Whales and Wildlife Kayak to Brunch~Santa Cruz
Whales and Wildlife Kayak to Brunch: 9:00am-2:30pm $75
Join us for a morning paddle in search of mama Gray Whales with their plump babies in tow. During their spring migration to Alaska, mother and calf pairs travel close to shore through our coastal waters. Leaving from Santa Cruz harbor we’ll search for whales and other marine mammals. After our morning paddle we may gather at Aldos for brunch on their outdoor patio lining thr harbor (brunch on own).
Book a private tour with us during Gray Whale Migration April-Late May.
Book a private tour with 4 or more of your friends, email Kim for details at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com 4 people~ $100 per person for a private day on the water, 4 or more, the above rates apply
Dear Sea Kayakers:
I am pleased to welcome you to an incredible opportunity exploring Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Encompassing 5,322 square miles of ocean, our remarkable sanctuary supports one of the planet’s most biologically diverse marine ecosystems. We plan to kayak above the canopy of a kelp forest as we look for some of its residents. 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 will be searching the water for commonly seen residents such as sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and sea birds. With some luck, we’ll spot whales too!
This trip is appropriate for athletic beginners or people with some experience kayaking. Our approach to this trip is conservative, but our search will take us off shore, 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 10 days in advance of trip date.
Our group will meet at the Santa Cruz Harbor small boat ramp at 9:00am (on the opposite side of the harbor from the Crow’s Nest; see directions below). Bring $6 dollars in quarters to feed the meters in the public parking area. Anticipate being off the water by 12:30pm and we can walk or drive over to Aldos for brunch.
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 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
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Small bills-to settle check at brunch
* 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 for brinch to be left in car
*Face Mask and hand Sanitizer
*Sea Sickness Medication If you are prone to mild sea sickness, we recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you. In the past, several clients have successfully 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 or some drug stores.
That covers the logistics for Our Monterey Bay Sanctuary Tour! 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:
West Side off Santa Cruz Harbor, opposite side to Crows Nest
* 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 (Costa Brava Resturant 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 Resturant)
Follow the road down along the harbor; we will meet at the Small Boat Ramp, just past the F Dock;
You will see kayaks stored near this boat ramp and the US Coast Gaurd Station Sign behind the boat ramp.
On the day of the trip Kim Powell can be reached on her cell phone at: 831-345-2417
