Sunset, Sea Otters & Low Tide Kayaking~ Elkhorn Slough

Sunset, Sea Otters and Low Tide Kayaking ~ Elkhorn Slough

$75 adults $50 kids ages 8-17 years of age ~ 4 hour tour from beginning to end

Book a private tour or  review our   Local Tour Dates

Next date:  October 16th, 2024

Book a private tour with 8 or more of your friends, email Kim for details at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

6-8  people~ $100 per person for a private tour on the water,    9 people ~$90    10 people   or more  and the above rates apply

 We hope you will join as we paddle among sea otter pups, seals and all other wildlife wonders of the Slough. Leaving from Moss Landing, we’ll have a leisurely paddle through the protected waterway.  Birding is excellent with many species arriving into the slough to feast in the mud flats. Beginners welcomed ages 8 and above with an adult.

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.

Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2360 Hwy One),We will be using tandem closed deck  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 about 4 hours later.

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 nondisposable
* 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);
* Small, compact day pack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
* Flashlight or headlamp

That covers the logistics for your kayaking trip adventure. 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 Slough!

Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 10 days in advance of trip date.

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 HARBOR BOAT RAMP~ MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS 2360 CA-1).
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 CA-1, Moss Landing, CA 95039); 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.

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.

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