Marine Mammals of Cannery Row~ During Gray Whale Migration
Historic Cannery Row By Kayak During Gray Whale Migration
From Cannery Row, enter scenic Montery Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We’ll search the flourishing kelp beds for marine mammals such as sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions. The protected and historical cove that lines Cannery Row.
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December 28th, 2025
10:00am-2:30pm $90 adults, $75 kids ages 14-17 More Info
Dear Kayakers:
I am pleased to welcome you to an incredible opportunity exploring Monterey Bay National National Marine Sanctuary. Encompassing 5322 square miles of ocean, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems.Our day on the water will take us above the canopy of a kelp forest as we look for some of its residentssuch as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and sea birds.
Our hope is to see California gray whales which are present in our sanctuary this time of year. Whales can be difficult to spot from a kayak and as with most wildlife, sightings are not guaranteed. We have chosen this date as it corresponds to the height of the gray whale’s southern migration to the lagoons of Baja.
This trip is appropriate for athletic beginners or people with some experience kayaking. Minimun age is 14. Our approach to this trip is conservative, but our search will take us offshore, in ocean swell and/or chop. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use making the chance of a capsize low.
Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 1 0 days in advance of trip date.
Our plan is to meet at San Carlos Beach in Cannery Row at 10:00am (directions below). We will stop for lunch and be back on shore by 2:00pm.
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 as evening approaches; a sweatshirt is adequate.
* Long pants 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 may get wet as we launch your boat.
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle
* Snack in a compact lunch bag or ziploc–take in boat with you
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk); disposable cameras work well.
* Small, compact daypack (optional)
* Change of clothes to be left in car
* Sea Sickness Medication if you are prone to sea sickness, we recommend taking some form of prevention. Your local pharmacist or physician can give you advice. Bonine taken the night before has worked for many. Drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Some clients have 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.
That covers the logistics for our Kayaking Adventure. A full refund will be given if the trip is canceled due to inclement weather( rain or wind; not light fog or mist).
Release forms will be discussed and signed before we launch.
Very Sincerely,
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
Mobile Phone: 831-345-2417
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
220 Kenneth St, St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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DIRECTIONS TO SAN CARLOS BEACH IN CANNERY ROW
* Traveling on Highway One South towards Monterey, take the Fisherman’s Wharf Exit.
* Follow signs for the Monterey Bay Aquarium -under the tunnel stay right.
* You are now on Foam Street. At your first light after the tunnel, turn right into San Carlos Beach/Ed Ricketts Park Beach Access which is across from the US Coast Guard Station.
* You may park in the Breakwater parking Lot for $12 all day.
* Look for the yellow dispensers to pay for your parking ticket (coins, atm or credit card).
