Thank you @seaspiritsantacruz for another amazing day out at sea! It was amazing to see these…read morebeautiful whales in their natural habitat. We also observed seals, sea lions, jellyfish, sunfish, birds, and more. I highly recommend @seaspiritsantacruz for your sea adventures. Our female captain and female deckhand host were gracious, informative, and wonderful. They provide blankets if needed. Bring cash to purchase the snacks, soda, beer, or wine on board and of course to tip the staff. . . . . . . . . #seaspiritsantacruz #santacruz #thingstodoinsantacruz #awesomeadventure #whalewatching #sealife #funtimes #femalecaptain #femaledeckhand

Update: got a phone call from the owner Raina...I should say 2 and the last one she stated she will…read morecontinue to call me until she gets a person... when I did call back and instead of hello there it was a well... not so politely.. her response is below... which honestly I agreed to change my star but no compensation nor a really good apology... it was more I want to destroy a small company and their family etc hmmmm why would I want to destroy a small company if I own one myself... 1st... never did I dish the Captain or the assistance Darcy so your response is so bogus. 2nd commonsense, I never expected your team to pull a shark out of a hat... so ridiculous to even say that and that was not my purpose of the 1 Star like I explained to you... it was you advertise to go to a certain place and that I called and ask and stated which time frame I should go because I wanted to visit the Shark Park of course if the weather permits it.. not that I expected your crew to make Make miracles. 3rd why would I call the company if it was the first place I called to ask for their advise she told me to take the mid-morning and later I find out it was the owner (Raina) whom I spoke with. Now she is saying it's the mid day but what's funny on there website for mid-day states "IF the sun permits we will go to the shark park"... I'm posting a pic of their mid-day only to show what is now being recommended after the fact I took the tour.. Word of advice Raina as a owner of a small business myself.. you don't fight with a costumer and blame the costumer like you were doing it with me... you make it right... I get some negative remarks but I don't count the mins they talk.. I listen and wait until their done... I use their feed back to improve or make changes and be apologetic. I even ask my clients for their opinion how can i improve myself and my company. Trust me it changes the whole conversation and at the end we are both happy and they call me again for my business and without me asking they change my rating.. it's what you call communication and not act unprofessional. THE ONE STAR REMARK DID NOT GO TO THE CREW.. I WILL GIVE THEM 100 STARS...THE ONE STAR WENT DIRECTLY TO THE PERSON WHO HELPED ME OVER THE PHONE... WHO GAVE ME FALSE INFORMATION AND FALSE ADVERTISEMENT WHICH LATER YOU YOURSELF TOLD ME IT WAS YOU... that's were my 1 Star goes to... *****Really bummed with this company... Sea Spirt ocean Safari is the name of the company... they are a new company the crew was nice but false advertisement.. I just took a 3 tour with them.. let me just say if you just want to go see Whales, Seals, Sea Otters and stand still for about 20 mins and let them slowly explain about the otters and to see some brown sea weed looking thing just to kill time then this is the company to go too. If i personally wanted to go see this... then I would have gone to the regular Company I normally will go to... or selected a company closer to my area... like Im San Francisco pier 39.. they offer all this... The reason why I selected this company was because it advertised the Great White Shark... and i was told by one of their employees...if i would take the morning trip you get to go to the Shark Park and see Great White sharks... if you selected the 1pm then it was a 50/50 chance of going...well I got played... I drove two hours just so I can see some Great White Sharks and that never happened... when asked if we were going....the assistance said no because we spend to much time seeing whales... like wth really...so why advertise it... So the rest of ride I was hella bummed because I was so excited to go to the shark park.. What an "Ocean Safari" tour it was.... Don't get me wrong I love whale watching, sea Otters etc but when a company advertise something and doesn't complete it well its false advertisement on their website to the people answering the phones... I know I'm not the only one.. there was also a group of 6 that showed up and they were bummed too.. who knows how many more people where bummed... the funny part of it all is that they decided to take us out again to see a whale one last time lol but we have no time to see a shark... I would have understood if it was a weather issue but it wasn't I gave 1* not because of the crew but because I had to otherwise I couldn't post..

A coworker of mine was surfing for plane tickets to Asia for the winter and the tickets were a lot…read more Her sister recommended she visit a travel agent she knew of in Chinatown. She went and she was able to find a sweet deal that saved her $600 off the lowest ticket price she was finding online! The prices that were the lowest were still expensive to me and those had crappy layover hours on the East Coast meaning I'd have to check into a hotel for the night and get up at dark o'clock to leave for the west coast at like 5am. Anyway, after my coworker's experience, she recommended to try a travel agent and see if they could get a better price. I had nothing to lose. I tried to find some local agents, but the online sites I found were kinda sketchy. They looked like they made their site via GeoCities. I contacted one that had great yelp reviews and I took it was a bad sign when the lady on the phone wanted to know what country Iceland was in. NEXT! After some searching, I figured I'd try my old stomping grounds and try my old county of Santa Cruz. Lo and behold, I came across Santa Cruz Travel. Their site seemed legit so I sent an email to get a quote. I called the next day and they said they didn't receive my email, but took down the information regarding my trip. Debra took my information and said she'd start doing some research and give me a call back with her findings. She called me back and left a voicemail as I was already off work and in a dr. appointment. She said she was able to find a good rate and since she was out the next day, she would pass on my information to Diana who I could call to discuss her findings. I called the next day, spoke to Diana and sadly the rate was no longer available. However, Diana found an even better rate! Yippie! She sent me a release form for my credit card and such to fill out. Though in the time it took to get my information and other details for my friend (Hazel G.), when she went to issue the ticket, the awesome rate was gone! Noooooooooooooooooooooo! I was so bummed!!! She tried her best to play around with the dates and even see if the rates were better if she bought the tickets separately for each flight, but sadly, the rates were what I would pay if I was getting them on Travelocity. She assured me that the rates were always changing and I could check in with them to see what the rates were again. Thank goodness the trip wasn't for several more months. Over the next week and a half, I called off and on Santa Cruz Travel to check in with Debra or Diana about the rates. They would check and sadly, they were still high. They even went through the trouble to look up rates for hotels, however they were not ones Hazel and I were looking to stay at. I called yesterday and checked in with Debra about the flight rates. She said she would check and give me a call back. She rang back a while later and luck was on my side that day (despite being home sick with allergies) because she was able to find an amazing rate! Turns out the flight she got for us saved us just over $300 of the "cheapest" flights I would have found on line. And the "cheap" flights I was finding were all forced overnights on the east coast. The flights they found us would have cost us a whole lot more if I had bought them online. I said "Yes, let's book it!!!!" And she did. We also bought cancellation insurance was was next to nothing. Debra emailed me the breakdown of the charges and our e-tickets and insurance information. Ta da! All was said and done! It sometimes pays to be patient. Hazel and I are now set with our flights to Reykjavik at a killer rate courtesy of Debra and Diana at Santa Cruz Travel! Both were super nice and patienr with me, especially when I had them look at hotels and then deciding not to go with the deals they found. Plus calling them every couple days and say "Hi, just checking in to see what the rates are ..." and then declining. All I gotta say it was worth the wait. The staff is super patience and very helpful and do their best to get you the best rate they can. They definitely didn't pressure me into agreeing to any rates that I wasn't 100% happy with. Plus, they call you back. They return your calls the same day which is a big big plus in my book. Either way, I'm happy as a clam about my first real international vacation. I'll be checking in with them now every time I need to book a flight. Hopefully by then I will have racked up some actual frequent flier miles that I could apply to future trips. Thanks Debra and Diana!!

I had a trip on hold with American Airlines that I couldn't complete online - for reasons unknown…read moreit said I had to call them to complete. I tried calling over and over for 3 days, every time the line was too busy and it hung up on me. My time was running out, so I thought maybe a travel agent would have some secret sauce they could use. Santa Cruz travel had the best looking website by far. I called and talked to Debra. She managed to sort it with a phone call (on special travel agent number) out so I could finish it online. So easy! Debra, you are a hero and a delight. I don't know why I've been trying to book my own travel - I'll be coming to you in the future!

I can't say enough about this place!…read more Mary our hostess was so nice welcoming and helpful. She made us feel like we were staying at a friend's house. Our room had an incredible view. I can't believe the description was a partial view. It definitely was more than a partial view. We had a soaking tub with whirlpool jets. A king size bed and a fireplace. A miniature refrigerator, and bathrobes to use while we were there. They have a wine and cheese hour from 4:30-5:30 every evening and it also had chocolate chip cookies and veggie tray. The breakfast in the morning was so delicious with an assortment of breads, homemade granola and muesli, fresh fruit, quiche and fresh baked cake (lemon, banana, and blueberry were the flavors the days we stayed). The location is walking distance to the pier, boardwalk, and downtown. Depending on how far you like walking we walked to Natural Bridge State Park and it was 2.7 miles. The view along the way is spectacular

Five stars. No question... Five stars. After years of being disappointed with accommodations in…read moreSanta Cruz, I stumbled on West Cliff Inn when planning a roadtrip getaway for a night. When I scanned their website I immediately thought I was mistakenly looking at an inn in Mendocino. But nope... right on the edge of West Cliff Drive and just above the boardwalk, this restored Victorian is an oasis of peace, grace, and refined luxury in Lost Boys-land. You can't miss this restored white Italian Revival beauty with a commanding view of the Giant Dipper and the neon glitz of the Beach Boardwalk. Once inside you'll be struck by the high ceilings and windows, clean lines, tasteful color palettes, and spotless housekeeping. We stayed in the ADA room on the ground floor, but I still walked to the top of the stairs just to see the stained glass dome over the ceiling over the stairway. Stunning! The room was not enormous but it was efficient and comfortable and met my mobility needs. Loved the walk in shower with a shower chair. Body wash and shampoo/conditioner are all provided and smelled great. The gas fireplace in the room was welcome as it was still chilly in April. As for hospitality, checking in was quick and friendly. The front desk clerk at check-in was courteous and all smiles. Check-out front desk attendant wasn't the warmest, but nothing that would put me off a return. We enjoyed the complimentary wine and cheese/cracker hour at 430pm and the hot breakfast buffet in the morning was delicious and filling. We had it arranged in advance for in room dining and it was great! If I were to drum up a single critique of this visit it would be that the parking area is tight and requires some care to navigate. There are enough spaces for the number of rooms but... we noticed some guests were not very mindful of the parking space lines. Will I be back? Abso-effing-lutely?

My husband and I spent 1 glorious month in Annie's Pleasure Point cottage. It was wonderful…read more Perfectly located, if you enjoy surfing or just walks along the beach. Also a great place to stay if you have a pup. Billy, our big dog, loved it here. We would have stayed longer if it was closer to hubby's work. We had everything we needed and more. Annie keeps the place super clean and cute- strings of white lights, beach zen decor, and there's a hot tub! We soaked in it almost every night. Sometimes with a spritz cocktail. Perfect for a (long or short) vacation.

I wish I could give the cottage and the lovely, wonderful owner, Annie, a million stars! Though I…read moredo not want ANYONE else to know of this amazing spot, as I am dreadfully jealous of anyone else who is not ME staying there! The cottage is a dreamy, cozy escape from reality. My husband and I spent two weeks there for our honeymoon. You could not ask for a better positioned spot- a quick walk to the beach, and a short stroll to the very cool Opal Cliff shopping area, which is brimming with spots to eat and shop. Annie also provides bicycles, so we literally were on the move the entire time. The cottage itself is ready to move in, with everything and more you could need. Very comfortable bed, lovely outdoor area, and did I mention- a HOT TUB! Annie herself is the coolest, completely non-imposing, but so open, kind and welcoming, that anything you need while you are there she happily and quickly answers and supplies. I am getting very sad writing this, as I do not know the next time we will be able to get to the cottage- you had better not be booked when I next want to go! =) Seriously, the ONLY place we will stay ever again in Santa Cruz. Can not recommend highly enough.

A great vacation at Hotel Ysuri in Sayulita. Thanks to Joanie for making it easy, great service,…read moreand well worth the affordable price.

Great help with an upcoming trip!I It's better than going online and searching a million sites and…read morestill not having a better price. Joanie offered many ideas on places to stay and options for travel. Great job!

Stayed a few nights in Cabin 9 and never had an unpleasant moment. Location is great, the cabins…read moreare quaint and comfortable, and the grounds are well-kept. Check-in was easy, the resort is quiet and restful. Practically in the state park, easy walk down to the river. A little slice of heaven, we'll definitely return. Every cabin gets a private patio with Adirondack chairs WiFi was spotty, bring a book T.V. Was limited, bring a puzzle or games Kitchen has fridge, microwave and stove/oven. Drip coffee maker, toaster. Plates, bowls, coffee mugs, glasses, silverware, pots and pans. Salt and pepper. You're not making dinner but you can definitely reheat some leftovers.

We had some minor issues the first night but everything was quickly taken care of. Nice clean…read morecabins. Great location. Hosts were very nice.

Simply wonderful. Beautiful setting, gorgeously maintained. Rustic yet clearly cared for with love,…read morehard work, and dedication. The grounds are beautiful, whether you just look out from the stately house, or if you wander on some of the trails -- maybe set for a spell on a bench. If you're looking to exhale and then breathe in amazing nature, you have found the place! The room is very comfortable, too. Our bathroom was plenty big and roomy. Loved the big bath (whirlpool, if you like). The 'full breakfast' is fantastic. Jen is a wonderful baker (a breakfast bread pudding one day; mini churros another day), and each morning we had a varied and hearty breakfast that was delicious and well-balanced. The house itself is big and inviting with hip old timey jazz pipedor more modern-day chanteuses gently piped in. Enclosed porch for reading or just relaxing. Our room had a private porch, too. So much here. So many ways to really unwind. Walking around the grounds is inspiring. I ran into Derek a time or two who was relaxed but busy on the many projects that keep him focused here. The whole place looks perfect for a wedding, or a family gathering, or even a business get-away. Or, of course, just a simple, lowkey retreat. Lovely hidden (but easy to find) gem. Can't wait to return.

Really beautiful venue for a wedding, beautiful displays on tables. (However, food: was so-so. )read more

Had a great time deep sea fishing on the 7 hour adventure leaving from Santa Cruz on Stagnaro's…read more Came with the scout troop and the staff helped for any snags, and the captain kept putting us on the fish. We all caught our limit, and really enjoyed the day. The staff also were able to clean and fillet our fish on the way back to shore to make it easier on us. Will definitely do it again.

Mind blown. No words. Amazing time with the most knowledgeable naturalists and a Captain who…read moreknows her stuff! Truly an experience I'll never forget.