Exploration Camp Itinerary

Coastal  Exploration Camp Itinerary:
Tidepooling, Kayaking,  Kelp Beds and Rivers

June: 15th-19th, 2026

Designed for youth ages 9-12

For more information or questions email Kim at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com or by phone at: 831 459 8548

Day One: Sit On Top Kayaking: Games, Team Building  and  Kayak Rescues

On our first day together, campers will be taught kayaking skills and safety in Moss Landing Harbor. We will be using a combination of  closed deck and sit on top style kayaks. The day will include a combination of paddling skills, rescue methods, fun games and activities. Wetsuits will be provided since students will be getting out of their boats during games and rescues. If you want to use your own wetsuit that’s fine.  Please bring it along. Most kids really love learning rescues. For campers who joined us last summer,  you will be learning new kayak rescue techniques and developing  your skills as a leader.

Campers  will meet at 9:30am in  North Moss Landing Harbor that accesses the Elkhorn Slough and finish up there at 2:30pm.

Day Two: From River to Sea: The San Lorenzo River Hike~Snorkeling 

Riparian corridors are an intricate component to all marine ecosystems. On this adventurous day, campers will hike up stream exploring the shallow clear pools of the San Lorenzo River. As we hike though the redwood forest that surrounds the river, we will discuss the natural and cultural history of these majestic trees. Leaders will be establish for each segment of the hike today.

Using a mask and snorkel, we can explore shallow river  pools and see what lives clinging to the submerged rocks. As always, PFDS worn even in the shallow river bed.

Begins at Blue Water Ventures: 220 Kenneth St,  Santa Cruz at  8:30am.  We will caravan to our river location and the program will end there at 2:30pm

Day Three: Adventure Paddle~Exploration of the Kelp Forest

Today campers will slide off  our sit on top kayaks to have an eye level experience with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Using goggles or a mask/snorkel, we’ll take a look at the kelp forest or choose to remain dry and simply glide over the forest canopy searching for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and sea birds. Encompassing 5,322 square miles of ocean, our remarkable sanctuary supports one of the planet’s most biologically diverse marine ecosystems.

The use of sit on top kayaks with the option to submerge into the water gives us an entirely different perspective on our ocean world.

Begins and ends at the Santa Cruz Wharf 9:30am-1:30pm

Day Four: Tidepooling and Overnight Henry Cowel State Park and Campgrounds.

Today we will be  exploring the dynamic rocky shore habitat at Greyhound Rock with your camp naturalist. The Central California Coast contains some of the most diverse intertidal areas in the world! We will help campers understand the intricate adaptations of tidepool inhabitants such as sea anemones, sea stars, kelp crabs and cling fish.

A minus tide allows us to explore some areas that are only accessible during low tides.

While tidepooling we offer opportunities to explore nooks and crannies that require getting wet. Wearing a wetsuit and a PFD is required  as we explore our beautiful intertidal.

Day Portion Begins at Blue Water Ventures:  7:30am ~220 Kenneth St,  Santa Cruz   

Parents will  car pool and caravan together to Greyhound Rock.  By noon, we will be done tidepooling, and campers will return home then meet us at Henry Cowel State Park Campgrounds  off of Graham Hill Road at 4:30pm. We will set up camp, assign cooking crews as well as leadership roles around our campsite while we enjoy  a night together on the edge of the redwood forest. We will provide  food, tents and camping gear. Campers  will provide sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

Day Five: Morning in The Redwoods

Campers will complete their leadership skills  by establishing leaders, breaking camp and leaving no trace at our campsite. Our morning will include  time for reflection as we review the life skills we developed  over the week and the natural and cultural wonders  we shared.  Parents will pick up campers by 11:30am.

Swim back to camp