Customer Reviews
What You'll Get
Early explorers relied on nature for navigation, deducing cardinal directions from the growth of tree moss, the position of the sun, and the GPS readouts of wild smartphone bushes. Reconnect with nature's wireless signals with today's Groupon: for $40, you get one Seals and Sea Otter Watch by Kayak: Elkhorn Slough guided tour from Blue Water Ventures in Moss Landing (up to an $80 value). Click here for a list of available dates.
Blue Water Ventures owner and naturalist Kim Powell and her trained staff of explorers lead educational excursions into the protected waters of the Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary. During the trip—which lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.—patrons glide across the water on safe and stable kayaks. Paddlers can snap photos of sea otters and harbor seals while a naturalist narrates the action. Halfway into the cruise, the group will disembark to eat a packed lunch (not included with this Groupon) on shore and, during whale-migration season, will also hike out to scan the horizon for telltale fins, blow spouts, and waterlogged Free Willy DVDs.
Since weather conditions can vary, the guides at Blue Water Ventures recommend layering ensembles with windbreakers, woolly jackets, or live sheep. Water-resistant shoes and pants made from quick-drying materials can help to keep paddlers dry despite the sea’s salty spray. To deflect harmful rays, guests also should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dozen reflective mirrors to show the sun how it feels. Contact Blue Water Ventures to reserve a spot.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires Aug 6, 2012. Amount paid never expires. Limit 1 per person, may buy 2 additional as gifts. Reservation required; subject to availability. 14-day cancellation notice required. Must sign waiver. Subject to weather. Valid only on select dates. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
About Blue Water Ventures
Blue Water Ventures owner and naturalist Kim Powell and her trained staff of naturalists lead adventurous groups on tours of trails and waterways from the East Bay of California to Monterey's Elkhorn Slough, exploring caves, forests, and wildlife-rich areas on the way. On protected Elkhorn Slough, groups of up to 22 make their way on stable kayaks as their attentive tour guides give rich history of the area and point out wildlife including seals and sea otters. In Florida's Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, groups snorkel and canoe to observe wild west indian manatees and their notorious poker habits.
The company also does specialty tours for school groups that include tide-pooling adventures and trekking through a redwood forest to see some of the country's oldest trees. Tours for women-only groups include private cruises where ladies can spy whales and a variety of seaborne wildlife, including fish, dolphins, and long-lost swim fins.