Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our FAQ page to prepare for your cruise. Important policies and guidelines are also included below.
Address & Directions
Our gondola is docked at 833 Embarcadero, Morro Bay 93442.
The construction barricades have (finally!) been opened and you can meet your gondolier at the top of the gangplank. You will have a good view of the gondola below.
What should I wear?
From shorts and flip-flops to formalwear, we've seen a multitude of styles on our boats. We only ask that you remember that this is an outdoor, marine environment. We recommend jackets, sunscreen, and hats as the weather and time of day deem appropriate. We will have blankets available. Please note that the gangplank and docks can be slippery and hazardous, so be mindful before choosing to wear high heels.
Can I bring my own beverage and food?
Yes! While Central Coast Gondola has local preferred providers that can supply your cruise with local charcuterie trays hand-delivered to the boat as you arrive, you may bring your own food and beverage.
How soon should I arrive?
We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the dock. Plan to arrive dockside 10 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to relax before boarding and meet your gondolier. If you are early and don't see a boat or a gondolier, please be patient! We assure you he will be there!
What if I am running late?
Your gondolier will wait for you 45 minutes of a 60-minute cruise & 70 minutes of a 90-minute cruise. Because we book by reservation, your cruise might not be able to be extended to make up for lost time. Cruises are non-refundable, so we encourage you to come anyway to enjoy the portion of your cruise that remains.
Are your cruises only for romantic getaways?
We celebrate all types of things! We can host small business lunches, family outings, graduation celebrations, quinceañeras, and special birthdays...Call us for a consultation. We'd love to help you plan something great!
Can I bring Fido?
Yes, you may bring your dog along, although we do charge $15 per pet.
Do we have to wear life vests?
Our boats are all equipped with safety gear and life vests, and our gondolieri prioritize safety at all times. You only have to wear a life vest if you are under the age of 13.
Can children cruise with us?
Yes! We love family cruises. Per the coast guard, all children under 13 must wear a life-jacket. Children ages 3 and under are free of charge.
Will our gondolier sing?
In Venice, gondolieri rarely sing. In fact, unless they are a member of the musicians trade guild, it is actually illegal for a gondolier to sing ! Fortunately, that is not the case here in the U.S. Some of our gondoliers love to sing, and some don't. If you specifically wish to have a singing gondolier give you a romantic serenade, please make sure you let the office and your gondolier know!
Should I tip my gondolier?
In the small but thriving United States gondola service industry, it is standard practice to tip 15%-20%. Our gondolieri work hard to give you a fantastic personalized experience on the water. We appreciate your generosity.
Isn't it too cold to cruise in winter?
Most of the time, no! Morro Bay is beautiful even in the winter. The wind usually dies down after sunset and it is calm and clear. Our guests sit low in the boat, which helps keep our passengers warmer, and we do have blankets available on the boat. Dress warmly, bring a jacket, and enjoy the beauty!
Can I smoke on the boats?
Since all Venetian boats are hand-crafted of wood and other flammable materials, smoking is not permitted.
Payment Policy
We require a credit card number to make your cruise reservation. We accept all major credit cards and cash. Prices listed do not include sales tax or gratuity.
Rescheduling, Cancellation, and No-Shows
All bookings are non-refundable. We do not refund cruises, but we will do our very best to reschedule if cancellation is necessary.
Rescheduling fees:
2 weeks or less before cruise day: $35 fee for rebooking
48-24 hours before cruise time: $75 plus full cost of food or perishables ordered if they cannot be canceled.
24 hours or less before cruise time: Full charge.
No-shows will be charged full amount of cruise.
What if the weather is bad?
Wind is the biggest factor in canceling a cruise: any time the wind is 18mph or more, it may not be safe to go out.
In a gentle rain with no wind, we usually will not cancel the cruise. We have large umbrellas and blankets for our guests to use, and many wonderful gondola memories have been made during these cruises.
If we must call you to cancel due to inclement weather or unsafe boating conditions in the bay, you will be rescheduled free of any charges, or the purchaser will receive credit towards another cruise.