Riptide Charters BBB Business Review

Riptide Charters - Deep Sea Fishing, Whale Watching, and Ashes Scattering - Half Moon Bay, CA

SALMON SEASON IS OPEN FOR LIMITED DATES!

Riptide Charters offers Deep Sea fishing, Whale Watching and Scattering Ashes.
Riptide Charters takes both individuals and groups for adventures in sport fishing in Half Moon Bay.  Riptide Charters serves Half Moon Bay and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We are conveniently located at Pillar Point Harbor – the gateway to the beautiful San Mateo California Coast - just 25 miles south of San Francisco and 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay.

The warm sun, the salty sea, and the fish ready to bite—there's nothing quite like a fishing adventure on the California coast. Riptide Charters takes both individuals and groups for adventures in sport fishing in Half Moon Bay, a short drive from San Francisco, CA.

You can experience the awesome, big, and exciting fun of whales and the ocean's natural splendor aboard the Riptide! See our schedule and book now.

We offer:

  • Deep Sea Fishing: Immerse in the thrill of deep sea fishing with Riptide Charters in San Mateo, CA. Experience the open waters like never before, guided by seasoned professionals committed to delivering an unforgettable adventure.
  • Whale Watching: It has been great seeing humpbacks and the migrating Gray Whales.
  • Ashes Scattering: Our service reserves the boat exclusively for your group for the 1-hour service. Our special service helps you to respectfully memorialize your loved ones with the scattering of ashes upon the ocean.

We also offer:

  • SALMON SEASON IS OPEN FOR LIMITED DATES!
  • Shallow Water Fishing: Opens May through September and in November!
  • Bluefin Tuna & Albacore Tuna: Tuna have shown up. Email us to be put on the Tuna fishing list.
  • Salmon Season: Ocean salmon season IS OPEN FOR LIMITED DATES!
  • Deep Water Fishing: November and December only!

Call or send us an email so we can customize a trip to your specific needs. Food and beverages available on request.

Whale Breaching

Our Vessel and Captain
The "Riptide" is owned and operated by Captain William Smith, a licensed captain for 40 years who has been involved in Half Moon Bay fishing for the past 39 years. The F/V Riptide is a 40' fiberglass hull, equipped with turbo diesel, state-of-the art electronics, and is licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard. Riptide is located on "H" dock at Pillar Pt. Harbor in El Granada (near Half Moon Bay), California.

Captain Smitty
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Friendly Gray Whale

Mar 11, 2026

We had a gray whale that came up to the bost while we were drifting and gave us an exceptionally

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Great grays!!

Mar 7, 2026

Watched s group of 4 grays with another 5 in the same area! great show!!

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Gray’s migration

Mar 7, 2026

We found a group of 9 gray whales heading north on a calm ocean.  yet another great day on the ocean!!

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Gray whales

Feb 28, 2026

Ahot! Today we spotted over 12 gray whales heading north. Beautiful ocean conditions for a great experience for one and

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Fun whale

Dec 28, 2025

Watched a whale spy hopping, fin slapping and fluking off montara. 

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Deep Reef

Dec 20, 2025

Fantastic weather and fantastic fishing!!  

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Riptide 2025 Total Fish Counts

Albacore

Cabezon

California Halibut

King Salmon

Lingcod

Rockfish

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