LezCruz-Lesbian Social Meetup in Santa Cruz/Monterey County

Summer is here and so are the whales of Monterey Bay! We are excited to get women back on the water this summer on our private cruise aboard The Sanctuary on July 31st and aboard the Sea Spirit on August 22nd.

We continue to take 50% fewer passengers to give everyone plenty of room on our vessel, just 20 plus crew as life begins to re-set, boat capacity is 39 + crew.

Once the word gets out, these private whale watching charters for women often sell out quickly so please don’t delay in registering for these great events on the water.

Go to the green "Book a Local Tour" button at www.bluewaterventures.org and select the women’s private cruise on July 31st or the women’ coastal cruise on August 22nd which is featuring views of great white sharks.

Full details for July 31st here: https://bluewaterventures.org/tour/whales-and-wildlife-private-cruise-for-wome/

and August 22nd event here: https://bluewaterventures.org/tour/womens-santa-cruz-coastal-cruisegreat-whites-to-gray-whales

On July 31st, departing from South Moss Landing Harbor, we hope to encounter a variety of whales, dolphins, pinnipeds and seabirds all while enjoying the comfort of our 43 foot 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.

Our last bioluminescence kayak trip for women in June was awesome! These special events sell out quickly once posted, so please take a look at the details below. Space is limited by guide to boat ratio.

Lets Meet Up for a really special night on the water among the sea otter pups, seals and a possible light show produced by bioluminescent algae making the water sparkle! Elkhorn Slough is mid way between Santa Cruz and Monterey.

A Sparkling Night on the Water~ Women's Bioluminescence Night Paddle
$75 includes all kayaking gear and naturalists guides.

These bioluminescence paddles sell out early so please go to the bright green "Book a Local Tour" at www.bluewaterventures.org and select the women's bioluminescence night paddle. You can also review details for the night at: https://bluewaterventures.org/tour/bioluminescence-night-paddle/

Please review our kayaking protocol for COVID-19 that we have followed all year at: https://bluewaterventures.org/blue-water-ventures-protocol-concerning-coronavirus/

Evening in the Elkhorn slough is always so magical and when conditions are favorable, we may witness the extraordinary light show produced by bioluminescent plankton. During the summer months, bioluminescent algal blooms may light up the dark night water with every stoke of our paddle blade. Leaving from Moss Landing, we'll have a leisurely paddle through Elkhorn Slough before full darkness is upon us. Our trip will begin with a quiet observation of seals and sea otters that reside in Moss Landing Harbor.

The protected water of the Elkhorn 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) at 6:00pm. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use.
No previous kayaking experience is necessary.

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

As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
*Face Mask and personal hand sanitizer
* 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
* Dinner or 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); disposable cameras work well.
* Small, compact daypack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
* Flashlight or headlamp

That covers the logistics for your Bioluminescence Paddle. A full refund will be given if the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather (high winds or rain; not light mist or fog). We are looking forward to our special night together in the Slough!

Kim