Cachuma Lake is a jewel for Santa Barbara County and offers so much, like fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. The surrounding habitat is perfect for wildlife to flourish and so the opportunities to spot wild critters and observe native plants is awe-inspiring.
For example, the Nature Center is working on something exciting and an online experience is available in advance of the in-person adventure.
Julie Anne McDonald, the celebrated Nature Center executive director said, “The Nature Center is working on getting our Native Garden ready for guided tours and we already have a guide on our website for the Don Wimpress Nature Trail.”
Nature Cruises at Cachuma Lake are one of this county’s greatest adventures. The schedule of boat rides is currently: Fridays 2:00 to 3:30pm, Saturdays 10:00 to 11:30am and 2:00 to 3:30pm, Sundays 10-11:30 a.m.
This is a Santa Barbara County naturalist-guided pontoon boat cruise highlighting local flora and fauna. resident and migratory birds, geology and history. My advice is to bring both a camera and binoculars.
Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours prior to departure and can be made by calling the Naturalist Office, 805-688-4515. Prices are $15 per adult (ages 13 and up) and $10 per kid (ages 5 to 12).
Rosey Bishop at the Naturalist Office is the knowledgeable and delightful lady who organizes the cruises. I asked her what her cruise guests typically see, and she said, “We see picturesque views of the lake and surrounding Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, herds of mule deer grazing, grebes doing elaborate rushing displays, hunting herons, ornate ducks and songbirds, birds of prey such as osprey, red-tailed hawks and an occasional bald eagle.”
Asked about current distancing safeguards and how it affects operations, Bishop said, “The tour boat typically seats 30; however, we are now only taking a maximum of nine people plus the captain. The reduced amount of people allows for ample space on the boat, including 6 feet for social distancing. We are also requiring everyone to wear a mask at this time.”
Those rules may change as restrictions are loosed statewide and countywide, so ask when making reservations and be prepared to comply as you board the boat.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
