Top 6 nature & wildlife things to do in Santa Cruz

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Mushroom foraging workshop in Santa Cruz

Half-day workshop — mushroom identification presentation followed by a guided foraging expedition with an expert.

4. 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

5. Wilderness survival skills clinic in Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz

Five-hour hands-on workshop in Boulder Creek — learn shelter building, water gathering, and foraging in a beautiful redwood forest setting.

“This outing was an excellent family experience. I gained valuable knowledge about wilderness survival. I now feel prepared to survive for a week if there were ever an electricity outage or conflict in the U.S.”— Trinidad_M

6. Santa Cruz Surf Walk — a coastal history and culture tour

Two-hour guided tour covering the evolution of surfing at Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane, with insights on local marine wildlife and surf culture.

“What a fantastic experience! We enjoyed stunning views of the surfers, and our guide brought along historical images of surfing and newspaper articles about Hawaiian royalty. We shared plenty of laughs. I valued how involved he was with my friend and me, who were staying at the SC hostel, and he even offered to meet us, turning it into a relaxed and friendly beach stroll filled with history. As a local, he made me feel welcomed and gave me a deeper appreciation for the area and surfing. Thank you!”— Happiness27112205269