Carrera Sailing
Carrera Sailing
5
Boat Tours • Water Sports • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Discover Monterey Bay Sanctuary under sail with Carrera Sailing during our nature excursions, sunset cruises or private charter tailored to your needs. We provide intimate, small group sailing, where you can participate or sit back and relax. All skippers are US Coast Guard licensed and vessels meet or exceed US Coast Guard requirements.
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(114 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
178 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tom C
San Jose, CA3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We had an absolutely marvelous afternoon with Captain Gene!
To start with- he’s very punctual in responding to inquiries and calls.
We went on a private charter for 3 hours at what I consider to be an exceptionally reasonable rate.
Gene is an extremely gracious and accommodating host and guide.
He also happens to be a true world class sailor. I’ve dabbled on friends’ boats for the past decade, but Gene’s experience and expertise are stellar. He was more than happy to share a few anecdotes from his many years under sail, and help to further educate me regarding the finer points of his craft and the sport.
We couldn’t have been happier with our experience and we look forward to sailing with him again.
Word to the wise - check the water temp and wind speeds before you go, and figure the air temp to be similar to the water temp, and then factor in wind chill and possibly a bit of water spray. Water temp was around 57 the day we went, and I dressed for 45 degrees and did not regret it.
Dress in layers.
Again, I cannot recommend Carrera Sailing highly enough.
Enjoy!
To start with- he’s very punctual in responding to inquiries and calls.
We went on a private charter for 3 hours at what I consider to be an exceptionally reasonable rate.
Gene is an extremely gracious and accommodating host and guide.
He also happens to be a true world class sailor. I’ve dabbled on friends’ boats for the past decade, but Gene’s experience and expertise are stellar. He was more than happy to share a few anecdotes from his many years under sail, and help to further educate me regarding the finer points of his craft and the sport.
We couldn’t have been happier with our experience and we look forward to sailing with him again.
Word to the wise - check the water temp and wind speeds before you go, and figure the air temp to be similar to the water temp, and then factor in wind chill and possibly a bit of water spray. Water temp was around 57 the day we went, and I dressed for 45 degrees and did not regret it.
Dress in layers.
Again, I cannot recommend Carrera Sailing highly enough.
Enjoy!
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deal tnmgr, thank you for your great review and recommendations for other potential charters. You were the perfect charterers, low key, great attitude toward sailing and just being out on the ocean with a conversation to boot made you happy. I really look forward to sailing with both of you again!
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lindsay M
11 contributions
May 2022
Captain Gene was incredibly communicative which got us off to a great start. We went on a three-hour afternoon tour and saw 8-10 humpback whales! It was incredible to be so up close to them as well as sea lions and sea otters.
I'm prone to motion sickness and had a bout of seasickness (should have taken Dramamine!) but Capt Gene was understanding and kind and even feeling queasy I had an incredible time. (No one else in our group got sick!)
I will never ever forget seeing the whales waving at us with their fins, diving down, and coming up to eat. It was truly magical.
I'm prone to motion sickness and had a bout of seasickness (should have taken Dramamine!) but Capt Gene was understanding and kind and even feeling queasy I had an incredible time. (No one else in our group got sick!)
I will never ever forget seeing the whales waving at us with their fins, diving down, and coming up to eat. It was truly magical.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Lindsay, thank you for your review and sorry about your bout with mal de mar but I think the whales made it worthwhile. Btw, I wasn't counting but I could swear it was more than 10 humpbacks, it looks like it will be a good year for whale watching.
Written May 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kclark5892
Hudson, FL3 contributions
Sep 2021
My boyfriend and I booked a last minute trip to Monterey this past week and chartering a sailboat tour was number 1 on our list. Gene was able to accommodate our last minute booking and we are so happy it worked out. We enjoyed his knowledge about the city as well as his personal stories about his sailing experiences. We would definitely recommend booking Gene if you are wanting to see Monterey by water!
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kclark5892, I thank you for your nice review, it was not as warm as your part of the world, but with flat seas and just the right amount of wind the sail was a good one. Till we sail again!
Written September 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vince J
San Francisco, CA6 contributions
Sep 2020
Fantastic time sailing, great boat, and great caption - Gene. I highly recommend Carrera sailing, we had a great time and went about 6 or 7 miles off shore, great weather and good size boat for 6 people. Very reasonably priced to.. definitively worth it!
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Vince H for your review and for mentioning the reasonable pricing; we do charge less than other companies for the same or better service. It was a good sail and till we sail again!
Written September 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex P
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Sailing with Captain Gene was a great experience. Gene is an exceptionally talented skipper and knows a lot about the best parts of central California. We would recommend this experience for anyone interested in an exciting sailing experience and learning a lot!
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Alex, thank you for your review of Carrera Sailing (and me), I very much appreciate it. Too bad the rest of the family did not see you taking the helm in real-time (pics are just not the same) in those perfect sailing conditions and that we didn't see much sea life on that sail. Till we sail again!
Written July 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KFL
1 contribution
Mar 2022
A last minute impulse to book a private charter with Captain Gene was one of the best decisions I've made. For me, it was a return to honor my Beloved whose ashes were spread in the Bay, and I was able to do my own private ceremony in celebrating him. Captain Gene was so kind, thoughtful, and respectful in witnessing my raw grief. He is clearly a seasoned man of the sea, 100% professional and courteous, and a funny, delightful human being to boot. He shared stories of his life experiences and fun facts about the area and about nature. The 2 hour sail turned out to be a highlight for me from that time, and I'm grateful to Captain Gene for making it so. I would highly recommend him, and would welcome another opportunity to sail with him when I am back in the area.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grace F
5 contributions
Jun 2021
We were a group of 5 with a young child and we all enjoyed sailing along the bay and seeing the sunset. The Captain was very experiended and knowledgeable as well as easy to talk to. We all had a fabulous time and even saw a pod of Risso dolphins. The evening was chilly so we made sure to bundle up and brought warm blankets too. I would 100% reccommend!!
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tempesta44, your review is very much appreciated, especially since you are pointing out that it can get chilly over the water and many people do not dress well enough for the marine environment. Also, your son was great, definitely put a smile on my face, held a great conversation way beyond his age, and seemed to enjoy himself tremendously. Till we sail again!
Written June 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
atedmonds
Atlanta, GA12 contributions
Jul 2022
We had a fabulous experience with Captain Gene! Our family of 5 enjoyed seeing Monterey from the Bay - and asking Gene so many questions about the area, the history, the sea life, and more. He was so informative. My husband especially enjoyed being able to take the helm and learn a thing or two about sailing. We highly recommend!
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello atedmonds family, I am glad that all of the kids enjoyed it (you'll have to enroll them in a sailing program next summer) I know your husband did and he steered the boat quite well. BTW, I couldn't have taken the photo as my fingers are not on it, lol. Your review is greatly appreciated and till we sail again!
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt S
2 contributions
Sep 2021
Wow sailing with Gene is awesome. Gene is professional, very intelligent and a "sailors sailer", a rare combination. He is very experienced which comes with great stories and lessons. I promise you will have a blast with him.
All the other companies I looked at were canned trips that were more expensive, a lose-lose compared to Gene. Do yourself a favor and book a half day at least with Gene, 1-2 hours is better than nothing but your experience will be so much more with more time on the water.
All the other companies I looked at were canned trips that were more expensive, a lose-lose compared to Gene. Do yourself a favor and book a half day at least with Gene, 1-2 hours is better than nothing but your experience will be so much more with more time on the water.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Matt, I am glad you guys enjoyed the sail and the time at the helm, too bad you didn't have the time for a longer sail. Thank you for your review and till we sail again!
Written October 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan W
4 contributions
Nov 2020
11/22/20 We enjoyed a private sailing excursion on a 34’ craft in Monterrey Bay with Captain Gene (the pirate🏴☠️). “A sailor is an artist who’s medium is the wind.” Captain Gene lives his passion.
What a beautiful day with full sails - to enjoy the sprays, the swells and the tides ending with calm serene waters.
What a beautiful day with full sails - to enjoy the sprays, the swells and the tides ending with calm serene waters.
Written December 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you susanwA3492RI for the wonderful review, I am glad you enjoyed the sail as much as I did your company and that the weather cooperated this late in the season. Till we sail again!
Written December 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy M
Carlisle, PA3 contributions
Where is a cheaper place to park nearby (rather than the $35/day valet)?
Carrerasailing
4 contributions
Dear Nancy,
you do not have to use valet parking. The Municipal parking lot by Old Fisherman's Wharf costs $1 per half an hour, $15 all day; the Municipal parking lot by Municipal Commercial Wharf #2 costs $1.50 per hour, $10 maximum.
Fair sailing,
Capt. Gene
Carrera Sailing