Join our naturalist for an an eye level experience with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Using a combination of sit on top kayaks and closed deck boats we will slide into our amazing bay and take a look at the kelp forest using goggles or a mask and snorkel. If you prefer to stay dry simply glide above the forest canopy searching for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and sea birds.
Destination: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary via Santa Cruz Harbor.
During April-May, we’ll launch our fleet of closed deck doubles and go in search of migrating Gray Whales with their babies in tow. Details below.
9:30am-1:30pm $52 per student weekdays, $55 weekends
A completed waiver is required by all. Discounted student rate is based on a minimum of 12 students. Please email Kim to discuss rates for smaller school groups at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
Watch a short video of our Kelp Forest Field Trip Here: Exploring the Kelp Forest
Welcomed to our Adventure Paddle and Exploration of the Kelp Forest
What makes this trip unique? For those who are interested we will slide off our sit on top kayaks to have an eye level experience with Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Using goggles or a mask/snorkel, 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 option to submerge into the water gives us an entirely different perspective on our ocean world.
Watch a short video of our Kelp Forest Field Trip Here: Exploring the Kelp Forest
The cost of your field trip is $52 per person weekdays or $55 weekends. Please send one check (either from the school or teacher chaperone) one week before your trip dates to: BWV, 127 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. One teacher chaperone joins us at no charge. We will be using a combination of single and double sit on top kayaks.
Our group will meet at the Santa Cruz Harbor small boat ramp at 9:30am on the opposite side of the harbor from the Crow’s Nest; see directions below). Bring a credit card for the the public parking Kiosk/ Our plan is to be off the water by 1:00pm and wrapping up by 1:30pm.
A completed waiver is required by all.
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers — a fleece, silk or capilene top is recommended for submersion; no cotton; bring either one medium rated top or two lightweight, long underwear fleece, silk or capilene tops; a rash guard can be worn under a lightweight layer of synthetic material mentioned above
* Bathing Suit –arrive with your bathing suit on–you will be issued a wetsuit or bring your own
* Wind breaker or paddling jacket
* Footgear – tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties — any style is fine; they will get wet
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Warm hat (i.e. fleece ski cap ) –will help warm you up if chilled after swimming!
* Water bottle-nondisposable please
* Snack 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); disposable cameras work well.
* Swim goggles, mask snorkel and fins (optional)–we will have masks to share among the group
* Change of clothes and towel and towel to be left in car
* Face Mask and Personal Hand Sanitizer
That covers the logistics for our adventurous day on the water and beyond. A full refund will be given if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather ( high winds or rain; not light mist or fog). Release forms will be discussed and signed before launching our boats. We are looking forward to our adventure together in the Sanctuary!
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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DIRECTIONS TO THE SMALL BOAT RAMP, FROM SAN JOSE
(West Side of Santa Cruz Harbor)
* From Highway 17 take the Ocean Street Exit (if you are traveling from San Jose, Hwy 17 becomes Ocean Street)
* Left on East Cliff Drive (Ocean Street will dead end at East Cliff Drive which becomes Murray)
* Right on Seabright Ave (Betty’s Burger and Seabright Brewery are located here)
* Left on Atlantic Ave (sign says: West Harbor)–just a few blocks down on Seabright
* Left on Mariner Parkway/Santa Cruz Harbor (if you kept going you would run into Aldos Restaurant-616 Atlantic Ave, Santa Cruz 95062 if using Mapquest)
Follow the road down along the harbor; we will meet at the Small Boat Ramp, just past the F Dock;
You will see the US Coast Guard Station Sign behind the boat ramp.
DIRECTIONS THE SMALL BOAT RAMP, FROM SAN JOSE FROM HALF MOON BAY
(West Side of Santa Cruz Harbor)
* Head South on Highway One which becomes Mission Street as you enter the westside of Santa Cruz
* Right onto Laurel Street ( this is a light and the Santa Cruz Medical Building is on the right corner of Mission/Laurel)
* Turn Slight right onto San Lorenzo Blvd. (you have just crossed over a bridge)
* San Lorenzo Blvd becomes East Cliff Drive
* Turn Right onto Seabright Ave. (Betty’s Burger and Seabright Brewery are located here)
* Left on Atlantic Ave (sign says: West Harbor)–just a few blocks down on Seabright
* Left on Mariner Parkway/Santa Cruz Harbor(if you kept going you would run into Aldos Restaurant-616 Atlantic Ave, Santa Cruz 95062 if using Mapquest)
Follow the road down along the harbor; we will meet at the Small Boat Ramp, just past the F Dock;
You will see the US Coast Guard Station Sign behind the boat ramp.
Phone: (831) 459-8548
Email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
Santa Cruz, California
Monday – Saturday:
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday CLOSED