Activities for Water-Lovers: Santa Cruz Whale Watching/Stagnaro Charters & Kayak Connection
Santa Cruz County residents who love activities on the water are fortunate, as there are countless ocean-related opportunities in our area. Whether you are a highly active senior, or someone who prefers more relaxing outings, there is something for everyone. We talked to folks at two different resources to get some highlights.
Santa Cruz Whale Watching/Stagnaro Charters
Local business Santa
Cruz Whale Watching via Stagnaro Charters offers a variety of boat trips. There are many whale watching excursions, as the name suggests. Not interested in seeing whales? There are also Calm Water Sanctuary Scenic Cruises, Dolphin and Sea Life Excursions, Sunset Cruises, and San Francisco Day Trips. And all trips are narrated; passengers get to learn from experienced crew members as they enjoy the views.
I recently spoke to Megan Petersen, who works as a captain/naturalist, about the company’s offerings. When asked if the outings are fitting for seniors in decent physical condition, she replied, “Our trips are definitely suitable for healthy adventurers of all ages. It’s always a good idea to check with us about weather conditions before booking, if there are any specific concerns. But we have had folks celebrate 90th birthdays with us, and we’re so honored to have that privilege!” She estimates that approximately 15% of passengers are ages 65 and over.
Megan encourages people to book trips, citing many factors that contribute to their popularity. “Santa Cruz is a prime location for marine wildlife experiences. We are just a few miles from an extremely productive ecosystem, which gives us the opportunity to share experiences with whales, and sometimes dolphins, as well as other wildlife, all year round,” she says. “Our primary whale watching vessel, Velocity, is lovingly and carefully maintained, and is speedy and comfortable. Where our company really shines is our crew, from office to ocean. Our staff is always happy to answer questions about booking a tour, and every whale watching trip boasts a crew of very passionate marine biologists on deck with you. We can’t wait to meet you and share our love of whales and marine life! We really pride ourselves in giving the best customer experience possible.”
The company has been exploring the Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz for over 100 years. “In addition to year-round whale sightings, Santa Cruz also happens to be host to a seasonal gathering of great white sharks,” says Megan. “This event usually occurs in the summertime, and we are able to see sharks on many of our tours!”
Want to know more details on the marine life you might experience? As the Santa Cruz Whale Watching website states, there are seven different whale species plus seven dolphin and porpoise species to observe all year long. From April through November, the Humpback Whale is visible; after that, it’s the Gray Whale season. In addition, “Sea Lions, Seals, Otters and nearly 100 different species of sea birds, both endemic and migratory, are common; even Sea Turtles, Jellies, Sunfish (mola mola) and Sharks at times can be seen at the surface” (excerpted from
santacruzwhalewatching.com).
Santa Cruz Whale Watching, 1718 Brommer St., Santa Cruz, 831-479-1121, santacruzwhalewatching.com
Kayak Connection
Kayak Connection has two locations, one at the Santa Cruz Harbor and one in Moss Landing along the Elkhorn Slough. It offers kayak rentals, tours, and instruction in both locations year-round, with wildlife tours being a popular option. The Santa Cruz location also offers Stand-up paddleboards for rent. No experience is necessary for rentals or tours.
Older adults will find the business to be a very useful resource. “Kayak rentals are a great option because you are able to go at your own pace and enjoy the journey without focusing on some predetermined destination,” says owner Dave Grigsby. “I often find that I see much more wildlife and notice a lot more going on around me when I slow my pace and become more meditative in my paddling. Private tours can be terrific, as well, since your guide will work with you and your friends to create an experience that’s just right for you.” Dave estimates that around 15-20% of customers are seniors, or as he describes them, “seasoned veterans of life’s joys and challenges.”
I asked Dave to discuss a couple things that make Kayak Connection special. “Kayak Connection really stands out in terms of our dedication to making the experience special for everyone that comes through our door,” he says. “Each person is looking for something just a bit different, and we pride ourselves on making a human connection and tailoring the excursion to fit your goals, whether it be a soothing time immersing yourself in nature with good friends, creating memories with your family while watching otters frolic with their pups, logging a great workout on the water, or finally spotting that elusive invertebrate or bird species, we can help.”
Kayak Connection has been serving customers for about 30 years. Dave and his wife Jess, who bought the business in 2012, are both very active in the dayto-day operations and they make sure to hire talented guides for Kayak Connection tours. As the company’s website states, guides are “specialists in marine mammals, invertebrates, birds, fish, and more.” Most have natural sciences degrees “including ecology, biology, marine conservation, geology, and engineering. We’re also environmental educators, naturalists, and classroom teachers.”
Kayak Connection, 413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-479-1121, & Elkhorn Slough, 2370 Highway 1, Moss Landing, 831-7245692, kayakconnection. com