Top 10 water & beach things to do in Santa Cruz

1. Santa Cruz ice cream tasting tour with four stops

Two hours, small-group walk under two miles — enjoy samples and full scoops at four popular ice cream spots along the Santa Cruz coast.

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. Family-friendly guided electric bike tour in Santa Cruz

Two hours on pedal-assist e-bikes — explore Santa Cruz’s coastline, Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and historic downtown with a guided tour.

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. Santa Cruz scavenger hunt walking tour

Explore Santa Cruz on a self-guided scavenger hunt—navigate the Beach Boardwalk and UC Santa Cruz at your own pace using an interactive app.

6. Mermaid photoshoot experience in Santa Cruz

A beach photoshoot session where you transform into a mermaid and capture the moment amid Santa Cruz's coastal backdrop.

“During my visit last month, my friend arranged this experience for us, and I admit I was a bit uncertain. However, it turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Jules has a remarkable ability to make you feel comfortable and ensures you enjoy yourself completely. I found myself laughing and smiling the whole time, and it was a wonderful way to bond with my friend. Even without the photos, the memories created are priceless. When the photos came, I had a hard time narrowing it down; from over 200 images, I chose 61 that I loved. Jules captured my joy beautifully, and I had no idea how much I wanted to be a mermaid until that moment! Now that I’m back in the chilly UK, I can’t wait to return to Santa Cruz and put on that mermaid tail again. Thank you for the unforgettable memories, Jules—you’re truly amazing.”— sarahm650

7. 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

8. 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

9. Snorkelling trip to Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun

A day of snorkelling at Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun. Enjoy beach relaxation and actively engage with marine life through fish interaction and feeding.

“The service was outstanding. He arranged a fantastic trip for us on very short notice. His communication skills were excellent, and he was both courteous and attentive. I would definitely recommend his service.”— F4552AXcarolr

10. Santa Cruz coastal and downtown walking tour

Two hours along the San Lorenzo River and downtown — learn about surf culture, local history, and notable architecture from a knowledgeable guide.

“The Mission Hill and Beach Hill walking tour was outstanding. I love learning about a place's history through local stories, and Walk Santa Cruz truly delivers that. Our guide, Matt, shared a wealth of local history and encouraged contributions from other locals and tourists. A highlight was when we were unexpectedly invited inside a historic home that was formerly a Victorian-era foundry. This delightful surprise made an already great tour even better. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to both locals and visitors.”— Calirockstar_Alison