Women’s Holiday Kayak~Lighted Boats, Tidepools Near Half Moon Bay
Sunset Paddle, Picnic & Tidepooling in Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay area) Beginners Welcomed
December 2025 TBA
a special holiday paddle with our decorated kayaks and tidepool exploration 2:30pm-6:30pm $85
Join the naturalist of Blue Water Ventures for a great day on the water. Launching from Pillar Point Harbor, we’ll have a leisurely paddle through the protected and scenic harbor. Cormorants, pelicans, terns and harbor seals join us for our afternoon paddle. Across the harbor we can explore the exceptionally rich intertidal world at a low tide and have a picnic before paddling back. Sunsets and moon rises can really be spectacular when experienced from a kayak! Great trip for beginners and those interested in coastal ecology.
Dear Kayakers:
I would like to welcome you to our event in Pillar Point Harbor. Pillar Point Harbor offers a protected bay for kayaking and easy access to the superb tide pools adjacent to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Book a private tour or visit our Online Calendar of Local Tours This speciality tour is offered a few times throughout the year
Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 10 days in advance of trip date.
On your kayaking trip, our coast will experience an afternoon low tide so please join our naturalists as we explore this remarkable intertidal zone. Tandem style closed deck sea kayaks are used which are very stable and easy to paddle. We will be stopping on shore for a picnic and tidepooling so bring something to snack on. This trip is appropriate for beginners and/or people intrigued by the natural history of our coast.
Plan on meeting at the Pillar Point Public Launch Ramp in El Granada, just a few miles north of Half Moon Bay. (time varies with tides; our naturalist-led program runs about 4 hours from beginning to end).
Directions
From Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, head north on Highway One and take a left onto Capistrano Road which is across the street from the Monster Chef Restaurant (10151 Cabrillo Hwy N in El Granada). Take your first left into Pillar Point Harbor and continue straight through one stop sign to the public launch area at the very end of the road. You will pass by the Half Moon Bay Kayak Company on the right, continue until you reach the end of the road where there is a bathroom facility and launch area. You may check in with us first and then park your car on the bluffs above the harbor in the public parking area for boaters. Be sure to park in a space designated for car rather than a car~trailer combination.
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers — Fleece, capilene, silk or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on if cool weather (fog) approaches; a sweatshirt is adequate.
* Long pants or shorts– sweat pants that can be rolled up work well; an outer shell of nylon material dries quickly, but jeans get soggy and are not recommended.
* Wind breaker or paddling jacket
* 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.
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle non disposable
* Lunch in a compact lunch bag –take in boat with you
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk) we will share photos
* Small, compact daypack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
* Face Mask and personal hand Sanitizer
* Flashlight tor head lamp for evening programs
That covers the logistics for our Kayaking Adventure! Release forms will be discussed and signed before we launch or you may download, print and sign here: waiver and bring with you.
Very Sincerely,
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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