Seals, Sea Birds & Sea Otter Pupping Season by Kayak: Elkhorn Slough
Seals, Sea Birds and Sea Otter Pupping Season By Kayak: Elkhorn Slough
Sea otters, harbor seals and an array of seabirds makes the protected water of Elkhorn Slough our most popular sea kayaking destination. We’ll explore the Slough’s tidal creeks learning about it’s unique ecology and stop for a picnic on shore. During whale migration, we may include a hike out to the beach in search of whales. This is an ideal trip for wildlife enthusiast and those new to the sport of kayaking. Late March-Late May is pupping season for both harbor seals and sea otters, a thrilling time to be on the water!
9:30am-1:30pm $75 children 8-17 years old can join us for $50
Book a private tour or review our Local Tour Dates
Book a private tour with 5 or more of your friends, email Kim for details at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
5-6 people~ $100 per person for a private tour, 7 people ~$80 per person, 8 or more and the above rates apply
Trip details below:
Dear Sea 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.
$75 adults/$50 children (ages 8 and older) for a 9:30am-1:30pm tour. Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 10 days in advance of trip date.
Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Hwy One) at 9:30am. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
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)
* Small, compact daypack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
* Face Mask and personal hand Sanitizer
That covers the logistics for your Seals and Sea Otter Watch by Kayak! Full refunds 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 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
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DIRECTIONS TO ELKHORN SLOUGH (NORTH MOSS LANDING HARBOR)
FROM SANTA CRUZ
* TAKE HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TOWARDS MONTEREY
* TURN RIGHT AT NORTH MOSS LANDING BOAT RAMP/ MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS 2360 HIGHWAY ONE
you will pass Moss Landing State Beach, then Kayak Connection; it takes about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz; this right turn takes you into Moss Landing North 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 in cash when you check in with them.
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.
We will be unloading the trailer from a blue toyota sequoia at the boat ramp directly behind Monterey Bay Kayaks in North Moss Landing Harbor.
