activity. The naturalist (Maureen?) was great...lots of info and lots of personality. The boat was clean and I felt very safe...that is a big issue for me since I am terrified of being out on the water. (I always said whale-watching was the ONLY thing that could get me out to sea!) All in all I would recommend the Stagnaro's Charters to anyone.

The staff were knowledgable and friendly. The boat was large enough and very comfortable. It was an amazing experience. We saw lots of whales but it would have been fun even without the whales. I liked that they sold food onboard. I will definitely go again.

It was a long time on the boat for small kids, but totally worth it. We live local and knew it was epic whale watching, but it was unreal! The crew was surprisingly wonderful with our kids! The deck hands were nice, snacks decently priced, and the guy whale spotting was informative. Our vessel was Conscientious of the whales, giving them space and us a great view. I would really recommend Stagnaro to anyone looking for a nice trip!!!

Because of the plankton and anchovies, this was the whale watching event of a lifetime! The crew did a great job, too.

One one time there were whale lunge feeding, dozens of bottlenose dolphin leaping and playing, a hundred sea lion swimming and watching us, thousands of sea birds flying and dropping... all around us... it looked like a ocean circus ... sun was shining on the water lighting the whole experience with a mystical magical feeling...fantastic! Saw many behaviors from the whale with a couple friendlies skimming their 50 foot long bodies along the sides of the boat. Truly phenomenal! THANKS!!

My trip along the coast to watch the whale migration was one of my wishes now come true. Having the local resources from a company that takes great pride in what they do was an easy decision to make. Our group was small and the crew very attentive, informative and very aware of the delicate nature of going to see these gentle giants as they come along our shores to feed. The crew was even concerned about the behavior of other boaters and pleaded with them to respect the whales and watch them from a respectable distance. This was ignored. Nontheless we all shared an experience that I shall never forget.

What a glorious afternoon on the Bay with at least 3 whales feeding right next to boats, kayakers and paddleboarders. The naturalist was helpful explaining the whale behaviors and the captain was careful to not crowd the whales but still positioned the boat for excellent viewing. Warm tea was much appreciated after my hands cramped from taking so many photos! We finished right at sunset and had a spectacular closure to an amazing day.

The crew was great. Skipper Ken's narration and the naturalist Maureen were very informative. We were also very fortunate that the whales were so active.

We will definitely be taking this trip again and again. The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly and everything was well organized.