We're located at "A" Dock in Moss Landing Harbor. Here you see the dock (we meet you at this gate). Please don't block the sidewalk or gate.
We ask that you not bring strollers on the boats. Car seats are preferable. Also, no glass, coolers or alcohol may be brought aboard. However, beer and wine are available on Sanctuary
How to get to Moss Landing Harbor:
Moss Landing is halfway around the Monterey Bay between Santa Cruz and Monterey. It is a fantastic little community of antique shops, eclectic restaurants and galleries. Look below directions for more on this community.
Get on Highway One southbound from Santa Cruz or northbound from Monterey and go until you are just about a block south of the natural gas powered power plant at Moss Landing. It has two tall smokestacks that are visible for miles from every direction, as seen here with orcas.
The Whole Enchilada Restaurant is on the water side of the highway.
Turn toward the water just north of the restaurant onto Moss Landing Road and go 1 block. Take a right onto Sandholdt Road. Moss Landing RV Park is to the right. Pass it and take the next right, into the harbor. (You'll see a single lane bridge ahead but won't cross it.)
We are located at "A" Dock, which is the first dock on the left. We meet you at this gate 15 minutes before the cruise on weekdays and 30 minutes before the cruise on weekends. Please don't block the gate.
Parking: You may park in the harbor lot which is very close to the boat; disabled parking is the closest. A 4-hour parking permit will cost you only $3. They're available either from the machine in front of the harbormaster's office, which is located farther in the parking lot (at the base of the flag pole), or just across the parking lot from our dock. An ATM is inside the harbormaster's office as well.
From 101: Take 156 West from 101. Go through the town of Castroville ("Artichoke Capital of the World") to reach Highway One northbound. Signs clearly mark the way. Then follow the directions above.
Tour Moss Landing:
Our little community of antique shops, book stores, jewelry galleries and more has grown with the addition of Nido, a new and very interesting shop just across from the RV park. Gretchen owns it; check it out!
Kayak Elkhorn Slough: Monterey Bay Kayaks has a location here. They rent kayaks, lead wonderful tours and they sell kayaks and gear. 831.373-5357
Moss Landing RV Park: New for 2006: Whale Watching Package with Sanctuary Cruises available. Moss Landing RV Park has become a favorite with our passengers. It is run by really nice people and is superbly maintained. Located right next to us in Moss Landing, Moss Landing RV Park is within walking distance of our dock, all of the shops, restaurants, cafes and the beach. Drive in, set up and you don't have to drive again until it's time to go home. Check their web site out: Moss Landing RV Park
Captain's Inn B&B: Whale Watching Package with Sanctuary Cruises available. This is Moss Landing's only inn and it's a beauty. The main building is the former location of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. Built in 1906, it has been restored with care. It features a coastal, nautical décor including antiques, original redwood molding and chandeliers. There is a charming salon with fireplace as well as a cozy library and game area. All rooms have private baths and many have fireplaces.
The new rooms in the Boat House face the river and you can watch egrets, heron, harbor seals and more from them. They have tubs for two with a grand view that is as perfect a place to share a bottle of wine as we can think of. Generous breakfasts and snacks are included. Rooms range from $110.00 to $215.00. You can call for reservations: (831) 633-5550 or visit their web site at: Captain's Inn
Good Food:
Phil's Fish Market and Eatery is an institution in its own right. Phil's is located over the bridge past Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute on Sandholdt Road.
For coastal Mexican cuisine: The Whole Enchilada Restaurant on Highway One serves upscale coastal Mexican cuisine by chef Luis Solano. Luis has catered several events for us, providing creative, beautiful dishes.
Just past The Whole Enchilada is Phil's Snack Shack, a great little deli and juice bar with things like sandwiches and fresh wheat grass juice.
The Haute Enchilada is across from the entrance to Moss Landing Harbor. This folk art gallery/cafe/espresso shop and garden defines eclectic.
This is a nice place to hang out by the wood fire while waiting for our cruise.
Moss Landing Cafe serves breakfast from 6:30 a.m. You'll find it at the intersection of Highway One and Moss Landing Road about 1/2 mile south of the intersection for The Whole Enchilada. They feature Castroville artichoke omelettes, big breakfasts and lunches.
Fresh Fish & Crab: If you'd like to buy some fresh fish or Dungeness crab while you're here, call fishing vessel Beticia and see what's in season. Summer is good for wild King Salmon (the only kind to eat) and halibut, as well as live prawns caught in traps. Winter is good for Dungeness crab. 831.238.7013 or 831.229.7373. Dempsey and Vicki fish Beticia and sell their catch next to us on A Dock. They'll put it in plastic bags with ice for your drive home.
Or you can try some fishing while you're here. Tom's Sportfishing is a very good charter company and next to us at "A" Dock. This company is a lot like Sanctuary Cruises. They concentrate on the quality of the experience. Scott is the captain and his boat is clean and well-maintained. His passenger load is limited so there is no crowding. Scott's friendly, curteous and highly skilled. You can call Carol to make reservations at 831.633.2564 or check them out on the web at: Tom's Sportfishing
We're located at "A" Dock in Moss Landing Harbor. Here you see the dock (we meet you at this gate). Please don't block the sidewalk or gate.
Sanctuary Cruises is wheelchair accessible.