Whale Watching in Berkeley, California

Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle is located in Half Moon Bay, California, approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. Established as a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, the business offers extensive experience and expertise in sportfishing along the Northern California coast. It is uniquely positioned as the exclusive booking agent for the Queen of Hearts, a Coast Guard licensed and well-maintained charterboat with a strong safety record and over 25 years of service. The shop provides comprehensive fishing supplies, including fresh bait, tackle, and licenses, supported by knowledgeable staff familiar with local species such as salmon, rockfish, and Dungeness crab. The business specializes in charterboat trips aboard the Queen of Hearts, which offers rockfishing, salmon fishing, albacore excursions, and crab combo trips depending on the season and ocean conditions. Customers range from casual anglers to experienced fishermen seeking a productive and safe fishing experience on the Pacific Ocean. The shop also caters to shore and private boat anglers with gear, bait, and licenses available for purchase, including a 24/7 frozen bait vending machine for convenience. Overall, the experience emphasizes quality equipment, expert guidance, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds off the California coast.

Riptide Charters is a well-established fishing and marine adventure company based in Half Moon Bay, California, serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Located at Pillar Point Harbor, just south of San Francisco, the business offers a unique coastal experience with over 39 years of local fishing expertise led by Captain William Smith, a licensed captain with four decades of experience. The company operates the 40-foot fiberglass vessel Riptide, equipped with modern electronics and a turbo diesel engine, ensuring safe and comfortable trips on the Pacific Ocean. Its prime location and seasoned crew provide guests with access to some of the best sport fishing and whale watching opportunities along the California coast. The charter offers a variety of activities including deep sea fishing, whale watching, and ashes scattering services, catering to both individuals and groups. Seasonal fishing options include salmon, bluefin tuna, albacore tuna, and shallow water fishing, with customized trips available to meet specific needs. Whale watching excursions allow guests to observe migrating gray whales and humpbacks in their natural habitat, creating memorable wildlife encounters. The ashes scattering service provides a respectful and private way to honor loved ones at sea. With food and beverages available upon request, Riptide Charters delivers a comprehensive and engaging ocean experience for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking meaningful memorial services.

Located in Half Moon Bay, California, Mooch Better Fishing operates a 37-foot Hatteras convertible boat that accommodates up to six passengers for a variety of ocean adventures. With over 30 years of experience navigating the California coast, Captain Duane Winter leads the charters, ensuring knowledgeable and safe outings. The vessel is well-equipped with modern navigation and safety gear, including Raymarine autopilot and GPS systems, a full marine head with shower, and comfortable sleeping quarters. This combination of expertise and equipment makes the operation stand out for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable maritime experience. Mooch Better Fishing offers a range of services including sport fishing for salmon, rock cod, and tuna, as well as crabbing, whale watching, eco-tours, birding, Mavericks wave viewing, and ash scattering. Customers can choose between open-party fishing trips or exclusive whole-boat charters, with all fishing gear and bait provided. Trips typically run from early morning to mid-afternoon, catering to both individual anglers and groups such as families, friends, or coworkers. The experience emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere where guests are treated like family, with opportunities to share stories and learn about fishing techniques while enjoying the scenic Pacific waters.

Gatecrasher Fishing Adventures, based in San Francisco, California, offers expert-guided fishing excursions led by Captains Zack and Virginia, both highly experienced and certified professionals. With US Coast Guard 100 Ton Masters licenses and partnerships with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, they combine a deep respect for conservation with advanced angling techniques. Their unique approach emphasizes sustainable fishing practices and environmental stewardship, making each trip not only a thrilling experience but also an educational one. The business is renowned for creating memorable outings that foster strong bonds among families, friends, and corporate groups alike. The company provides a diverse range of fishing adventures across iconic local waters, including the San Francisco Bay, the Delta, and the Pacific Ocean. Seasonal offerings feature opportunities to catch species such as white sturgeon, striped bass, halibut, sharks, king salmon, rock cod, ling cod, and white sea bass. Trips often include scenic views of landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as encounters with abundant wildlife including river otters, migratory birds, and whales. Whether targeting prehistoric white sturgeon in the Delta or pursuing oceanic game fish, clients experience a blend of challenging angling and natural beauty tailored to anglers of various skill levels.

Located in San Francisco, California, this sportfishing charter offers an exceptional fishing experience guided by Captain Jared Davis, who brings a lifetime of expertise to every trip. Operating from a large, fast, and comfortable 56-foot boat, the service provides access to both San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, ensuring anglers have the best opportunities to catch a variety of big gamefish. The combination of extensive local knowledge and well-equipped vessels distinguishes this charter as a premier choice for those seeking world-class salmon and other notable species. The charter specializes in a range of fishing techniques, including trolling for salmon, drifting live bait for halibut and striped bass, and targeting rockfish and lingcod near the Farallon Islands. It caters to anglers of varying experience levels who are eager to engage in productive and memorable fishing excursions. Beyond fishing, customers may also encounter diverse marine wildlife, adding an enriching dimension to the overall adventure. The operation emphasizes providing a rewarding and comfortable fishing experience tailored to both casual and serious fishermen.

Fish Invader Sportfishing is a family-run charter business operating a custom-built 2021 290 Sea Raider boat for safety and comfort, featuring a diesel heater, standup head, dinette, SiriusXM, custom lighting, and sound system. Captained by Stephanie, one of the few female 6-pack captains in the Bay Area, it offers fishing trips in the Delta, Bay, and deep sea for all ages and skill levels, targeting species like Halibut, Ling Cod, Tuna, Rockfish, Crab, and Shark. Services include team building, sightseeing, whale watching, and private charters, with everything provided except fishing license, food, and beverages.

New Captain Pete is a premier sportfishing charter boat operating as Lighthouse Charters LLC out of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, CA. The 53-foot vessel, captained by Mike Cabanas with over 9 years of experience, accommodates up to 38 anglers and features modern amenities including new eco-friendly engines, heated cabin, separate restrooms, Furuno fish finder, radar, and GPS. It offers fishing trips for salmon, rockfish, crab, halibut, lingcod, and striped bass, plus whale watching, bird watching, eco-tourism, parties, cruises, and ash scatterings at sea, with an experienced deckhand assisting on all trips.

New Rayann Sportfishing is a fishing charter business based in Sausalito, CA, operating a 50ft meticulously maintained vessel equipped with state-of-the-art fishing equipment and technology. It offers full-day trips and private charters targeting salmon, halibut, striped bass, rockfish, along with whale watching and sightseeing tours of San Francisco Bay.

Big C Charters is a premier charter service in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to providing hands-on fishing trips and excursions. The company is led by Captain Christian Cavanaugh, known for his expertise and reputation as one of the best in the region. Big C Charters offers personalized service, expert fishing guidance, and a high catch rate, ensuring a safe, fun, and memorable adventure for all passengers. Their 55-foot catamaran provides a fast and stable experience, suitable for fishing, whale watching, or simply cruising the bay.

Pacific Pearl Charters is the premier fishing, tours, and excursions charter company in the San Francisco Bay Area, operating two fully equipped commercial vessels: the Pacific Pearl (50' Delta Marine, CG certified for up to 35 passengers, usually limited to 12 for salmon trips) and Play’n Hooky (41' x 13' Canoe Cove, capacity 6 guests). They specialize in sportfishing for Salmon, Halibut, Rockcod, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, as well as eco-tours, research projects, whale watching, evening cruises, fireworks viewing, ash scatterings, and other events. Both vessels feature modern electronics, comfortable cabins, and high-speed capabilities.