Stagnaro Sport Fishing, Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
Stagnaro Sport Fishing, Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
Stagnaro Sport Fishing, Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
5
Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
The Stagnaro family has been serving the Santa Cruz area for over a century, ever since Italian patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879. This historical landmark business is still leading the way in ocean fun on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is something for everyone: Whale Watching, Scenic Bay Cruises, Fishing Trips and Private Parties for any occasion. Whichever your choice, today's fourth generation Stagnaro Charter Boats will surely make your trip fun and memorable.
Santa Cruz, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Stagnaro Sport Fishing, Charters & Whale Watching Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,681 reviews
Excellent
1,459
Very good
140
Average
42
Poor
19
Terrible
22
Nancy C
Santa Rosa, CA32 contributions
Sep 2020
Stagnaro Charters is a Mafrine Biologist, Bryan, was friendly, highly knowledgeable, and professional. From the intro before we boarded, to the loop around "Shark Park" he gave information and shared stories and kept us informed and on the look-out. It happened to be a most incredibly beautiful SUNNY we were able to spot the whales from afar. Our captain, was a pro, too. We were ablre to get close and she positioned the boat so there wasn't na bad viewing spot. I highly recommend the Velocity for a trip to see the whales and sealife on Monterey Bay. Great for kids, too....
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nguyen T
1 contribution
Jul 2020
Stagnaro provided an amazing service from beginning to end. The check-in process in early morning went very smoothly, and while on the boat, all crew members are very helpful to all participants and ensure everyone got their fishes. I would highly recoomend Stagnaro
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
np6
Danville, CA5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Our family went on a half day deep sea cod fishing trip with Stagnaro Charters. After many attempts at fishing in small lakes/streams, our kids had never caught a fish and we were determined to change that. It was quite an early morning for us, but is was the most beautiful, clear morning and totally worth it. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, the boat was clean, and there was plenty of room to social distance. The trip was a complete success! We caught literally 60 small cod and had the best time! The only reason I gave them a 4 out of a 5 was because they didn’t do the best job cleaning our fish. When we got home, we had to go through it all to remove bones, scales, and even some fins still. What we thought had been a ton of fish turned out to be enough for only three family meals of fish tacos. Considering how expensive the trip was (admission price, renting poles, buying tackle, paying for the fish to be cleaned, and a nice tip for the staff), we expected to have enough fish to freeze and enjoy for much longer. Even so, it was a happy, memorable experience for all our kids (ages 6-14) and us parents.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jujucastillo
Capitola, CA1 contribution
Jun 2020
best fishing trip i have had a very long time, gold star service, got the opportunity to meet alot of good people on the boat the staff is always very helpful. It was really good to see people smiling, laughing and having a good time. I was very comfortable with the set up and the social distancing throughout the trip. I highly recommend Stagneros fishing charter for fun and your fishing needs.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee36366200455
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Took our family of 5 for 1/2 day trip. Kids ages 8, 14 and 19. Everyone had fabulous time! Crew knowledgeable, helpful and super patient. Deck hands and captain made this a great trip and deck hands cleaned fish (for a fee). Thank you Stagnero charters for making this such an amazing experience. We'll be booking again for a full day trip next time!
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keanamurzi
Stockton, CA1 contribution
Mar 2020
My girlfriend and I loved the whale cruise so much, a huge part of that was Megan the naturalist on board who answered my millions of questions effortlessly and passionately. She always kept a watch on the water for me while we chatted so that I wouldn’t miss a thing, and she continually offered fun facts throughout the whole trip. It was so so sweet and refreshing to be given so much information from someone who cares so deeply about what they do. The care she has for the whales and sea life was also very touching. I hope to be able to bother her again with a million more questions soon!!
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tmilburn
Sacramento, CA2 contributions
May 2021
Captain Joey and deck hands Julian and Nate were amazing. We did the afternoon/ twilight tour and while morning fishing is usually our jam, we wouldn’t have traded it. The whole boat caught their limit and I can safely say that fun was had by all - men, women and children alike. We would and will absolutely book our next trip with them the next time we’re in the area without hesitation. For future patrons please remember to bring a decent tip for the deckhands. They went above and beyond to make sure customers had a good time and that’s how they make their living so please be sure to show your appreciation. Can’t say enough good things about them so come and experience it for yourself. You won’t be sorry!
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cartoonthunder
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Family
What a blast. I took my two sons out on a 7 hour trip with Stagnaro in early October. We limited on fish and caught a few large ones in the process, headed home with 14 pounds of fillets.
We rented their setups as our reels have braid, which charters everywhere do not allow. There was ample space on the boat for social distancing and nearly everyone (and all the crew) wore masks.
Deck hands showed a lot of hustle taking care of the guests on board, bringing beers, gaffing fish as needed, and unsnagging lines as needed. And they did so with good spirit, as if they were having as much fun as the guests.
Can't wait to go again.
We rented their setups as our reels have braid, which charters everywhere do not allow. There was ample space on the boat for social distancing and nearly everyone (and all the crew) wore masks.
Deck hands showed a lot of hustle taking care of the guests on board, bringing beers, gaffing fish as needed, and unsnagging lines as needed. And they did so with good spirit, as if they were having as much fun as the guests.
Can't wait to go again.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
8 contributions
Oct 2020
We experienced the best day of fishing in a long time on a fine Saturday in October aboard Legacy. Skipper Jason and crew, Julian and Nate, did a great job of keeping us on the fish and disentangling lines. The weather was superb and the current was up. Everyone aboard caught limits of good sized rock fish. Thanks guys! We even got to see a pod of Rizzo's Dolphins cruise by. I will remember this trip forever.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweeden
Santa Cruz, CA1 contribution
Jul 2020
From the moment I checked in to getting on the boat till I left, the best customer service I have experienced in a long time. Megan the naturalist was engaging, knowledgeable and friendly. The captain made it his mission to get us where we needed to be with calling out the sighting so we wouldn’t miss anything. The whales were breaching and entertaining. Seeing a whale in person should be on your bucket list. We were on our way back when the Captain spotted dolphins, he turned the boat around. That was awesome who does that anymore, he definitely loves his job giving his customers the gift that I know I probably won’t see again. I can’t say enough. This was so inexpensive I couldn’t believe I got it all for under 60 dollars. Thank you Stagnaro
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Do you have whale watching in the winter?
Written October 26, 2021
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Yes! Monterey Bay has vibrant marine wildlife year-round. Gray Whales migrate through our waters from December through April each year.
Written October 26, 2021
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Dress in layers; be prepared for colder and sometimes windy conditions out on the bay. remember to wear sunscreen, too!
Written August 20, 2019
prices and schedules for whale watching-July 4th-15th, 2018
Written June 26, 2018
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
During July and August, Whale Watching trips run daily out of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Call 831-427-0230 for info and reservations (open 9-4 daily) or purchase tickets online. Jenny
Written July 9, 2018
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Call our Santa Cruz ticket office for more information.
Open 9-4 daily, Pacific Standard Time.
Phone 831-427-0230
Jenny
Stagnaro Charters/Santa Cruz Whale Watching
Written April 7, 2018
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Adults are $48.95 and Kids (age 4-13) are $34.95
Written August 17, 2016
tonysimpson955
Rockingham, North Carolina
how much does the tickets cost for 5 people ?
Written August 15, 2016
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Adults are $48.95 and Kids (age 4-13) are $34.95 each for whale watching - 3-4 hour trip.
Fishing trips range for $40 - $100 depending onthe trip you choose. Fishing equipment and California license is extra.
Written August 17, 2016
Hello. tell me at what time and where the boat leaves? how long does the journey? how much does the ticket cost?
Written August 2, 2016
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Our trips leave form the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor at the north end of Monterey Bay.
Whale Watching - 3-4 hours - ticket prices range from $35-$50.
Fishing Trips range from $40- $100 depending on the type/length of fishing trip - 4 - 9 hours.
All trips available year-round. Departure times vary by season.
Written August 17, 2016
GrammieChris
California
How safe it the trip for a 5 yr old whose calm and follows directions?
Do you have crackers & anti sea-sick remedies?
I'll have 10 family members & would like to reserve July 17--What time of the day is the bay most calm?
Thank You for your time---Grammie Chris
Written May 26, 2016
There were several young children on my trip and they were not a problem. You can walk around, sit inside or outside. You can bring your own snacks or buy them on the boat. The boat goes out only once a day do you get the weather and seas that nature provides. Bring windbreakers, hats, sun glasses and sun screen. You will need all of them at some point. Bring your own motion sickness meds and take them immediately if you fell sick at all. Face the front and try to focus on a particular point if you do get sick. Your family will have a great time even if you don't see whales.
Written May 26, 2016
Stagnaro Charters
Santa Cruz, California
Whale watching in Monterey Bay runs year-round. Humpback whales are seen in Spring/Summer/Fall, Gray whale migration in the Winter - Spring. Five species of dolphin are seen in the Bay. Blue whales, Orcas and other wildlife are also spotted in Monterey Bay waters during different times of the year. Thanks! Our sightings reports are updated weekly on our main website. -Jenny
Written April 3, 2015
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