Santa Cruz Harbor: Charters, Activities, and More

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Photo of Sail Boats on Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of Sail Boats on Harbor

Santa Cruz Harbor is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide range of charters and activities for visitors of all ages.

You can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the harbor's tranquil waters, or take a guided tour to spot marine life like sea lions and seals.

The Santa Cruz Harbor is a popular spot for fishing charters, with many experienced captains offering half-day and full-day trips.

Some charters even offer whale watching tours during peak season.

Boat Charters

You can find a variety of boat charters at the Santa Cruz Harbor.

Monterey Bay Charters is located at Dock "S", Slip 22, and can be reached by calling (888) 662-9800 or (831) 818-8808. They offer ocean fishing on a 32-foot Sport Sedan with an enclosed cabin and all the necessary equipment.

Captain Jimmy Charters is based at the same dock, but can be reached at (831) 662-3020. They provide sport fishing on a 31-foot Island Hopper, fully outfitted for a great fishing experience.

Monterey Bay Charters

Credit: youtube.com, Monterey Boat Charter Service -

Monterey Bay Charters offers ocean fishing aboard their 32-foot Sport Sedan with an enclosed cabin and all the necessary equipment.

They can be reached at (888) 662-9800 or (831) 818-8808 for more information.

Their boat is docked at Slip 22, Santa Cruz Harbor, in Santa Cruz, CA.

Captain Jimmy Charters

Captain Jimmy Charters is based at the "S" Dock in Santa Cruz Harbor, California. They offer sport fishing charters aboard a 31-foot Island Hopper boat, which is fully outfitted for a great fishing experience.

Captain Jimmy Charters can be reached at (831) 662-3020 if you're interested in booking a charter.

Harbor Activities

The Santa Cruz harbor is a bustling hub of activity, with a variety of things to see and do. You can take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the marina.

The harbor is home to a large fleet of sailing and powerboats, with many vessels ranging from small dinghies to large yachts. The harbor's marina has a total of 550 slips.

You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the harbor's waters. Rentals are available at several locations around the harbor.

Boat Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, Work continues to repair Santa Cruz Harbor from high surf damage

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your boat in top condition, just like the Santa Cruz harbor's annual dredging helps maintain a safe and navigable waterway.

The harbor's maximum draft of 18 feet means you'll want to keep your boat's hull clean and free of debris, which can easily accumulate in the harbor's busy waters.

Check your boat's propeller and rudder regularly to ensure they're free of barnacles and other marine growth.

The harbor's mild climate makes it an ideal location for boating year-round, but it also means you'll need to be mindful of algae growth on your boat's surfaces.

Clean your boat's hull and propeller every 2-3 months to prevent algae buildup and maintain your boat's performance.

Santa Cruz harbor's strong tidal currents can be challenging to navigate, so make sure to check your boat's bilge pump regularly to prevent water accumulation.

The harbor's proximity to the Pacific Ocean means you'll need to be prepared for rough seas and strong winds, so keep a close eye on your boat's rigging and sails.

Harbor Amenities

Scenic aerial view of Santa Cruz village with lush greenery and river in Central Luzon, Philippines.
Credit: pexels.com, Scenic aerial view of Santa Cruz village with lush greenery and river in Central Luzon, Philippines.

The Santa Cruz harbor offers a range of amenities to make your visit enjoyable. The harbor has a fuel dock that provides fuel, oil, and other supplies for boats.

You can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the harbor area, offering everything from seafood to Italian cuisine. Some of these eateries have outdoor seating areas with great views of the marina.

Additionally, the harbor has a convenience store and a chandlery that sells nautical gear and supplies.

A Refuge

The Santa Cruz Harbor is a haven for marine life and enthusiasts alike. Located within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, it's a protected area that's home to an incredible array of species.

You can see 26 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fish, 4 species of turtles, 31 phyla of invertebrates, and over 450 species of marine algae and plants. The diversity of life here is truly remarkable.

Seasonal visitors to the harbor may catch a glimpse of whales, sea otters, giant kelp, and more. It's a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the ocean.

Anchorage

Stunning aerial shot of a coastal pier with waves and docked boats creating a scenic maritime view.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning aerial shot of a coastal pier with waves and docked boats creating a scenic maritime view.

The Santa Cruz Anchorage is a popular spot for boats to anchor, located to the east of Point Santa Cruz and protected to the north and west, but exposed to the south.

It's a great place to take a break from sailing or cruising, and the public landing on the Santa Cruz Wharf makes it easy to come ashore and stretch your legs.

The anchorage is immediately south of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, so you can even take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the amusement park's attractions.

The Santa Cruz Anchorage was previously labelled as the "Santa Cruz Harbor" on charts, but to reduce confusion, the name was changed in 2003.

You can find the Santa Cruz Anchorage at the following coordinates: 36°57′57″N 122°02′09″W.

Restaurants

The harbor area is home to a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets.

You can find waterfront dining options like The Wharf Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the harbor and a menu of fresh seafood.

Credit: youtube.com, Food at Harbour Hotels

The Wharf Restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and it's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For a more casual dining experience, consider visiting The Crab Shack, which serves up delicious seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Crab Shack is a great place to grab a quick bite or meet up with friends for a casual dinner.

If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to try The Marina Grill, which offers a menu of contemporary American cuisine.

The Marina Grill is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a romantic dinner.

Reservations are recommended for The Marina Grill, especially on weekends or during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the swells in Santa Cruz?

A distant "bomb cyclone" spawned massive swells in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, causing widespread damage when they reached the California coast, including the Santa Cruz area. Powerful waves from Monterey Bay contributed to the destruction.

What is the history of Santa Cruz Harbor?

The Santa Cruz Harbor was created in 1963 by converting Woods Lagoon, with the Army Corps of Engineers building the breakwater and the county developing the port facility. It was officially named "Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor" by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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