
Sail the Monterey Bay with expert guides for unforgettable wildlife and sunset adventures.
Nomad Sailing Charters offers personalized sailing tours in Santa Cruz, CA, led by Captain Sam and his team. Specializing in wildlife sails, sunset cruises, and private charters, we provide safe, engaging experiences on the Monterey Bay. With over 200 five-star reviews, guests enjoy close encounters with whales, seals, and sea otters, all while learning about local marine life and sailing under wind power. Perfect for families, couples, and adventure-seekers looking for a unique, memorable day on the water.
No photos available
Guided tour to spot whales, seals, and sea otters with expert commentary on local marine life.
Peaceful evening sail to enjoy stunning views and potential whale sightings as the sun sets over the bay.
Customizable sailing experiences for groups, including family outings and special occasions.
Hands-on instruction on sailing techniques and navigation for beginners and enthusiasts.
Focused excursions to observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife at a respectful distance.
Our day was wonderful! Captain Sam was engaging, informative and very nice. We saw whales and they came very close to the boat! Highly recommend! My pic isn’t great.
Sailing the Nomad was such a fun experience! The Day was beautiful but what made it memorable was our Captain! Captain Sam was the best! He was very knowledgeable about the ocean, wildlife, and Santa Cruz area. He engaged in conversation, made us feel safe, and showed us where the seals like to hang! Overall it was a great experience and I definitely recommend Sam as your Captain! 🫡⚓️
Our family had a perfect day sailing with Capt. Sam on the Nomad. Before we signed on to the Wildlife Sail, Sam was available by phone to answer my questions. He was very personable, and professional and readily shared his knowledge of sailing and the Bay throughout our tour. He used his connections with other mariners to find us a pod of humpbacks to watch at a respectful distance. Sam also made a point to fulfill my wish to use the sails without the motor as much as possible. On our return into harbor, Sam turned around when the wind picked up and we got to finish our tour under sail. Getting out onto the Monterey Bay on the Nomad was truly exhilarating. We highly recommend Nomad Sailing Charters!
Perfect morning cruise and we saw multiple whales! It was magical and Captain Sam was wonderful. They have bean bags at the front of the boat that make for a comfortable spot to enjoy the experience! We will book again for sure!
My 4-year-old son and I had the most incredible time sailing with Captain Sam. I was a little nervous bringing such a busy young kid on board, but we felt completely safe and cared for the entire time. The sunset sail was magical and peaceful, and seeing a whale and her baby up close was truly unforgettable!! Captain Sam was so knowledgeable about the local wildlife, sharing fun stories about sea otters, seals, and migrating birds like shearwaters. It made me fall in love with Santa Cruz all over again, seeing it from the water. This was one of our favorite vacation memories, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and meaningful adventure!!
Claim Nomad Sailing Charters to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.