Women’s Santa Cruz Wildlife Cruise & Tidepools~ Great Whites of “Shark Park”
Women’s Santa Cruz Wildlife Cruise & Tidepools Featuring Great White Sharks, Migrating Whales, Tidepool Creatures and More!
TBA 9:30am-4:30pm $120
(optional naturalist-led tidepooling at Davenport Landing 9:30am-11:00am, Santa Cruz Whale Cruise to noon-3:30pm)
Book a private tour or review our Tour Dates Here to book this tour
Our morning will begin at Davenport Landing. Our day will involve exploring the dynamic rocky shore of Davenport Landing with your Blue Water Ventures naturalist. The Central California Coast offers some of the most diverse intertidal areas in the world! We will help you understand the intricate adaptations of tidepool inhabitants such as sea anemones, sea stars, kelp crabs and cling fish. A minus tide allows us to explore some areas that are only accessible during low tides. In the afternoon we will board our private charter boat in Santa Cruz Harbor to visit “Shark Park” and possibly find humpback whales, dolphins or sea otters as we make our way to our shark viewing location. Our day wraps up around 3:30pm.
Over the last few years, an area just south of Capitola Wharf between New Brighton Beach and the “Cement Ship” has become a location where juvenile white sharks concentrate on a regular basis during the late spring through early fall months. “Shark Park” as it has been locally coined has gained recognition as an area to view the iconic apex predator. Shark sightings are not guaranteed as conditions need to be favorable, but chances are good.
White sharks seek the shallow, calm water often quite near shore to warm up, thermoregulating their body temperature. We hope to see other marine life such as sea otters, harbor seals and hopefully humpback whales that are in Monterey Bay now feeding.
To maintain social distancing, we are taking 50% fewer women to give everyone plenty of room on our 50′ motorized vessel.
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.
Our new program was inspired a few summers ago when we chartered the Sea Spirit Ocean Safari as a birthday celebration for a friend. We had a fantastic time with very close white shark encounters from the safety of our 50 foot long, motorized vessel. The Ocean Spirit has a wrap around deck for great viewing.
(Our vessel is motorized but we may pass by sailboats exploring the Santa Cruz Area)
Departing from Santa Cruz Harbor, we will slowly make our way south towards Shark Park. En route, we will cruise by the flourishing kelp beds scanning the water for sea otters with pups, sea jellies, gray whales and harbor seals. The scenery along the way is spectacular as we pass by the well known surf spot known as Pleasure Point. As we approach Shark Park, we will start scanning the water for shadows or dorsal fins. As fish rather than mammals, white sharks don’t surface for air as oxygenated water is pumped through their gills.
The Sea Spirit is 50 feet long with plenty of space to enjoy the scenery. Beer and wine may be purchased on board. We are always in the open fresh air. During the era of COVID, the captain limits customers to 20 plus crew. Kim Powell, owner of Blue Water Ventures will be your on board naturalist.
Please review our Covid-19 Protocol much that applies to our outing. Of particular importance is proper screening of guides and customers for COVID-19 symptoms. If your temperature is above 100 or if you are experiencing any flu like symptoms, please do not join us. You may have a credit that never expires for any kayaking or hiking trip we offer.
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* 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.
* Long pants or shorts— depends on the day, but it tends to be cooler on the water
* Wind breaker or rain jacket-– an outer shell to help insulate from sea breeze or spray.
* Footgear onboard the Sea Spirit – most anything is OK except high heels or shoes lacking tread; while tidepooling shoes that may get wet and have a good tread, no flip flops on board or while tidepooling
* Fleece or wool cap for cooler days
* Sun hat and sunscreen
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Binoculars and camera
* Towel if tidepooling to get sand off feet
* Water bottle
* coffee mug
* Snacks — Beer, wine and sodas may be purchased onboard; please do not bring your own alcohol, but you may bring snacks
* Face Mask and personal hand sanitizer
SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION: If you are prone to 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. 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.
We are so excited to offer this unique wildlife adventure!
In the Spirit of Adventure~
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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