Top 7 luxury & private things to do in Santa Cruz

1. Private transfer from San Francisco International Airport to Santa Cruz

Direct transfer by private vehicle from SFO to Santa Cruz, avoiding traffic hassles with a professional chauffeur.

2. Great White Shark and marine wildlife boat tour in Monterey Bay

Three hours on a boat — look for Great White Sharks, dolphins, and whales with a maximum of six guests for an intimate wildlife experience.

3. Self-guided walking tour of UC Santa Cruz

Flexible walking tour through UC Santa Cruz's redwoods and landscapes, guided by an app for tailored exploration.

4. Half-day private beach tour in Santa Cruz

Four hours of personalized exploration — visit Santa Cruz beaches at your own pace, guided by local insights via the Pintours App.

5. Private transfer from Santa Cruz to San Francisco International Airport

Approximately one hour of private limousine transport from Santa Cruz to SFO, with a professional chauffeur handling the driving and route navigation.

6. Semi-private whale watching tour in Monterey Bay

Three-hour boat trip limited to six guests — view Humpback and Gray Whales, dolphins, seals, and more in comfort.

“The whale watching experience was incredible, the best we’ve had! Chris's Whale Watching at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey provided an exciting three-hour tour. We observed three whales playing near the boat, surrounded by over 100 sea lions and birds enjoying anchovies. On our return, we even spotted dolphins! The crew was very helpful. Arrive early, as parking is challenging, but the experience makes it worthwhile.”— sgdevries

7. Capitola guided food and history tour

Three hours walking tour of Capitola — a five-course meal with local vendors, storytelling, and insight into the beach town's culture and history.

“The walking tour in Capitola was exceptionally organized. The guides were informative and chose a fantastic variety of tastings from the area's top local businesses. Our family declared the clam chowder at Castagnola as 'the best ever.' The nuggets of local history made us feel like part of the community. I highly recommend starting any vacation in the area with this excursion for great recommendations on food, drinks, music, and scenic views.”— Freedom33359510567