Exploration Camp Itinerary

 Marine Extreme  Exploration Camp Itinerary:
Kayaking, Elephant Seals, Kelp Beds and Rivers

Designed for youth ages 10-13

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~Rescues ~Natural History

Today will  begin with an introduction to the use of sit on top style of kayaks.  Campers will learn paddling skills, kayak games, leadership  and water safety through a fun and informative approach.

Our day will include games and group challenges,  as well as learning about the ecology of sea otters, harbor seals  and other  wildlife of Elkhorn Slough.  Campers will learn how to self rescue when kayaking a sit on top style kayak in preparation for  our extreme adventure to the Santa Cruz Kelp beds! Begins at 9:30am in North Moss Landing Harbor and ends there at 2:00pm

Day Two: 

Today we will explore Ano Nuevo State Reserve,  an area  rich in cultural and natural history. Campers will  learn about the behavior of elephant seals and other marine animals. This area was once a large settlement site for the Ohlone Indians. Our day will include examining a  shell midden left by the Ohlone Indians.  Several hands on learning activities and environmental games will be offered along the way.

Begins at Blue Water Ventures: 127 Mason Street, Santa Cruz at 9:30am and ends at Ano Nuevo State Reserve  at 2:30pm. Parents will  car pool and caravan together

Day Three: Adventure Paddle~Exploration of the Kelp Forest

Today campers will slide off  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: From River to Sea: The San Lorenzo River Hike~Snorkeling ~River Boarding

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.

Using a mask and snorkel, we can float down river and see what lives clinging to the submerged rocks. Our day will even include an opportunity to “shoot a rapid” using a boogie board.

Begins at Blue Water Ventures: 127 Mason Street, Santa Cruz at  8:30am.  We will caravan to our river location and the program will end there at 2:30pm

Swim back to camp