Sea Life

Kayak and standup paddleboard in Santa Cruz

07.14.2016

Hundreds of dolphins and whales have been sighted in Monterey Bay since mid-June, and with huge populations of California sea lions, southern sea otters, and harbor seals frequenting the waters, this captivating shoreline is a wildlife paradise. Get up close to the scene on a stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak. Rent either at Kayak Connection at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor and launch from their private dock.

Heading south from the pier, paddle straight down through the harbor and past gliding seagulls and great egrets skimming over the water for fish. Harbor seals swim playfully through the clear blue water. The harbor narrows into a waterway that feeds out into the bay. The waves might start to pick up a bit here, though they’re usually pretty mild. Steer right and float around Walton Lighthouse, which peers over the open ocean.

Western gulls, marbled murrelets, and pigeon guillemots speckle the boulders on the shore. Paddle west along Seabright State Beach (if you’re on a paddleboard, getting down on your knees in choppy water helps a lot). And keep an eye out for dolphins!

CAMP: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 2591 Graham Hill Rd., Scotts Valley, (831) 335-4598, has 106 sites ($35) that can be reserved. The campground is dog-friendly but no dogs on trails.

Kayak Connection, 413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 479-1121. 

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