Take a romantic gondola ride around Morro Bay.
Fleet features an authentic Venetian wedding gondola
—You don’t have to be in Venice to experience a spectacular cruise in a gondola. Stefano Anastasia grew up on the Central Coast of California and when he attended college in Southern California, he worked rowing for gondola service companies.
He told the owner of Gianna, a wedding gondola, that he planned to one day purchase the boat and launch his own company. Sixteen years later, in 2023, Stefano did just that. Gianna is one of only five authentic Venetian wedding gondolas in the United States and guests can now enjoy cruises all year round in Morro Bay. The company recently celebrated its first anniversary and offers several different cruises with its small fleet of gondolas.
Stefano has over 23 years of experience rowing gondolas and he was delighted to bring his passion for Italian culture, Venetian boats, and romance to the Central Coast. He is an expert gondolier and is happy to share stories and history with guests. He dresses in a traditional striped shirt and maneuvers the gondola around the bay using a single row while standing.
Central Coast Gondola Service offers 60–90-minute cruises for up to six people in addition to a two-hour Elegant Dinner Cruise for up to four people, with a prix fixe three-course meal. Guests can book custom add-on services such as flowers, charcuterie, cannoli, and even a message in a bottle. A pre-arranged message is written on parchment and placed in a clear corked wine bottle that mysteriously appears in the water for guests to find.
Although the cruises can be very romantic, especially at sunset, children and pets are also welcome aboard. Stefano has witnessed proposals, hosted weddings, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and rowed for ash scatterings. Gondola cruises are perfect for special occasions, or just a great way to get out and enjoy the ocean air to create a lasting memory.
Guests may also bring picnics and alcohol on board. Stefano recommends neighboring businesses for those who want to purchase items just before boarding. Wine from Absolution Cellars and a Champagne/chocolate pairing from Kickers are popular items to bring along.
Stefano indicates the fall is an ideal time for a cruise, “During the fall season, there tends to be less wind and fog, not to mention the sunsets earlier. Book a cruise, come out, and have some fun with us! If you have any special needs or want to arrange surprises, just let us know and we will make all the arrangements. We can even arrange a romantic serenade by the gondolier.”
Stefano is already thinking ahead to winter when he will offer cookies and hot chocolate for the season and plans to have a gondola decorated with lights for the annual Christmas boat parade.
People are fascinated by the beauty and history of Venetian gondolas. The boats can be decorated and rented as props for parties or other events that don’t involve launching. Each boat has a unique story that generates good conversations.
Central Coast Gondola is located at 833 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. For more information visit centralcoastgondola.com, or call (805) 363-4363.
—Lisa Pretty
