Kayaking

Kayak Connection. From March through May, participants in this outfit's tours mingle with gray whales and their calves on their northward journey to Alaska. Throughout the year, the company rents kayaks and paddleboards and conducts tours of Natural Bridges State Beach, Capitola, and Elkhorn Slough. Santa Cruz Harbor, 413 Lake Ave., No. 3, Santa Cruz, California, 95062. 831/479–1121; kayakconnection.com. From $65 for scheduled tours.

Venture Quest Kayaking. Explore hidden coves and kelp forests on guided two-hour kayak tours that depart from Santa Cruz Wharf. The tours include a kayaking lesson. Venture Quest also rents kayaks (and wet suits and gear), and arranges tours at other Monterey Bay destinations, including Elkhorn Slough. 2 Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz, California, 95060. 831/427–2267; 831/425–8445; kayaksantacruz.com. From $35 for rentals, $60 for tours.