Whales and Wildlife Private Cruise for Women aboard Sanctuary Cruises

Whales & Wildlife ~ Private Cruise For Women $100.

To improve viewing wildlife viewing, we are taking 50% fewer customers on our upcoming trips to give everyone plenty of room on our vessel, just 20 women plus crew can join as life begins to re-sets, boat capacity is 39 + crew.

Book a private tour or review our Local Tour Dates Here

Our whale watching charters have sold out most very time so don’t delay in registering for these great events on the water. Please review Sanctuary Cruises COVID Safety

Join Blue Water Ventures on our Whales and Wildlife Private Cruise on Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We hope to encounter a variety of whales, dolphins, pinnipeds and seabirds all while enjoying the comfort of our 43 foot “green” vessel The Sanctuary, based in Moss Landing Harbor. We are very excited by the possibility of seeing incredible whale behavior such as lunge feeding, tail slapping, breaching or spy hopping. Humpback whales are known for their friendly behavior where a whale chooses to come along side our vessel for a closer look.

Though not on every cruise, such intimate wildlife encounters have been described by past clients as “life altering”. Refunds are given when cancellations are made at least 21 days in advance of trip date. Space on the roster is guaranteed when payments are received and in the order that we receive them. We hope you can join us on this thrilling naturalist-led day with our local marine mammals.

Blue Water Ventures is very excited to offer a fantastic venue for viewing the incredible whales and wildlife of Monterey Bay. We have partnered with Sanctuary Cruises based in Moss Landing to offer a private wildlife cruise with Kim Powell, owner of Blue Water Ventures as your on board naturalist.

If you have questions, email Kim Powell at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

Gather at South Moss Landing Harbor for morning coffee, meet and greet. Please bring your own travel coffee mug. We will have waivers to sign but you may also download, print and fill out a waiver and bring with you.

For detailed directions please visit: Directions to Our Boat. We expect to be off the water by 11:00am

Set Sail aboard the Sanctuary for a three hour tour

Coined the “Serengeti of the Sea”, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary lies within a biologically rich pathway intersecting the migration patterns of an array of marine mammals, sea birds and even our planet’s largest sea turtle, the leatherback. 34 species of marine mammals are found within out extraordinary sanctuary, the largest federally protected marine reserve in the United States.

Departing from historic Moss Landing Harbor, we will see an array of species such as sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions as well as numerous seabirds that find refuge within the harbor.

As we depart from the harbor, we will begin scanning the water looking for whale spouts, tail slaps or even a breach. Weighing 80-90,000 pounds Humpback Whales are commonly sighted in Monterey Bay from March through November. Prevailing northwest winds in the spring and summer months drives a phenomenon known as upwelling where nutrient rich water rises to the surface along the Central California Coast.

Humpback whales are filter feeders that use their fringed plates of baleen to sort out krill, a small crustacean found in the plankton rich Monterey Bay Canyon. As we cruise in the comfort of our 43 foot vessel, we hope to observe a variety of whale behavior. In addition to Humpback Whales, we may encounter Risso Dolphins, Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Orcas, Shearwaters or other pelagic seabirds.

As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:

* Face Mask and personal hand sanitizer.
* Dress in layers –– medium-rated fleece, capilene, or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on as ocean breeze or fog approaches; a thin layer of capilene or silk long sleeve underwear are a nice addition, but any long sleeve undershirt will do. Down jackets are cozy but they may get damp from ocean spray.
* Long pants rather than shorts– you may get splashed if you go towards the front of the boat so you might consider quick drying nylon shell or rain pants
* Wind breaker or rain jacket-– an outer shell to help insulate from sea breeze or spray.
* Footgear – most anything is OK except high heels or shoes lacking tread (flip flops)
* Fleece or wool cap
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle nondisposable
* Snack in a compact lunch bag take in boat with you and Travel Coffee Mug
* 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
* Snacks — sodas and snacks may be purchased onboard; please do not bring your own alcohol
* Small tip for boat captain and crew (optional).

SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION: If you are prone to sea sickness, we highly recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Many clients have been very happy with Scopalimine patches that requires a prescription. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you. Many health food stores will recommend herbal remedies such as Motionease for sea sick prevention and we have found this brand quite effective. 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 online at Prevention.

May the Whales and Wildlife be with us!

Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Venturesphone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org

email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060