The Central California coast is an amazing
area to view wildlife from the comfort of a stable tandem sea kayak.
Our tidal
estuaries and sloughs provide critical habitats for a multitude of migratory
birds.
The coastal wetlands are a regular diner for sea birds! An array of
marine mammals entertain and
join us during most sea kayaking tours.
Get a group of family members, friends or co-workers together
for an outing
and your trip is free or reduced rate!
Ask about our discount for kids!
Destinations:
Private, naturalist-led sea kayaking destinations are described below and
include:
Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay, Sausalito Waterfront, Salinas River,
Drakes Estero,
Pillar Point Harbor, Mendocino, Loon Lake (Sierras) and instructional
classes.
Email Blue Water Ventures to arrange a private tour
Sea Kayak and Snorkel the Rock Islands of Palau, Micronesia
an extraordinary adventure for a group of your friends! Email for Details!
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Wildlife of Elkhorn Slough
Sea otters, harbor seals, and an array of migratory birds 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. This is an ideal
trip for wildlife enthusiast and those new to the sport of kayaking.
Full moon excursions in the Slough are also available.
9:30am-2:00pm $65; 9:30-3:30pm $75
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Winged Migration and Moon Rise, Elkhorn Slough By Kayak
Come ride the tide from Kirby Park to the Coast!
A steady ebb flow will carry us past slumbering seals and sea otters as
we make our way to North Moss Landing Harbor. The extensive mud flats offer plenty
of food in this biologically rich area of the Slough.
This is another great trip for beginners and/or those who enjoy wildlife sightings.
We may stop for a meal at the Sea Harvest Restaurant
(N. Moss Landing Harbor) before catching a van ride back to Kirby
($15 van shuttle included; lunch is on own).
6-7 hours; time varies with tides $80
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Whales and Wildlife Kayak to Brunch
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 let's gather at Aldos for brunch on their
outdoor patio above the harbor (brunch on own).
9:00am-2:30pm $60
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Full Moon Whale Watch
By Kayak
Join us for an evening paddle in search of mama
Gray Whales with their curious 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 well before sunset,
we'll search the canopy of the kelp forest for marine mammals
as we await the arrival of a full moon.
5:00pm-9:00pm $60
(time varies with moon rise)
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Kayak Corkscrew Slough/Bair Island Ecological Reserve
Join us for a day of exploring the convoluted channels of Corkscrew Slough!
The birding is marvelous in this well kept secret just north of Redwood City.
A channel cutting through the interior of Bair Island gives us a panoramic view of
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Small leopard sharks glide below us as flocks of migratory birds work the mud flats.
10:00am-4:00pm $80
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Coast Redwood Kayak and Barbecue ~~Beginners Welcomed
Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Loch Lomond Reservoir offers a refreshing summer retreat to explore by sea kayak.
Join us as we paddle below towering redwoods and search for Osprey, Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Deer and other mountain residents.
After kayaking, we'll set up the barbecue near the lake's shore so bring something to grill and drink. We'll supply snacks and salads.
10:00am-4:00pm $75
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A Shakespearean Birding Adventure: Elkhorn Slough
Join us for a truly unique day kayaking in the slough! Author artist Michael
Jeneid, the leading
authority on ornithology in Shakespeare literature will
be leading our birding trip.
Michael has been observing birds from a kayak
for 50 years and is a poetic well of information.
9:30am-3:30pm $75
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
From Cannery Row, enter our scenic marine sanctuary. We'll search the flourishing
kelp beds
for marine mammals such as sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.
The protected and historical cove that lines
Cannery Row is an ideal site
for those new to the sport of kayaking. An afternoon visit to the Monterey Aquarium
with
your own private naturalist guide can be arranged.
9:30am-2:30 pm $75
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Photo by Jane Driscoll
Sunset Over Monterey Bay
From Santa Cruz Harbor enter our scenic marine sanctuary. Sunset is a magical
time
to be on the water enjoying the
exquisite beauty of Monterey Bay. We'll
paddle over the
canopy layer of a kelp forest! Full moon tours are also possible.
3 hours around sunset $55
Full Moon Tours: $60
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Sunset and City Lights: Sausalito Waterfront
Tonight experience a magical evening exploring the waterfront of Sausalito.
We'll launch at sunset and enjoy a
spectacular evening in Sausalito's colorful
and protected harbor. Watch San Francisco "wake up" to night!
Great
for first time kayakers! Can be done as a full moon trip with a stop at a
local restaurant!
4 hours around sunset $80
Full Moon Tour to Dinner at the Paradise Bay Grill $85
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Sausalito Waterfront to Brunch
Join us for a relaxing day on the water!
We'll launch in Sausalito and kayak through scenic
Richardson Bay with sweeping views of San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge,
Alcatraz and Angel Island. Our destination is The Paradise Bay Grill
where we'll have a leisurely brunch before paddling back (brunch on own).
10:00am - 3:30pm $85
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Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge Kayak/Beachcomb
The freshwater marshes that edge the Salinas River provide habitat for an
array of migratory birds.
We'll kayak the river's gentle flow and land on
the sheltered dunes of the
Pacific Ocean for an afternoon of beach combing.
Great for families, beginners and birders!
9:30am - 3:30pm $75
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Drakes Estero By Kayak
Drakes Estero in Point Reyes National Seashore is an amazing wetland to explore
by kayak.
This protected waterway is the home to bat rays, leopard sharks,
white pelicans and harbor seals.
We'll beachcomb along a remote stretch of
Drakes Beach on the Pacific.
10:00am-5:00pm $95
( ask about a Tomales Bay extension or option )
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Full Moon Paddle, Picnic and Tide Pools: Pillar Point Harbor
Spend a leisurely afternoon with a naturalist, kayaking in the protected harbor of
Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay. Cormorants, pelicans, terns and harbor seals join us for our afternoon paddle.
Across the harbor we can beachcomb, explore tidepools and have a shore picnic
before paddling back under a full moon sky. Great trip for beginners and those interested in coastal ecology
4:00pm-8:30pm $75
(time varies with moon rise)
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Tidepool Scramble, Forage and Bonfire
Hope you can join us for a day of exploring the rocky intertidal coast. We'll gather for coffee at the Whale City Bakery in Davenport Landing (10 minutes north of Santa Cruz).
From there, we'll caravan to Davenport Landing to join a Blue Water naturalist as we explore the tidepools.
Wetsuits are recommended to really "experience" the coast. We'll harvest some mussels to cook right on the beach and build a bonfire.
Group size is limited to 14. Email for more details!
$48 with wetsuit; $40 if you bring your own wetsuit
4-5 hours; time varies with tides
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Sea Caves of Mendocino: Kayak/Campout
The sea caves and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast are spectacular places
to explore by kayak.
Using Sit-on-Top kayaks, we'll paddle into caves, under
rocky arches
and over kelp beds as we look for local residents such as harbor
seals and river otters.
2 nights of car camping, meals, kayak equipment and open
coast instruction provided.
Beginners welcomed with approval.
Friday evening - Sunday afternoon or weekdays $295
Mendocino Family Trip
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Loon Lake by Kayak
Summer
is an incredible time to experience the beauty of the Sierras.
We'll spend four days kayak camping on the shores of Loon Lake near the
western edge of Desolation Wilderness. Great for first time kayakers and campers!
Camping fees, meals, permits, kayak equipment and instruction provided.
4 days: $375
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Kayak Skills and Safety Course
This entry level course is essential for anyone who wishes to develop the
kayaking skills
necessary to explore our vast marine and lake resources.
Kayaking
skills, safety, assisted and self rescues are taught during this fun and wet
day!
Certificate cards issued upon completion of course
10:00am-4:00pm $95
Taught in Elkhorn Slough or Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay)
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Surf and Beach Skills Course
Learn how to safely enter and exit the surf zone of the California Coast.
We'll practice bracing on waves, review paddling skills and
discuss how different
types of waves form and break along our coast.
This is a high energy class!
9:00am-4:00pm $110
(location dependent upon conditions)
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SPRINGS AND MANATEES OF FLORIDA SNORKEL/CANOE
Photo by Chris Loose, Springs and Manatees of Florida Trip, 2007
Sea Kayak and Snorkel The Rock Islands of Palau, Micronesia
Image by Kevin Davidson - Courtesy Sam's Tours.
FOR ALL TRIP DESTINATIONS:
Email Blue Water Ventures to arrange a private tour
