FAQs

Per the latest CA state guidance, as of March 1, 2022 passengers are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccine status, though masks are optional and encouraged. If any of the local or statewide Covid restrictions (that may impact your charter) change between now and your sail time, we will notify you via email.

Our sails depart at the time specified on your reservation, which is listed in your confirmation email. For example, if you purchase tickets for a 6:30 PM Sunset Sail, the sail will depart at 6:30 PM sharp. Please arrive at our check-in office (located at 275 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 and in front of N Dock) for check-in 30 minutes prior to departure. You must check-in and receive a boarding pass before you board the catamaran. Passengers will begin boarding 15 minutes prior to the sail from L Dock. We strongly encourage arriving to the Santa Cruz Harbor 45 minutes prior to departure to secure parking.

The Team O’Neill catamaran is stationed at L Dock, on the southeast side of the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. Please check in at our office located about 100 feet from L Dock and in front of N Dock at 275 Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

Please arrive at the Santa Cruz Harbor at least 45 minutes prior to your departure time (check-in begins 30 minutes prior to departure) to secure parking and make your way to our office to check in. During the summertime and holidays, please give yourself additional time to park, and you may consider dropping off others in your group at our check-in office prior to parking if they have difficulty walking.

There are several parking options:

Northeast Harbor Parking Lot – Accessed via the Brommer St. and 7th Ave. entrance

• We highly recommend parking in the Northeast Harbor parking lot, as there is generally much more available “Visitor” parking there depending on the time and day compared to the Southeast Harbor parking lot which can often be full and congested,. However, please give yourself extra time to walk from the North Harbor (about 15-20 minutes extra prior to check-in time ) to the OYC Check-In Office in the Southeast Harbor.

• Hourly metered “Visitor” parking spots are located by the Northeast Harbor lot. Meters are coin-operated and the rate is $2.00/hour.

• All-Day ($20.00/day) parking permits may be purchased at the pay station (credit card and cash only). If you purchase an All-Day Parking Permit, you may park in a “Visitor” space and must display the permit visibly on your dashboard.

Southeast Harbor Parking Lot (closest to L Dock and the OYC Check-in Office)

• Hourly metered “Visitor” parking spots are located by the Southeast boat launch ramp lot (near L Dock). Meters are coin-operated and the rate is $2.00/hour.

• Hourly Parking Permits ($2.00/hour) are available for purchase at the pay station nearest to Johnny’s Harborside restaurant. You can get your parking permit here, display it visibly on your dashboard, and park in a “Visitor” or long car + trailer space in the Southeast lot close to the OYC Check-in Office.

• All-Day Parking Permits ($20.00/day) are available for purchase at the pay stations by O Dock and at the Southeast boat launch ramp, as well as in the Harbormaster office. If you purchase an All-Day Parking Permit, you may park in a “Visitor” or long car + trailer space in the southeast lot and must display the permit visibly on your dashboard.

Lake Avenue/5th Avenue Parking

• Street parking along the one-way sections of Lake Avenue and 5th Avenue is free through 2022 and permits are not required.

All parking prices are not determined by O’Neill Yacht Charters and are subject to change without notice.

The Team O’Neill‘s maximum capacity is 49 passengers (including infants), plus captain and crew.

Yes, we do carry a sufficient number of jackets for all passengers. We only require that children 12 and younger wear one during the sail. When you book tickets for your children, please be sure to list their ages so we can have the appropriate sizes out and ready for them.

Keep in mind that it is often windy and cooler on the water and dressing in layers is recommended. We always suggest bringing an extra jacket, sweater or sweatshirt. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also important, as the sun can be intense as it is reflected off the water. No high-heels, wedges, or boots are allowed, so please wear flat, non-scuffing shoes. You may wish to bring binoculars and a camera along.

You may bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages aboard any of our public sails. No BYOB. We also have a beverage bar aboard where we sell a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks. Both cash and credit are accepted at the bar.

Yes, the “head” is fully functional, complete with all the amenities of a standard restroom.

We suggest that you monitor the weather forecast a day or so prior to your sail and wear appropriate clothing. Keep in mind that fog, cool weather, or light mist won’t keep us from sailing. Your safety is paramount to us and we will not sail in unsafe conditions. If the sail needs to be cancelled due to unsafe weather or sailing conditions, we will notify you immediately and up to 1 hour prior to our departure time.

Pregnant women should have no problem enjoying the sail. Our 65′ catamaran offers a smooth, stable and comfortable sailing experience. Guests are also welcome to relax in our covered cabin, which is a great way to take a break from the sun and wind.

Unfortunately the boat is not wheelchair accessible. If you have limited mobility but can leave your wheelchair behind and be helped onto the boat, you are more than welcome to attend. Remember that the restroom on board is not handicapped accessible so you may need assistance.

Although we love animals, the only ones we will see are the ones we spot out on the bay. No pets are allowed aboard.

No. Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the catamaran at any time.

Yes. You and everyone in your group must sign a waiver prior to boarding the catamaran. The link to your electronic waiver can be found in your confirmation email. Paper copies of the waiver are also available in our check-in office, but we highly advise you and your group completing your waiver ahead of time to speed up your check-in process.

You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund with at least 72 hours notice before your sail time via phone or email. Cancellations made 24-72 hours ahead of time will only be eligible for a reschedule to another sail in the same year’s season (depending on availability). Cancellations made within 24 hours and/or no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. If O’Neill Yacht Charters cancels a sail due to poor weather conditions or any other unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded in full.

No, passengers are not permitted to scatter ashes during any of our public sailing tours. If you’d like to scatter ashes, we’d be happy to book a private memorial sail for you and your loved ones. Please contact us directly for more details.

Absolutely! We love working one-on-one with you to create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Private charters are wonderful for corporate off-sites, birthdays, weddings, reunions, parties and memorials-at-sea. Give us a call or send us an email to inquire about availability and pricing.

Yes. Your crew works hard for you and appreciates any cash gratuities you leave them. Tips may placed in the treasure chest by the captain’s wheel as you exit the boat. All tips are split evenly amongst the crew on the charter. Please note that on private charters only, gratuity for the crew is added to your reservation.