things to do in Santa Cruz, CA

Choose your start time for a private paddle through Breakwater Cove

Learn together with instruction tailored to your individual needs

Build confidence diving deeper, down to 40 metres

Try stand-up paddling on a board built for stability

Explore Monterey Bay's kelp forest canopy with a certified guide

Try stand up paddleboarding with an experienced guide

Get your dive gear in one rental package

Get snorkel gear, a wetsuit, and accessories in one rental package

Get a head start on your dive with gear pickup after 3 PM the day before

See towering redwoods illuminated by 32 artist-designed lanterns after sunset

Historic redwood rail journey with time at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Explore Monterey Bay’s seasonal whales and dolphins with marine biologists

Fish Monterey Bay's nearshore reefs on an evening cod outing

Build surf skills with professional instruction at Pleasure Point

Find a calmer, more focused start to your next dive

Fish close to Santa Cruz Harbor for rockfish and lingcod, with gear and bait included

Spot whales on a 2.5–3 hour trip, offered daily November–March

Watch whales and dolphins at sunset with expert crew guidance and photo tips on Monterey Bay.

Build practical keelboat sailing skills in a small-group course

Build coastal cruising skills through hands-on sailing and ASA certification testing

Seek Monterey Bay killer whales on a six-hour small-group cruise led by an experienced photographer

Watch Monterey Bay wildlife from your own fast, open-deck boat

Ride through redwoods to a recreated 1880s logging camp in Felton

Watch for whales and dolphins as the sun sets over Monterey Bay