School Field Trip~Sunset, Moon Rise, Bioluminescence Night Paddles

Night Kayaking in Elkhorn Slough

Evening in the slough is always so magical and when conditions are favorable, we may witness the extraordinary light show produced by bioluminescent plankton.
During the summer and through mid October, bioluminescent algal blooms may light up
the dark night water with every stoke of our paddle blade.
Leaving from Moss Landing, we’ll have a leisurely paddle through Elkhorn Slough before full darkness is upon us.

Our trip will begin with a quiet observation of harbor seals and sea otters that reside in Moss Landing Harbor. Full Moon tours of Elkhorn Slough are also an option for your school.

This may be offered as a sunset or moonrise experience for your students

 4-5 hours around sunset $50 per student weekdays or $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

More Trip Details Below

A Sparkling Night on the Water~ Bioluminescence Kayaking for Schools

Evening in the slough is  always so magical and when conditions are favorable, we may witness the extraordinary light show produced by bioluminescent plankton. During the summer and early fall, bioluminescent algal blooms may light up the dark night water with every stoke of our paddle blade.  Leaving from Moss Landing, we’ll have a leisurely paddle through Elkhorn Slough before full darkness is upon us. Our trip will begin with a quiet observation of sea otters and harbor seals that reside in Moss Landing Harbor.

Dear Kayakers:

I would like to welcome you to our kayaking adventure in Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary. The protected water of the Slough is an ideal place to observe some of California’s finest coastal resources. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and an array of birds can be seen at close range. With 90% of California’s wetlands loss to development, Elkhorn Slough offers a special opportunity to observe a biologically rich and critically endangered habitat.

We will discuss the various nocturnal adaptations of the marine organisms residing in Elkhorn Slough  from the light producing microscopic plankton to the night vision of pinnipeds. Kayaking through the still water of Elkhorn Slough at night is truly a unique sensory experience.

The cost of your field trip is $50 per person with one teacher chaperone joining us for no charge weekdays and $55 per person on 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. 

Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2390 Hwy One) at 5:00pm on _____(time may very with tide).

We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. We expect to be back at the launch area by 9:00pm and wrapping up by 9:30pm.

A completed waiver is required by all.

As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers — 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 – sweat pants that can be rolled up work well; nylon material dries quickly, and is good , 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 into the water to launch your boat
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle-nondisposable please
* 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 and optional)
* Small, compact day pack (optional)
* Change of clothes and towel for ride home to be left in car

*Headlamp or flashlight

*Face mask and Personal Hand Sanitizer

That covers the logistics for our Elkhorn Slough Adventure! Any additional people may pay cash on the day of trip. A full refund will be given if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather (high winds or rain; not light mist or fog). Please have parents read and sign theand bring them with you. I am looking forward to our adventure together in the Slough!

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

DIRECTIONS TO ELKHORN SLOUGH (NORTH MOSS LANDING HARBOR)

FROM SANTA CRUZ

* TAKE HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TOWARDS MONTEREY

* TURN RIGHT AT NORTH MOSS LANDING HARBOR/MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS~2360 Highway One, 95039
you will pass Moss Landing State Beach(Jetty Road), then Kayak Connection; it takes about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz; this right turn takes you into North Moss Landing Harbor.

* MOSS LANDING NORTH HARBOR LAUNCH RAMP
The public boat launch area is behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Highway One); park behind MBK in the public boat launch area. When you arrive, you will need to pay your $10 parking fee. Your Blue Water Ventures guides will have your parking permits to leave in your car. You will need $10 cash when you check in with them (do not pay at the parking dispensers please, check in with your guides first).

We will be unloading the trailer from a Black Toyota Sequoia at the boat ramp directly behind Monterey Bay Kayaks in North Moss Landing Harbor.

NOTE
as you’re heading south you’ll see the Moss Landing power stacks on the left side of the highway; if you go over the bridge and pass these stacks you’ve gone too far.

Kim can be reached on her cell phone on the day of the trip at: 831-345-2417