Rent the 30' Hunter Willow and sail Monterey Bay your way
2 Hours
Hunter 30T sailboat rental
Take the helm of Willow, a 1991 Hunter 30T, and spend your time on the bay at your own pace. Depart from 78 Old Fisherman's Wharf with wheel steering, a furling jib, and an inboard diesel engine onboard.
If this is your first rental with Sail Monterey, you must submit a sailing resume showing relevant experience and certifications. If your resume is not received or approved by departure day, your reservation may be postponed or canceled.
Cancel at least 48 hours before departure for a full refund. No refund for late or no-show renters. Full refund if the captain cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Product ID: M5S5M3
Yes. Before you rent Willow, submit a sailing resume that shows your relevant experience and certifications. If your resume is not received or approved by departure day, your reservation may be postponed or canceled.
Yes. If this is your first time renting, you must complete a rental checkout, which costs an additional $50.
Check in at the office no later than 30 minutes before your departure time.
78 Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf sits at the heart of Monterey's working waterfront, a salt-sprayed stretch of weathered pilings, seafood shacks, and bobbing fishing boats that has welcomed mariners since the 1840s. Setting sail aboard the Willow Hunter 30T from this historic harbor means slipping past the same docks where Monterey's sardine fleets once unloaded their catch, with sea lions barking from the rocks below and the scent of clam chowder drifting from the wharf's restaurants. The contrast is immediate and unforgettable: within minutes of leaving Old Fisherman's Wharf behind, you trade the bustle of the boardwalk for the open swell of Monterey Bay.
The journey out from Old Fisherman's Wharf reveals the bay from a perspective most visitors never see. As the sails of the Willow Hunter 30T fill with the steady afternoon breeze, the wharf shrinks into a colorful ribbon of red rooftops and white-trimmed storefronts, framed by the green hills of the Monterey Peninsula. Keep watch for harbor seals lounging on buoys, sea otters cracking shells in the kelp beds, and pods of dolphins that often shadow boats just beyond the breakwater. On clear days, the views stretch from Pacific Grove to the curve of the bay toward Santa Cruz, with Old Fisherman's Wharf serving as your familiar landmark on the return leg.
This sail is perfect for couples celebrating something special, small groups of friends looking for an alternative to the crowded wharf restaurants, and travelers who want to experience Monterey's maritime soul rather than just snap photos of it. Families with older kids who love marine wildlife will find plenty to point at, and seasoned sailors will appreciate the Willow Hunter 30T's classic lines and responsive handling. Whether you book a sunset cruise or a midday outing, returning to Old Fisherman's Wharf with the wind still in your hair is the kind of memory that turns a Monterey trip into a story worth retelling.
Monterey Bay sailing doesn't get much better than this. Paul and his team of captains, including Tiki, Kiwi, Tanya, and Vince, have built something genuinely special here. Families, couples, and first-timers all seem to walk away raving, and the enthusiasm these captains bring is clearly contagious. Wildlife sightings, including whales, sea lions, and otters, add an extra layer of magic to what's already a beautiful setting. For those curious about learning to sail, the intro and ASA certification courses earn particularly high praise. Captain Kiwi has a real gift for teaching, breaking down technical concepts in ways that actually stick, while Tanya brings impressive organization and warmth to the longer courses. Even on breezy or less-than-ideal days, the team communicates proactively and makes the most of conditions. The one hiccup worth noting is a cancellation that happened with short notice, so if your schedule is tight, it's worth confirming closer to your departure time.
We loved the sunset cruise we recently took with Captain Vince. The weather was perfect, the scenery amazing and we were taken care of with blankets (if needed), drinks and snacks. This was a birthday gift to my husband, and he had a great time. We also thoroughly enjoyed the music selection on board. We will be back.
Melody (Melodyeco)
August 4, 2026
We loved the sunset cruise we recently took with Captain Vince. The weather was perfect, the scenery amazing and we were taken care of with blankets (if needed), drinks and snacks. This was a birthday gift to my husband, and he had a great time. We also thoroughly enjoyed the music selection on board. We will be back.
Melody (Melodyeco)
August 4, 2026
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