Unique things to do in Monterey Bay

Beginner Surfing l is our popular 2.5-hour group surf clinic. So what will you be learning? This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! There will be a short land-lesson to start, and after that we'll head out to catch some waves. You'll get approximately 1:30-2 hours of "water time" in the 2.5-hour class. Maximum ratio of 4 students per instructor. FAQ: Why are some of these class times SOOO early?! Answer: When it comes to surfing, mother nature sets a lot of the rules - that's what makes it such a unique sport. If we don't go on the right tide, we won't get any waves! While those early morning sessions might be hard to wake up for, they are also truly magical. Great surf conditions, no wind, no crowds - it is about as epic as it gets. If you make the commitment go early, we can promise you'll be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime!

We'll start by foraging through the farm to make a diverse "goat salad." We'll walk through the garden, stop to admire the beehives, and then feed and pet our mini horses, adorable Babydoll sheep, and silly goats. Once our animals have had their salads, The Farmhouse Kitchen at The Nest Box (MEHKO permit #PT0501239) will treat you to a light seasonal farm picnic. Following your fresh farm treats, we'll step in with the chickens and ducks. We'll feed them organic hen scratch and farm greens, if available. We'll watch them happily scratch around and quack and coo, and you can hold and pet them if you’d like too. While they’re scratching around, we’ll step into the coops to check for eggs, then we'll visit with our rambunctious pigs and Harper, our sweet Jersey cow. We'll finish our experience with a calm and relaxing visit with our bunnies and guinea pigs. We'll feed and pet these sweet and soft fur balls. All along the experience, you will learn fun facts about our diverse plant and animal family, and you’ll leave with a seasonal farm gift. Other things to note: Wear comfortable closed-toed walking shoes and clothes you don't mind possibly getting a bit dirty. Boots and long pants are ideal. *Great for teams and team-building too!

Find out what you can eat in the woods! We'll hike in the lovely Santa Cruz mountains where I'll guide you on a beautiful, quiet 1-2 mile walk in the unique coastal oak & redwood forest. Together we'll learn the ancient ways of identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms, plants, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season. Mushrooms come out after the rains and fruit through winter, sometimes into spring). Along the way we'll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques while connecting to the beauty and abundance of our ecosystem. This experience is a fun, hands-on way to connect to what can feed, heal and harm us in the wild. You'll walk away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of nature! The hike is doable for all skill levels. See you on the trail! Other things to note: Secure your own transportation to The Buttery and we'll caravan to the hike start. Bring: layers (it can get chilly in the redwoods), water bottle and comfortable hiking shoes. Optional: hiking poles, camera, hat, sunglasses. Interested in a private group or offsite for your business team? Get in touch with me at info@MountainSeaAdventures.com

I'm out of town until approx 9 Sept. I'm flexible to teach surf lessons 7 days a week. Message me with a date you're interested in, and I'll check to see if conditions will be good to go surfing! Come paddle out with me! We'll have a great time learning to surf together! You'll be given instructions on how to maneuver the surfboard in the challenging ocean environment, how and when to stand up, as well as where to paddle out, and paddle in safely. I will take us to a great area for beginning surfers somewhere up and down the coast other than Cowell's Beach which is generally very crowded. This location will depend on the tides/winds and waves the day of your lesson. I will aide you in catching your first waves so that everyone gets to ride waves their first day. Most of you will be able to stand up your first day and feel the rush of riding Nature's energy in a truly pure form. I will also do my best to capture some of your rides using a goPro camera so that you have a photographic souvenir of your experience, and I try to send everyone at least a few pictures from their day surfing - no extra cost! Other things to note Most surfers wear nothing under a wetsuit but, I find beginners like having a bathing suit underneath. Have a bathing suit underneath your clothes, and bring a towel to change with. Bring sunscreen, driver's license/credit card to rent a wetsuit.

*Please message us if you'd prefer different hours, or a date not on our calendar* Is the Redwood Forest calling you? Would you like to know it in a new way? In this guided experience you will make a personal connection with the Subtle Realms of the Redwood Forest. And perhaps learn a little history and science in fun and unexpected ways! Kids are 1/2 price. Great for groups and team building. We will tailor our experience to suit your needs. Please message us. We will meet in Santa Cruz, and then caravan to the trailhead in the heart of Redwood country. Going into the Redwood Forest together, we will walk, pause, energize all our senses, and attune with the Subtle Realms of Nature. The gift of music will set the tone, and our loving presence will open the way. We will call on the Elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water to bring us to a new understanding of the aliveness and interconnectedness of the natural world. We will spend a few minutes writing about our experience to help you to recall how to connect with the Subtle Realms back home. We will also be sharing Redwood Forest knowledge and science in fun and hands-on ways throughout this experience! As we complete our time in the Forest together, you can choose to stay longer on your own, fully energized with a new vision of our interconnectedness.

Join us for a fantastic day on the waters of Monterey Bay spending time seeing amazing animals like seals, otters, whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks and the coastal scenery of Monterey Bay. With intimate wildlife encounters, Animals are so close you can almost touch! ​Groups are small (1 to 6 people), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the wildlife with plenty of free time for us to explore. We draw on our experience and expertise to teach, educate and provide amazing experiences. A licensed and experienced Captain and naturalist. The vessel "Safari" is a Zodiac Hurricane RIB, or Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat, with an Aluminum hull surrounded by inflated pontoons for extra stability. At 32ft in length she has more than enough room for our small group "Safari" is consistently maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability. We feel "Safari" is the best platform to have an intimate experience with wildlife, being close to the water gives these trip a more personal feeling. Our trips are design for private and semi-private tours Other things to note 20 years of experience, licensed and insured boat captain. . If have any questions or make reservations please message us. The vessel has modern radios, GPS, electronics and all safety gear required. We have self inflating life jackets for each guest.

We'll set sail from the Santa Cruz Harbor aboard the classic Westsail 42' Nomad, and head out into the Monterey Bay in search of smooth water, fair winds, and wildlife. We'll be in search of gray, humpback whales, and dolphins. Experiencing sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and myriad sea birds are virtually guaranteed. Later in the evening we'll take leisurely tacks back to the harbor. At this point you are in an ideal location to take a walk on the beach or have dinner at an excellent restaurant. If you select the Private Experience button Nomad is yours for the experience, this is a private charter. This is the price for up to 6 passengers for 2 hours.

Monterey Bay is the most productive and diverse ecosystem in California! Our giant kelp forests are home to a stunning variety of life forms like sea lions, harbor seals, otters, sea stars, crabs, anemones, jellyfish, and more! This part of the Pacific is my favorite place in the entire world and I'm so excited to share it with you. We'll start by trying on all the equipment at the dive shop (thick wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood, mask). Then I'll give a tutorial on how to snorkel like and pro and we'll head out to the beach. Once in the water you'll be guided through beautiful kelp forests in search of as many fascinating plant and animal species as possible. I guarantee you'll see critters you've never seen before! Considerations: The ocean can be intimidating, especially for a first timer, but I'm here to make you feel safe and comfortable in this new environment. Swimming skills are not required and with my close guidance you’ll be snorkeling with ease in no time. It's my goal to make the underwater world accessible to everyone. This is a great family bonding experience and I highly encourage any kids (10 years and older) to join! *Ocean conditions are subject to change and difficult to predict. I always analyze wind and wave reports in order to provide the best experience possible. If conditions are unsafe a refund will be provided.

On our electric fat-bikes, we wind our way along the rugged coastline and through thick cypress groves, stopping at all the amazing viewpoints. We'll share about our area's unique ocean wildlife and iconic landmarks...the Lone Cypress, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Lover's Point, Asilomar Beach, 17-Mile Drive. We cruise at a comfortable 15-20 mph. In the open air you'll smell the ocean & hear the waves. And as we explore this most scenic stretch of ocean from Cannery Row to Ghost Tree, look for deer, seals, otters, sea lions, and whales! Our tours are great for anyone comfortable riding a bike. Though you have to be over 14 years and 4'10" to ride solo, we can accommodate younger children as passengers with a parent on our e-Tandem bikes for $59 each. Or for younger children we have cargo e-bikes with back seats they can ride on for $29 each. If you are traveling with children, please call to discuss the exact nature of our ride to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. If joining a tour with others, single riders will be regular price. If no one else joins your requested time, you can pay $30 extra for a solo tour or choose a different time or cancel. Other things to note Pack a layer. It can be chilly on sections of the ride! You may want to pack a snack. Look for free street parking on Sunset Drive or nearby Crocker Ave.

Join me on the beautiful New Brighton beach for a yoga practice. Enjoy an all-levels yoga class as we listen to the waves of the ocean. Great for families, teams, couples, and solo travelers. The yoga class will include Hatha-Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga. The focus will be on alignment and breath. We will move mindfully in nature and our breath will be connected to every movement. A Tibetan singing bowl will be used during class for a meditative experience. Yoga is a powerful tool to balance your mind, release tension, and feel better in your body. You’ll enjoy the benefits of yoga as you work through short flows including sun salutations, seated stretches, core work, balances, and backbends. We will be practicing on the sand, please bring a beach towel or yoga mat. For additional dates and times, please contact me to request. ​I look forward to hosting you on this amazing experience.

We are hosting a goat walk on the beach with two or more goats in our herd for individuals and groups. A few hours before our meeting time we prepare and transport our trained goats from our herd all the way down to the beach from our sanctuary to walk alongside you for a unique, once in a lifetime experience. Our goats are very special goats nurtured from birth by Billie and her interns to develop a strong trusting relationship with people. Our goats love people and are very interested in getting to know the people they meet. We will meet at the trail head that leads to a very magical and less frequented beach location. When we meet at the trail head location we will talk for about 10 minutes with tips on goat safety. We will also talk about goat companionship, interspecies communication, and the history of humans and goats plus lots more while we walk the trail to the beach guiding the goats along side us stopping to munch a bit. The path to the beach includes a beautiful forested landscape and a few flights of stairs so be prepared to walk some stairs. The walk down to the beach takes about 15 minutes. We will spend about 40 minutes on the beach with the goats. This walk may be canceled if there are less than 4 guests booked. So invite friends! Children are welcome to attend with adult supervision. The whole experience will last no longer than 90 minutes.

At Bluebird Farm we offer an intimate family-friendly experience for all ages. When you arrive we will say hello, go over the farm rules, give a quick tour of the property and amenities then the fun begins. There's no strict timeline, you can enjoy the 3 hours at your own pace. You can meet all the animals like our alpaca, Scottish Highland cows and calf, horses, goats, mini horses and mini donkeys. We have a small critter corner where you can hang with a bunny, ducks, a tortoise, guinea pigs and chickens. Mini horse rides are available for kids (75lb weight limit) and a hayride is available for everyone! ***mini horse rides and hay ride NOT included on discounted weekday tours*** Kids can roam and use their imagination at the outdoor play area. There's a mini farmers market, play house, flower shop, garage with power wheels, mini garden, mud kitchen, sandbox and swings. Make sure to bring your own lunch and snacks. Between the activities you can sit down at the picnic tables and enjoy your lunch under the oak trees. There's an outdoor hand washing station and bathroom available. We ask you please wash your hands before and after petting and feeding the animals.

Monterey Bay is the most productive and diverse ecosystem in California! Our giant kelp forests are home to a stunning variety of life forms like sea lions, harbor seals, otters, sea stars, crabs, anemones, jellyfish, and more! This part of the Pacific is my favorite place in the entire world and I'm so excited to share it with you. We'll start by trying on all the equipment at the dive shop (thick wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood, mask). Then I'll give a tutorial on how to snorkel like and pro and we'll head out to the beach. Once in the water you'll be guided through beautiful kelp forests in search of as many fascinating plant and animal species as possible. I guarantee you'll see critters you've never seen before! Considerations: The ocean can be intimidating, especially for a first timer, but I'm here to make you feel safe and comfortable in this new environment. Swimming skills are not required and with my close guidance you’ll be snorkeling with ease in no time. It's my goal to make the underwater world accessible to everyone. This is a great family bonding experience and I highly encourage any kids (10 years and older) to join! *Ocean conditions are subject to change and difficult to predict. I always analyze wind and wave reports in order to provide the best experience possible. If conditions are unsafe a refund will be provided.

Beginner Surfing l is our popular 2.5-hour group surf clinic. So what will you be learning? This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on their own for a while and still need help. We will walk you through all the basics to get you started and catching waves! There will be a short land-lesson to start, and after that we'll head out to catch some waves. You'll get approximately 1:30-2 hours of "water time" in the 2.5-hour class. Maximum ratio of 4 students per instructor. FAQ: Why are some of these class times SOOO early?! Answer: When it comes to surfing, mother nature sets a lot of the rules - that's what makes it such a unique sport. If we don't go on the right tide, we won't get any waves! While those early morning sessions might be hard to wake up for, they are also truly magical. Great surf conditions, no wind, no crowds - it is about as epic as it gets. If you make the commitment go early, we can promise you'll be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime!

On our electric fat-bikes, we wind our way along the rugged coastline and through thick cypress groves, stopping at all the amazing viewpoints. We'll share about our area's unique ocean wildlife and iconic landmarks...the Lone Cypress, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Lover's Point, Asilomar Beach, 17-Mile Drive. We cruise at a comfortable 15-20 mph. In the open air you'll smell the ocean & hear the waves. And as we explore this most scenic stretch of ocean from Cannery Row to Ghost Tree, look for deer, seals, otters, sea lions, and whales! Our tours are great for anyone comfortable riding a bike. Though you have to be over 14 years and 4'10" to ride solo, we can accommodate younger children as passengers with a parent on our e-Tandem bikes for $59 each. Or for younger children we have cargo e-bikes with back seats they can ride on for $29 each. If you are traveling with children, please call to discuss the exact nature of our ride to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. If joining a tour with others, single riders will be regular price. If no one else joins your requested time, you can pay $30 extra for a solo tour or choose a different time or cancel. Other things to note Pack a layer. It can be chilly on sections of the ride! You may want to pack a snack. Look for free street parking on Sunset Drive or nearby Crocker Ave.

We'll start by foraging through the farm to make a diverse "goat salad." We'll walk through the garden, stop to admire the beehives, and then feed and pet our mini horses, adorable Babydoll sheep, and silly goats. Once our animals have had their salads, The Farmhouse Kitchen at The Nest Box (MEHKO permit #PT0501239) will treat you to a light seasonal farm picnic. Following your fresh farm treats, we'll step in with the chickens and ducks. We'll feed them organic hen scratch and farm greens, if available. We'll watch them happily scratch around and quack and coo, and you can hold and pet them if you’d like too. While they’re scratching around, we’ll step into the coops to check for eggs, then we'll visit with our rambunctious pigs and Harper, our sweet Jersey cow. We'll finish our experience with a calm and relaxing visit with our bunnies and guinea pigs. We'll feed and pet these sweet and soft fur balls. All along the experience, you will learn fun facts about our diverse plant and animal family, and you’ll leave with a seasonal farm gift. Other things to note: Wear comfortable closed-toed walking shoes and clothes you don't mind possibly getting a bit dirty. Boots and long pants are ideal. *Great for teams and team-building too!

Come jump in the beautiful ocean with your own professional surfing instructor! I am a trained professional that has unique insight on the best surfing locations guaranteed to provide optimal waves for surfing. During your lesson I will demonstrate and explain the techniques you'll need to learn to become a master surfer. You will then practice those techniques under my guidance on the beach until you feel comfortable with the fundamentals . Once you and I are both confident that you know how to do each technique on land we will venture out into the water to put your skill to the test under my supervision and assistance. After the lesson we will review your progress and talk about the next steps in your surfing journey. This experience is designed to shorten your learning curve, I will try to provide you with all the tips and tricks I have discovered during my 20 years in the waves so you can continue surfing on your own. Every lesson I teach is focused on safety, comfortability in the water, and or course ENJOYMENT! Other things to note People taking a surf lesson with me should feel confident renting equipment from a surf shop after completing their lesson. Occasionally I might be unavailable due to life events, in which case I will provide a substitute instructor (Hawaii raised surfing buddy with over 10 years teaching experience).

Find out what you can eat in the woods! We'll hike in the lovely Santa Cruz mountains where I'll guide you on a beautiful, quiet 1-2 mile walk in the unique coastal oak & redwood forest. Together we'll learn the ancient ways of identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms, plants, roots, flowers, nuts and seeds (depending on the season. Mushrooms come out after the rains and fruit through winter, sometimes into spring). Along the way we'll discuss proper harvesting and preparation techniques while connecting to the beauty and abundance of our ecosystem. This experience is a fun, hands-on way to connect to what can feed, heal and harm us in the wild. You'll walk away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of nature! The hike is doable for all skill levels. See you on the trail! Other things to note: Secure your own transportation to The Buttery and we'll caravan to the hike start. Bring: layers (it can get chilly in the redwoods), water bottle and comfortable hiking shoes. Optional: hiking poles, camera, hat, sunglasses. Interested in a private group or offsite for your business team? Get in touch with me at info@MountainSeaAdventures.com

Join me on the beautiful New Brighton beach for a yoga practice. Enjoy an all-levels yoga class as we listen to the waves of the ocean. Great for families, teams, couples, and solo travelers. The yoga class will include Hatha-Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga. The focus will be on alignment and breath. We will move mindfully in nature and our breath will be connected to every movement. A Tibetan singing bowl will be used during class for a meditative experience. Yoga is a powerful tool to balance your mind, release tension, and feel better in your body. You’ll enjoy the benefits of yoga as you work through short flows including sun salutations, seated stretches, core work, balances, and backbends. We will be practicing on the sand, please bring a beach towel or yoga mat. For additional dates and times, please contact me to request. ​I look forward to hosting you on this amazing experience.

Kayaking on the Monterey Bay with otters, seals and sea lions is a once in a lifetime experience. When arriving to our location across the street from the beach you will be offered gear to keep you warm based on the conditions that are ahead of us. After our safety orientation, we hit the water in no more than a group of ten kayakers per guide. We travel along the coast and near the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fishermans Wharf. Kayakers will see California Sea Otters, Harbor Seals and Sea Lions in their natural habitat. Memories that will last a lifetime

In the Mexican culture, food is one of the greatest ways to express gratitude, love, and respect. During this experience, you'll learn how to prepare recipes that were handed down from my mother who grew up in Michoacán, Mexico. The kitchen will be a lively venue with the aroma of roasting peppers, toasting arroz, corn masa, and sizzling camarones. The meal you'll enjoy will be gluten free and pescatarian. Vegan options are always available. This experience lasts for about 2 hours at my beach cottage on the East End of Santa Cruz. During the first half of the experience, we will group around my open kitchen island where guests will have hands-on guidance cooking 4 authentic Mexican recipes. We’ll be preparing Golden Mexican arroz (Rice), Salsa (Green and Chipotle), Tortillas de Maiz hechas a mano (Corn Tortillas), and Camarones de la plancha (Grilled Shrimp). The second half of the experience, you will spend lounging eating your meal in our lush backyard. The first 5-10 minutes, you’ll be welcomed to your cooking stations with refreshments (feel free to bring your own alcohol of choice). The following 1 hour and 20 minutes will consist of preparing all 4 elements of your meal. You'll be provided exact measurements of ingredients for a seamless experience and I will walk us through each step. During the remaining 40 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy the meal in our backyard.

I'm out of town until approx 9 Sept. I'm flexible to teach surf lessons 7 days a week. Message me with a date you're interested in, and I'll check to see if conditions will be good to go surfing! Come paddle out with me! We'll have a great time learning to surf together! You'll be given instructions on how to maneuver the surfboard in the challenging ocean environment, how and when to stand up, as well as where to paddle out, and paddle in safely. I will take us to a great area for beginning surfers somewhere up and down the coast other than Cowell's Beach which is generally very crowded. This location will depend on the tides/winds and waves the day of your lesson. I will aide you in catching your first waves so that everyone gets to ride waves their first day. Most of you will be able to stand up your first day and feel the rush of riding Nature's energy in a truly pure form. I will also do my best to capture some of your rides using a goPro camera so that you have a photographic souvenir of your experience, and I try to send everyone at least a few pictures from their day surfing - no extra cost! Other things to note Most surfers wear nothing under a wetsuit but, I find beginners like having a bathing suit underneath. Have a bathing suit underneath your clothes, and bring a towel to change with. Bring sunscreen, driver's license/credit card to rent a wetsuit.

Looking for a truly unique outdoor experience in Santa Cruz? Want to hike through a redwood forest and meadows, see ocean views and learn about the local flora and fauna? Curious about experiencing a guided solo walk? Want to learn tools to feel peaceful, connected and empowered? We will gather at the Spring Street entrance trailhead of Pogonip, share brief introductions, hike together along relatively flat terrain for 1.5 miles and then you will experience the solo-walk portion. MEDITATIVE SOLO WALK (~25 minutes) This is the really unique part! I will walk ahead of you all and set up cards along the trail to guide you. One by one, each participant will begin his/her/their solo walk. As you hike alone, you are meant to stop and read each card, and be open to the things they suggest. The cards include lovely quotes, nature observations and ways for you to deepen your connection with yourself and the natural world as you ponder GRATITUDE, MINDFULNESS and the POWER OF YOUR THOUGHTS. At the end of your solo walk, I will greet you and share a cool trail surprise:-) We will group up again, share any golden nuggets from your experience and then hike back to the trailhead together. This is a one of a kind experience! Come check it out if you're looking for deeper connection with yourself and the natural world. This will be a great memory of your time in Santa Cruz

*Please message us if you'd prefer different hours, or a date not on our calendar* Is the Redwood Forest calling you? Would you like to know it in a new way? In this guided experience you will make a personal connection with the Subtle Realms of the Redwood Forest. And perhaps learn a little history and science in fun and unexpected ways! Kids are 1/2 price. Great for groups and team building. We will tailor our experience to suit your needs. Please message us. We will meet in Santa Cruz, and then caravan to the trailhead in the heart of Redwood country. Going into the Redwood Forest together, we will walk, pause, energize all our senses, and attune with the Subtle Realms of Nature. The gift of music will set the tone, and our loving presence will open the way. We will call on the Elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water to bring us to a new understanding of the aliveness and interconnectedness of the natural world. We will spend a few minutes writing about our experience to help you to recall how to connect with the Subtle Realms back home. We will also be sharing Redwood Forest knowledge and science in fun and hands-on ways throughout this experience! As we complete our time in the Forest together, you can choose to stay longer on your own, fully energized with a new vision of our interconnectedness.

A Forest-to-Table Experience. Discover what food and medicine you can find in the wild on a rejuvenating tour through the woods. Then enjoy a sit-down tasting of delicious, specialty crafted wild-food hors d'oeuvres and herbal refreshments made from the very plants you'll have just learned about . Indulge in the knowledge, flavors, and healing. Come meet the edible & medicinal plants of Monterey while taking an easy stroll through nature. I'll introduce you to several local plants and teach you some of their properties and uses. Learn how plant medicine can be used to improve health in many areas. Find out about the ancient symbiotic relationships that plants have with humans. Also learn how plants communicate with each other and with us! In the tasting portion of the tour, you'll experience the unique flavors of the wild in 3 different prepared hors d'oeuvres, and an herbal refreshment. ** Please notify host of any food allergies** We will be meeting at a local cafe first, and then guests will need to drive themselves 5-8 mins to the hiking location. It will be a leisurely 1 mile walk, little to no elevation gain. We will be pausing frequently along the hike to discuss the plants we find. **Please note that we will not be doing any foraging. ** We hike Rain or Shine, so dress for the weather, and have simple rain gear if rain is expected.****