Santa Cruz Whale Watching by Stagnaro Charters invites guests to experience the rich marine life of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A family tradition with roots in Santa Cruz dating back to 1879, Stagnaro pairs knowle...
Captain Jason and his crew consistently deliver solid fishing experiences, with many regulars returning year after year. The boats are clean and well-maintained, anddeckhands like Kyle, Kelvin, Devin, and Jake get high marks for working hard to keep lines untangled and help anglers of all skill levels land their catch. People regularly hit their limits on rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and sand dabs, with the captains skillfully using sonar to find productive spots. Whale watching trips also shine, with close encounters of humpbacks and orcas making memorable outings. The main concern centers on occasional staff inconsistencies. While most crew members are praised for being friendly and helpful, a few reviewers encountered rudeness from specific staff members, both at the front desk and on deck. One review raised concerns about a crew member's fish handling practices. There's also a complaint about overcrowding on whale watching trips, which affected viewing quality. These issues seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, but it's worth noting they've happened. Overall, the operation has a strong track record with experienced captains and a hardworking crew that knows how to make a fishing trip successful.
Great trip and a wonderful time with my son! The crew was very friendly and always ready to help, and the captain did a great job finding the fish. We caught an incredible amount — it was the most productive fishing trip I’ve ever had. I especially liked that you don’t need to bring anything with you — fishing rods and all the necessary equipment are provided. Even if you’ve never fished before, they’ll explain everything, show you what to do, and help you along the way. We were very happy with the experience and will definitely come back again!
Evgenii
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2026
Great trip and a wonderful time with my son! The crew was very friendly and always ready to help, and the captain did a great job finding the fish. We caught an incredible amount — it was the most productive fishing trip I’ve ever had. I especially liked that you don’t need to bring anything with you — fishing rods and all the necessary equipment are provided. Even if you’ve never fished before, they’ll explain everything, show you what to do, and help you along the way. We were very happy with the experience and will definitely come back again!
Evgenii
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2026