Great White Shark

Come be a Topside Observer!

Join us for a fantastic day watching Great White Sharks at the Santa Cruz Shark Park on Monterey Bay. We may see other animals like seals, sea otters, whales, dolphins, turtles, other sharks and the coastal scenery of Santa Cruz!

Quick Details

Duration: 3 hours
Ages: private trips available for families with younger children, 10+ years
What to bring: Camera, hat, and rain jacket (it could get wet!)
Info: Great for small intimate group trips (6 passengers max)
Timing: Trips depart everyday during the season May-Sept. at 1:00 from Santa Cruz North Harbor
Pricing: $185 per person

Come Be a Great White Shark Topside Observer

This tour is focused on seeing great white sharks on the surface, but we may see other wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, whales, and more. We have an excellent chance to see great white sharks right at the surface!

  • In the past, we have seen as many as eight in one day. Great white sharks can be found there during any given day, so we expect to find at least a few during our tour. We expect to find juvenile great white sharks ranging from 6 to 9 feet in length, but we may encounter larger sharks too.
  • The best season is June – Sept., when the water is the warmest in the shallow part of the bay. Join us for an intimate encounter into the summer home of the great white shark!
Great White Shark
Topside Great White Shark

What We Do

  • We draw on our experience and expertise to teach, educate, and provide amazing experiences. Whether it is photographing sharks, whales, and other wildlife, or just spending a day on the boat, we are here to make your trip the best it can be.
  • With only 6 passengers max, each guest has a comfortable seat with a front row view of the adventure.
  • Each guest is provided with a very comfortable Mustang inflatable life jacket to wear during the trip.
  • ​All of our trips are guided marine wildlife expeditions led by an experienced captain/naturalist.
  • Our Great White Shark topside tours are true coastal adventures where you can have exclusive educational exciting wildlife experiences that are family-friendly.

Remember Before You Go

  • Because our boats travel at 20 plus miles per hour, there is a wind factor that can bring a chill. We have always said, “dress like you are going to the snow in layers.” Monterey weather can feel much cooler when on the water. We have spray-proof jackets for you to wear over your clothes if needed. Once on site, typically it is warmer and we are adjusting our clothing layers as needed
  • Please visit the bathroom before you get onto the boat. There are no bathrooms onboard, and the trip lasts three hours. Also, please remember to pay for parking.

Meeting Location

  • Departing from Santa Cruz North Harbor “J Dock”  –More info and driving directions here

Please Note

  • All Guests must be in reasonably good health and able to step down into and step up out of the vessel to and from the dock
  • Our boat is equipped with comfortable seats with soft cushions and backrests but even so, if you are pregnant, have a weak back or neck, or if you don’t like going fast over the water, you should not go. If you have concerns please consider booking with one of the the large capacity vessels in Monterey Bay
  • Contact us for additional details.
Ocean Safaris

Experience the ocean with us!

  • Swimming
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