Bella on the Bay Monterey

If you are looking for a personalized Monterey Bay wildlife tour I’d highly recommend Captain Christian. My family took the two hour sail into the bay and we weren’t disappointed. Your group will have the whole ship to yourselves, you can move around and enjoy the weather and scenery. While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, Christian worked hard to make it happen. We were lucky enough to spot a humpback and Christian spent time to follow the whale so we’d get a great view. On the way in and out of the harbor we were able to see sea lions, otters and other various wildlife up close.

I had been wanting to go on a sail boat for months since staying in Big Sur and Captain Christian made it the best experience ever! My boyfriend, my family that came into town and I did the 2 hour tour. It was so worth it! We saw sea otters, a whale, and sea lions! It was so peaceful and Christian made us all feel so welcome and comfortable. I will definitely recommend this to my friends in Big Sur. Thank you so much Christian it was the perfect time and memorable for sure!

My husband and I just had the best date of our lives aboard a private sail with Bella Monterey Bay, and we’re still speechless! From start to finish, it was pure magic. We were out on the water for 3 hours, but it flew by because we were having such an incredible time. The weather was absolutely perfect, the ocean was calm, and the wildlife sightings were unreal — we saw over 20 whales, plus sea lions and adorable sea otters! It felt like something out of a dream. A day of love, salty air, and celebration! Captain Christian was amazing – so kind, knowledgeable, and laid-back. He let us play our own music, enjoy cold drinks and snacks, and even customize our route. Both my husband and I usually get seasick, but the sail was so smooth and comfortable that neither of us felt the slightest bit sick — a huge plus! The boat itself is gorgeous: spacious, clean, and cozy. Whether you’re planning a romantic date for two or a small group outing (it accommodates up to 6), I can’t recommend this enough — especially for anyone in the Bay Area looking for a unique and relaxing getaway. We left with our hearts full, smiles on our faces, and memories we’ll never forget.

Sailing with Christian was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur!! Of all the activities we planned, this experience stood out the most. From the moment we booked with Christian, we knew we were in for an unforgettable day… Christian is warm, friendly, and a true expert in sailing. His boat is stunning & spacious. His knowledge of the area reflects his years of experience, and it’s clear he knows the Bay like the back of his hand. He navigated the waters to ensure we had the best experience possible, keeping us in the sun & warning us when to expect a little bit of colder wind - he accommodated us with warm blankets & cups for our champagne! He made us feel completely safe throughout. We were blessed enough to spot a few whales, which made the views even more exciting. We were celebrating my boyfriend’s 30th birthday, so we had an impromptu photo shoot. Christian captured beautiful photos of us that we cherish! All in all, He went above and beyond to make us comfortable and even teaching us a bit about sailing—a dream for both of us. He allowed us to connect our playlist to the speakers, or choose one on his Spotify, and enjoy. While he gave us plenty of private time to soak in the breathtaking scenery, we also loved chatting with him and hearing about his life during the tailend of the trip. This was an incredible experience, and we can’t wait to sail with Christian again when we’re back in the area. Don’t hesitate to book this adventure—you won’t regret it!

My family made a quick trip to California from North Carolina to catch the final show of the Dead & Co tour in San Francisco in the summer of 2023, and my wife booked an afternoon charter with Christian for one of our last days there. That afternoon on the bay with Christian inspired a love of sailing for me that I am still working on cultivating back home - did ASA 101 certification last summer and plan to do 103 this year - which is something I expect will be with me for life. Christian was an incredible host, took great care of us and our 3 kids, and went out of his way to get us out to see some humpback whales playing in the ocean for about a half hour while we just watched in awe. That afternoon off the coast of Monterey was a highlight of my life. Thank you Christian. I'm going to hit you up if I find myself out on the open seas in a few years and I'll buy you a beer.

Had the BEST time with Captain Christian on his beautiful boat! We went for my 22nd birthday and from start to finish, Captain was so incredibly kind and fun— we weren’t sure what exactly to expect because we knew the Captain would make or break a private sail, but Captain’s vibrant and happy energy from the moment we exchanged words with him made us feel so relaxed and comfortable! The sail itself was so smooth and beautiful and we all had only good things to say when we got off the boat. Even my parents who didn’t sail with us loved him!! If I were to do this again, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Captain Christian. Thank you for an amazing 2 hours!

In short: Captain Christian is the best. Period. If you are in the area or on vacation elsewhere in Califonia, this is definitely an experience you want to live. My girlfriend and I spent 4 hours with Cap Christian on his beautiful sailboat and these memories will remain forever etched in our memories: Christian is simply extraordinary and his hospitality and kindness are unique. If you want to enjoy a wonderful time on the ocean and have the opportunity to see whales, do it with Christian and Bella On The Bay, not with other big boats filled with tourists… it's better for you and it's better for whales!