Wildlife Adventures

Kayak Connection

We offer kayak rentals & kayak tours every day. Also stand up paddling classes and rentals along with wetsuits & boogie boards. Beginners and families especially welcome. See you soon!

Arboretum at UC Santa Cruz

Enjoy the year-round beauty of drought-tolerant non-invasive plant collections from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California.

Chardonnay II Sailing Charters

Chardonnay II is a 70-foot luxury sailing yacht offering a variety of sails daily. It is the perfect excursion for everyone, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventurers.

City of Watsonville Nature Center

Offers exhibits on wetlands plants, animals, history & conservation. Family activities, group tours & more. Guided nature walks Sundays at 1:30. All programs Spanish bilingual.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Visitor center & five miles of trails through oak woodlands, grasslands, fresh & saltwater marshes, seasonal wildlife.

Gizdich Ranch

Spend a day with your family at Gizdich Ranch and breathe in the fresh air and countryside atmosphere. Pick your favorite fruit of the season right off the tree or vine; then picnic among the apple trees and hills.

Neary Lagoon Park

Abundant wildlife, trails, small play area, tennis courts, floating walkways on the water & interpretive signage. No dogs allowed in wildlife refuge area.

Santa Cruz Bird Club

Santa Cruz Harbor

Full-service marina with charters offering sailing, fishing, whale watching, eco-tours, kayaking and more. Landside, enjoy our restaurants, beach, RV park and retail shops.

Santa Cruz Whale Watching

Come aboard Stagnaro Charters newest passenger yacht. We have 95% success in spotting whales or dolphins. 3 - 4 hour trips are narrated and run year-round!