SANTA CRUZ WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Winter Watch: Great White Sharks at Año Nuevo Island
A focused, 5-hour Ocean Safaris voyage from Santa Cruz to Año Nuevo Island for surface sightings of adult Great White sharks and other marine life.
Winter Watch: Great White Sharks at Año Nuevo Island.
Embark on a compact, high-intensity outing to Año Nuevo Island where the objective is simple and singular: locate Great White sharks on the surface. Over a five-hour run, Ocean Safaris concentrates effort around the island during its peak months, offering close, boat-based observation of large adult sharks alongside the region’s seasonal marine traffic.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Adult Great Whites on the Surface
This trip is focused on seeing Great White sharks at the surface, with an excellent chance of encountering adult, larger animals in their winter range.
Año Nuevo and Its Marine Neighborhood
While the spotlight is on sharks, operators may also encounter dolphins, porpoise and whales—creating a layered marine-wildlife experience around the island.
Peak Window: October through February
The best part of the season for surface sightings is October through February, when this winter habitat concentrates larger animals.
What the day feels like
What the five hours feel like
The outing unfolds as a purposeful transit to Año Nuevo Island and focused time working the waters around the island to locate sharks at the surface. The operator runs a concentrated Great White trip—expect purposeful searching punctuated by close, boat-side observation when animals are found.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Layered warm clothing and windproof outer layers; the operator provides spray-proof jackets if needed. Dress as if headed to the snow to counter wind chill while underway.
There are no bathrooms on board; please use shore facilities before boarding. The trip lasts approximately five hours.
Boats travel at 20+ miles per hour—expect an exposed, fast transit and pay attention to operator briefings. Remember to pay for parking at the departure location.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion lasts approximately 5 hours.
Will I see Great White sharks?
The tour is focused on seeing Great White sharks at the surface; operators expect to encounter adult, larger Great Whites and note that these sharks can be found there on any given day.
When is the best season for sightings?
The best part of the season is October through February for surface sightings in the island’s winter habitat.
Are there age restrictions or private-charter options?
Standard passenger fare applies to ages 13 and up; private charters accommodate younger guests (ages 10+), with different pricing.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
No. There are no bathrooms on board; please visit the bathroom before boarding.
Can I get in the water with Great Whites on this trip?
No. This is a surface-observation trip; if you want to be in the water with Great Whites, operators recommend trips to Guadalupe.
What about cold, wind, or spray?
Boats exceed 20 mph and wind can bring a chill—dress in layers and bring warm clothing. The operator has spray-proof jackets available for guests.
Is parking available?
Plan to pay for parking at the departure location.