Set Sail in SLO CAL: Your Guide to Boating on the Central Coast

Craving laidback luxury on the water? Step aboard one of SLO CAL's elegant chartered seafaring vessels and let the capable crew take the helm. Sip local wine as you gently sway across the open ocean or indulge in a decadent brunch or dinner cruise with Chablis Cruises, perfect for special occasions or romantic getaways. Toast the Coast offers another enticing option: sunset cruises and wine tasting tours aboard a luxurious yacht, providing a unique way to experience the coastal beauty of SLO CAL.

For couples seeking romance, few experiences top a colorful SLO CAL sunset viewed from the tranquil vantage point of your own private pontoon boat or sleek catamaran. And if you're considering an unforgettable event at sea, Onboard Nautical Events offers unique experiences aboard the Papagallo II yacht, perfect for ocean weddings, birthdays and parties.

Trade the ocean's waves for the calm stillness of SLO CAL lakes. Imagine floating effortlessly across a quiet lake with only the serenade of songbirds breaking the silence. Lopez Lake Marina, Lake Nacimiento Resort or Santa Margarita Lake Marina Store all offer lake boating rentals and provide a great starting point for your next lake adventure.

Embrace a little thrill: rent a powerboat, jet ski or party barge from one of these marinas and kick-start a fun-filled afternoon on the water. Challenge your friends to a wakeboarding competition, let loose with a thrilling tube ride across pristine waters or simply soak up the peacefulness of a lazy lake cruise.

Visitors seeking an up-close whale encounter are sure to enjoy SLO CAL’s celebrated whale watching tours. Enjoy the spray of the ocean as you witness a majestic Humpback giant breaching just yards from your chartered vessel, its massive tail poised in a salty salute!

Morro Bay Whale Watching, Avila Beach Whale Watching and Virg's Landing offer guided whale watching boat tours promising an eyeful, especially during whale watching season.

Tip: Whale watching in SLO CAL is best from April-November for Humpback sightings and January-March for Gray Whale sightings. With expert naturalists on-hand to answer questions and provide helpful whale watching tips, finding your whale in SLO CAL is easier than ever.

Does reeling in the catch of the day get your heart racing? SLO CAL is an angler's paradise, offering countless opportunities to drop a line, whether fishing for rockfish, lingcod or perch. Embark on a deep-sea fishing charter with Patriot Sportfishing out of Avila Beach, where sunny days are plentiful and the water teems with life. Meanwhile, Central Coast Fishing Charters boasts seasoned captains who know the secret spots for a successful outing.

True ocean enthusiasts can combine their love of fishing with breathtaking marine life encounters on a Morro Bay Landing charter, offering both fishing and whale watching tours. Whether you seek a half day fishing adventure or a longer trip, SLO CAL is ready to help you reel in the big one. And if after a day on the water, you can't wait to taste local seafood, check out the abundance of restaurants in SLO CAL serving the freshest catch around!

Stop dreaming and set sail! SLO CAL's stunning coastline sets the stage for incredible days on the water under the banner of sun-dappled sailcloth. Maya Sailing Adventures can make this dream a reality with diverse sailing excursions along SLO CAL’s pristine waters.

Want to feel the wind in your hair, but never sailed before? Choose from private sailing charters for an intimate experience or join a group outing and make new friends while soaking up the maritime scenery.

Feeling adventurous? Central Coast Sailing offers sailing lessons and rentals, equipping anyone with the skills to captain their own journey—or simply providing the perfect vessel for a day of windswept bliss.

Experience the magic of Morro Bay like never before with Lost Isle Adventures Tiki Boat. Hop aboard this festive palm thatch-roofed vessel and keep your eyes peeled for playful otters, seabirds and sea lions. Whether joining a public tour or chartering a private adventure, this is the perfect way to view stunning Morro Rock, tiki drink in hand. Yes, a full bar makes this colorful experience exceptional to the last drop!

Visitors can also enjoy the romance of Venice, Italy with Central Coast Gondola Service’s exclusive Venetian cruises. The sunset package offers a dreamy private gondola ride guided by a dedicated gondolier through tranquil waters, complete with cozy blankets, plastic cups and an ice bucket. For a more elevated gondola experience, ask about the luxurious, two-hour Elegant Dinner Cruise, featuring a three-course gourmet meal from Kicker's Seafood Restaurant, fine wine and breathtaking views to match.

Find serenity with a variety of kayaking opportunities in SLO CAL. After all, SLO CAL's calm bays, hidden coves and estuary habitat are a paddler's paradise!

Glide across glassy waters by kayak or paddleboard with help from A Kayak Shack, Avila Beach Paddlesports, Central Coast Kayaks, Estero Adventures, Morro Bay Paddlesports or Rock Kayak Co. Keep your eyes peeled for playful otters and sunbathing seals as you travel through each breathtaking ecosystem.

With plenty of friendly rental shops offering gear, tours and expert guidance for all experience levels - newbies can hit the water with confidence too. Central Coast Outdoors even offers a magical full-moon kayak tour, where visitors can enjoy the ethereal, rippling glow of the water at sundown.