Mendocino Sea Caves Info

Singer, Song Writer & Blue Water Guide, Melissa Crabtree 

We dedicate our Mendocino program in memory of Melissa. Her spirit and voice flows with us always.

Thank you for your inquiry about Our  Mendocino Sea Caves, Rock Gardens and Rivers by Kayak

We are excited to include paddling the beautiful Albion River south of Mendocino where we will also base camp.  Please note that our program begins at 1:00pm on Thursday with a required introduction to rock garden skills and safety.

If you are interested in joining us, please  email first to check availability then send a $200 deposit and and we will place you on the roster. Space on the roster is confirmed once we receive your deposit. The balance is due TBA.  Full refunds  will be given with at least 8 weeks (56 days) notice prior to trip date. Please review the packing list below.

Email Kim at : bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

You may pay using a credit card via Pay Pal by visiting our secure online payment center (please note that there is a 3% Pay Pal service charge on multiple day trips so your online deposit is $206 and the balance if using Pay Pal is $283).

I am looking forward to sharing our  adventure on the north coast! ~~~~Kim of the Blue ~~~~

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Dear Kayakers of the Open Coast and Rivers:

Welcome to our adventure in Mendocino, one of the primer sea kayaking destinations on the West Coast.

Our plan on Thursday is to explore the sea caves, arches and kelp beds directly in front of Van Damme State Park. The scenery here is spectacular! On Friday, we will continue exploring this beautiful area or select another location along the coast. As always, our itinerary will be determined by weather and ocean conditions.

On Saturday, we plan on paddling the beautiful Albion River, south of Mendocino making our travel home a bit easier that afternoon. The Albion is a gorgeous flat water river lined with coast redwood trees. Osprey, great blue heron, river otter, deer and harbor seals may be seen as we explore the pristine river. On Thursday and Friday nights, we will be using Schooner’s Landing as our base camp (car camping).

The trip officially begins at 1:00pm on Thursday at the ocean access parking area of Van Damme State Park which is directly across from the campground entrance on Highway One, about 3 miles south of Historical Mendocino. Our weekend adventure finishes up on Saturday by 3:00pm. If helpful, you may stop by our campsite by 11am to set up your tent before meeting at Van Damme.

Arrival to Mendocino on Thursday
On Thursday, please arrive to the coastal access area of Van Damme State Park by 1:00pm. During our first afternoon, we will be giving sea kayaking instruction on rock garden techniques and safety. We will be off the water by 4:30pm and will check into our campsite at Schooner’s Landing just south of Van Damne. If you prefer, you may stay at a B & B in Mendocino, meet us each day and around camp for dinner on Thursday. To review a selection of Inns in Mendocino visit: Where to Stay .On Friday night you may go into Mendocino for dinner or join our guides as we order a gourmet picnic to go  from the nearby  Ledford House (dinner is on your own or you may relax back at the campground and use our camp stoves)

Kayaks and Wetsuits
The trip is designed for the use of single sit on top kayaks. However, if you and a friend would prefer to use a double sit on top, that’s fine. Please let us know your kayak preference so that final arrangements can be made. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions regarding these options. You will be given a Farmer Jane style wetsuit unless you prefer to use your own. Just indicate by email prior to the trip if you are bringing a personal wetsuit. Additionally, please email any dietary restrictions.

Physical Conditioning: Some experience in kayaking is required to participate in this program as well as good general health. Participants will need to feel secure kayaking in open water as well as rocky shorelines and into sea caves.  On our second full day, we launch by 10:30am and we are off the water by 4:00pm with a lunch break offered.  Some level of upper body conditioning is advisable to prepare for  kayaking. This trip would be difficult for those with chronic lower back or shoulder issues.  We dress for submersion as we encourage  everyone  to  explore the nooks and crannies of the rock gardens. While optional, you may try kayaking through a “pour over” as pictured by Melissa Crabtree above.  Please email Kim Powell if you have any questions or concerns regarding your fitness for this program. Contact Kim at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

See Packing List Below
All kayaking gear is included in the cost. Tents, thermarest  and sleeping bags are not included.  Tents may be rented from Blue Water Ventures for $15 for the weekend (while supplies last).

Directions:
From the Golden Gate Bridge, plan on a 3 – 4 1/2 hour drive to the coastal access area of Van Damne State Park, depending upon traffic. Drive north on Highway 101 and take the 128 West Cloverdale Exit. Follow 128 to Highway 1 North towards Mendocino. Van Damme State Park is on Highway 1, three miles south of Mendocino. There is a large parking lot on the ocean side with the campground entrance directly across from it.  The address for Van Damme State Park is: 8001 North Highway 1, Littler River CA 95456.

Our Trip includes three days of guided instruction in rock garden and river exploration by kayak, two nights of car style camping, meals (2 BF, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), commercial use permits, naturalist talks and kayak equipment.

To register for this program, please email us to inquire on trip status and then send a deposit of $200 to BWV, 127 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The balance of $275 is due by TBA. Full refunds  will be given with at least 8 weeks (56 days) notice prior to the trip date. You may also pay with a credit card via Pay Pal.

* Please note that there is a 3% fee to cover Pay Pal’s service charge so the deposit when using Pay Pal is $206 and the balance when using Pay Pal is $283 To pay by credit card using Pay Pal, please visit our  Payment Center  Checks are fine to receive a small discount.

I hope this link answers a few questions. I am looking forward to our adventure in Mendocino! Please don’t hesitate to call or email with questions.

Very Sincerely,

Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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WHAT TO BRING TO MENDOCINO

___ 1 Sleeping bag- medium rated
___ 1 Ensolite sleeping pad or thermarest
___ Tent (can be rented from Blue Water Ventures for $15 for weekend while supplies last ) or try REI
___ 1-2 Bathing suits
___ 2-3 T-Shirts
___ 2 Pairs of shorts
___ 1 Pair of long pants – fleece works well in damp coastal environment; sweat pants OK
___ Rain gear or any water repelling material (nylon/plastic) jacket and pants for dew around camp
___ 1 Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket
___ 2 Sweat shirts one should be Fleece, capilene or wool –medium rated
___ 2 long underwear tops: lightweight fleece/capilene or silk
___ 1 warm hat (i.e. fleece ski cap )
___ 1 Pair of shoes to wear around camp
___ 2 Pairs of warm socks (at least one should be wool, wool blend or fleece )
___ Footgear – tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties — any style is fine; they will get wet as you wade in to launch your boat; warm socks could be worn with tennis shoes or sandals
___ 1 Bath towel — there are hot showers in the campground that work with quarters-bring some!
___ 1 Ball cap to shade face & ears–may be worn under a helmet
___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe)
___ Sunscreen (< 20 strength) & chapstick with sunscreen
___ Sunglasses with leash (UV protection)
___ 2 Quart size water bottles–full
___ 2 garbage bags–for wet gear
___ Flashlight or head lamp
___Face Masks and Personal Hand Sanitizer

OPTIONAL GEAR
___ Camera -waterproof
___ Folding camp chair
___ Binoculars for use around camp, not on water
___ Dry bags or ziplocs
___ Compact fishing gear and license
___ Waterproof flashlight or head lamp
___ Mask, snorkel, fins
___ Personal wetsuit (or we will bring one for you)
___ Paddling gloves
___ Favorite travel mug for morning coffee or tea
___ Your Favorite adult beverage
___ Carabiners for attaching items to boat .e. flashlight, water bottle
___ One bandana they come in handy when camping
___Camp Pillow and Pajamas

SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION: If you are prone to sea sickness, we highly recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Many clients have been very happy with Scopalimine patches that requires a prescription. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you. Many health food stores will recommend herbal remedies such as Motionease for sea sick prevention and we have found this brand quite effective. In the past, several clients have successfully used “sea bands” which employ a pressure point on the wrists rather than medication. Sea Bands have no side effects and can be purchased at most dive shops or online at Prevention.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: As new information unfolds regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will update this link as we learn new requirements  As new protocol evolves (such as the use of face masks during certain activities), we will update information here. Due to the nature of this trip, a group  camping experience, we will require everyone to submit proof of the COVID-19 vaccine by August 25th.

COVID PROTOCOL:  Please review our COVID-19 Protocol for our kayaking programs at: COVID-19 UPDATE 

COVID Updates as of  June 12th, 2021: Since our Mendocino  program is fully outdoors and  the COVID-19 vaccination, is required to participate,   face masks will be optional during much  of our program. This information  is based on the recent updates provided by the  CDC for fully vaccinated people.  Please remember to send us your COVID-19  vaccination card by TBA  that indicates at least 2 weeks of full vaccination before our trip begins.

We will ask that  face masks be  worn while food is being served to the group,  so as you line up at meal time.  Some people  may prefer to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing throughout the day,  which we fully support. We ask that you respect everyone’s personal decision to either  maintain distance or their choice to wear a face mask.  Several hand sanitizer  stations will be conveniently  located throughout camp and we will encourage everyone to carry a small hand sanitizer with you. Our staff will wear face masks while serving food.

Proof of A COVID-19 Vaccine will be required.  If you test positive and/or can not get fully vaccinated within two weeks of our program,   no refunds will be given. However, we highly recommend   Travel Insurance that will  protect your investment, especially in the  COVID-19 era. The World Wide Protector Plan  has the “cancel for any reason”   add on feature. The basic World Wide Protector Plan would cover  a COVID illness  as a medical issue that is covered.  Please  follow the link above or consider  other travel insurance companies. We realize  insurance is an added costs. However,  if you search around for  other  California tours, our program costs are very reasonable and travel insurance is an affordable tool to protect your investment. The health and safety of  you and our guides are our top priority.

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