Azure Seas FAQs
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- Public Cruises: up to 44 passengers (including infants and small children)
- Private Charters: up to 46 passengers (including infants and small children)
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Public Cruises
We offer light snacks for purchase at the bar. You’re welcome to bring your own individually packaged food. Booth seating is available indoors; for the outdoor decks, we recommend easy-to-eat, handheld items.Private Charters
Light snacks are available at the bar. You may also bring your own food aboard at no extra charge. If you’d prefer catering, we’re happy to recommend trusted local partners familiar with our setup.
Please note: All food must arrive ready to serve on platters. Catering that requires setup, breakdown, or heat sources is not permitted. -
Public Cruises
Enjoy our full bar, featuring local Santa Barbara wines, craft beer selection, and a full cocktail menu as well as chips, snacks and candy. We accept credit & debit cards only, no cash. 21+ with valid hard copy ID. Outside alcohol is not permitted.Private Charters
We have a full bar onboard. You can choose between a hosted bar (where you cover the tab) or a no-host bar (where guests pay for their own drinks). Our bar menu includes a selection of cocktails, local wine & beer, as well as many non-alcoholic options. We accept debit and credit cards only (no cash). All guests must be 21+ (exceptions made for family events). Outside alcohol is not permitted. -
Public Cruises
CLICK HERE to book online. Tickets are required for guests of all ages, including infants and small children.Private Charters
CLICK HERE to book online or call (805) 465-6676.PHONE RESERVATIONS: We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The balance will be charged 14 days before the charter date.
ONLINE BOOKINGS: Payment in full will be processed at check-out. *15% gratuity will be added for captain and crew.
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Public Cruises
Departure Location: 237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. This is a wood pier that goes out over the ocean. DO NOT go to the harborThere is limited paid parking available on the wharf and additional lots available along Cabrillo Blvd.
Plan ahead, check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure.
Boat departs on time and does not wait for those who have not checked in early.
Please note, there are no rebooking options for late arrivals, no-shows, or unused tickets.
Don’t miss the boat
Private Charters
Departure Location: 237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. This is a wood pier that goes out over the ocean. DO NOT go to the harbor
There is limited paid parking available on the wharf and additional lots available along Cabrillo Blvd.
Plan ahead, check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure.
If your group arrives late and the charter is delayed, the cruise will not be extended to make up for lost time.
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Public Cruises
Departure Location: 237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. You will be provide with boarding passes at check in (and wristbands if you are on upper deck). Then you will get in line behind with the MAIN DECK or UPPER DECK signs. Make sure that your groups lines up together. The boarding process happens quickly and we don’t wait for anyone missing fro the line (even if you have checked in)
Our public cruises depart promopty at published departure time
Private Charters
Departure Location: 237 Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. This is a wood pier that goes out over the ocean. DO NOT go to the harbor
There is limited paid parking available on the wharf and additional lots available along Cabrillo Blvd.
Plan ahead, check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure.
If your group arrives late and the charter is delayed, the cruise will not be extended to make up for lost time.
As the exclusive boat tour operator on historic Stearns Wharf, we board and disembark all guests—host included—at the same time via our private ramp for a smooth and easy experience. Walk on, walk off—effortless boarding that takes the logistics out of planning for a smooth, stress-free escape on the water.
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Public Cruises
We play a variety of music during our public cruises. Outside speakers and amplified music are not permitted
Private Charter
We play music through Spotify on speakers throughout the boat, so feel free to create a special playlist for your trip—or just ask us to throw on some yacht rock! DJ’s, lighting and outside set ups are not permitted
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Public Cruises
Refunds are not available for cancellations. However, tickets can be rescheduled if we are notified at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure. Rescheduling is not allowed for cancellations made within 48 hours of the departure time. Please note, there are no rebooking options for late arrivals, no-shows, or unused tickets. Trip protection available at checkout.
Private Charter
Refunds are available for cancellations that are made up to (2) weeks before the scheduled departure time (subject to -10% cancellation fee, online booking fees are not returned). Refunds are not available for cancellations made less than (2) weeks before the scheduled departure time. There are no refunds or rebooking for late arrival/no-show.
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Public Cruises
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Main Deck – Limited padded bench seating and comfortable standing room for up to 26 guests, with additional seating indoors on the main deck
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Upper Deck – Bench seating around the perimeter for up to 18 guests
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Indoor Salon – Cavailable to main deck & upper deck guests
Private Charters
Azure Seas features three distinct areas:
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Main Deck – Padded bench seating and comfortable standing room for up to 28 guests
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Upper Deck – Bench seating around the perimeter for up to 18 guests
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Indoor Salon – Cozy interior space with three generous booth-style tables
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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we only permit service dogs that are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.We do not allow emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals, or pets. These are not recognized as service animals under the ADA, and will not be permitted onboard under any circumstances.Our cruises operate in dynamic marine conditions. Due to the physical nature of marine boarding and for the safety of all guests and crew, boarding requirements for service animals apply:
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All service dogs must be trained and acclimated to boat travel and must be able to walk onto the vessel unassisted.
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Service animals may not be carried or transported in bags, strollers, or held during boarding.
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This policy ensures that animals are physically capable and properly trained to safely navigate the boarding process and vessel environment.
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Animals that cannot independently board the boat are considered unfit for the conditions of marine transport and will not be permitted onboard.
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Animals must be under control at all times. Barking, whining, lunging, or inability to remain calm will result in immediate denial of boarding.
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If an animal shows signs of distress, lack of control, or creates a safety concern, we reserve the right to deny boarding or require removal from the vessel without refund.
We appreciate your understanding and full cooperation in adhering to this policy; which exists to maintain the safety and integrity of our operations, and to show respect for trained service dogs and their handlers. -
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We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with your experience, we will refund your money, less booking fees, and a 10% cancellation charge. If we have to cancel a trip due to weather or any other reason, we will refund 100% of your purchase price. If you cancel a public cruise less than 48 hours before departure no refunds will be issued. There are no refunds or rebookings for no-shows.
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We offer a variety of public cruises:
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Coastal Cruise – 1 hour
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Whale & Wildlife Cruise – 2 hours
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Discover Santa Barbara Cruise – 1.5 hours
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Sunset Cruise – 1.5 hours
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Private Charters
Private charters are available in durations of 1 to 3 hours or more, depending on your needs.We find that 1.5 to 2 hours is the ideal amount of time for most private events, allowing for a full experience without feeling rushed.
Note: 1-hour private charters are only available as the first cruise of the day, subject to availability.
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Although California state law allows for the use of medical and recreational cannabis, all boats operate in federal waters, where cannabis remains strictly illegal.
No cannabis or illegal drugs of any kind are permitted onboard—this includes prescription cannabis, edibles, vapes, oils, or any THC-containing product. This is non-negotiable and applies to all guests, regardless of local medical authorizations.
Maritime operations are governed by U.S. Coast Guard regulations. These regulations are federally enforced, and violation of them can result in serious consequences for both the guest and the vessel operator, including citations, fines, and revocation of the vessel’s license to operate.
In addition:
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Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on board, including electronic cigarettes, cigars, cannabis, or tobacco.
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This policy is in place to protect the health and comfort of all guests and crew, and to maintain a safe environment on a vessel where fuel, electrical equipment, and wind exposure increase fire risk.
Maritime safety is our top priority. We thank you for understanding and adhering to these rules, which are essential to keeping all passengers, crew, and vessels in compliance with the law and safe on the water.
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Public Cruises
Due to various ramps, stairs, and thresholds, our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices, including canes, walkers, crutches, orthopedic boots, or braces.Because boarding occurs from an open-ocean pier (Stearns Wharf), we are unable to board passengers who require assistance from others or any special equipment. All guests must be able to walk independently using strong, wide, unassisted steps. Safety is our highest priority.
This is non-negotiable. Please share this information with every person in your party and check in with them again before your cruise to confirm that their mobility has not changed.
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Private Charters
Due to various ramps, stairs, and thresholds, our boats do not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility assistance devices, including canes, walkers, crutches, orthopedic boots, or braces.Boarding from Stearns Wharf requires navigating open-ocean conditions. We are unable to board guests who need assistance or specialized equipment. All guests must be able to walk independently using strong, wide, unassisted steps. Safety is our highest priority.
This is non-negotiable. Please ensure that every guest is aware of this policy and re-confirm with them prior to your charter date.