Guided Beach Combing Excursions, By the Bay Treasures

Excursions all take place somewhere between Monterey and San Francisco, CA and once your reservation is confirmed and you have paid a deposit, you will be emailed the details regarding where we are meeting and what time the trip begins. Kayaking trips are possible but rappelling simply is too dangerous to offer and as such we will not take people rappelling.

Having worked on the beaches of California with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation several years ago, beachcombing with Charles is like taking a nature tour as well. Plan on bringing your camera for photos of sea anemones, starfish, shore birds and marine animals such as dolphins, seals, whales, sea otters and much more, of course we don't always see all of the animals listed, but there always is the chance of seeing them.

Weather and gravel washes are unpredictable as are the results of a day of collecting. Outings may last 1.5-6+ hours dependent upon your stamina level and schedule. Excursions take place rain or shine.

Charles who also is an accomplished jeweler will happily make a few pieces of freeform sterling silver wire wrapped sea glass pendants or earrings at the conclusion of your excursion.

Open groups are trips which are open to the general public and a group of up to 10 will then be taken out together with everyone driving their own vehicles. These are an excellent opportunity to meet up with like minded individuals who are as enthusiastic about sea glass as you are.

Family trips are limited to only your close friends and family that you invite, up to 6 are included in the base package.

One on one trips are either a couple or an individual and allow for more flexibility in the excursion and more individual quality time with your guide. Watch for upcoming beachcoming excursions to be announced, reserve space on a planned excursion or book a private excursion by emailing or calling us at 925-360-7469.

Important notes regarding guided beach combing excursions.

Unless other arrangements are made, you are responsible for handling your own transportation and food.

As we are beach combing and not sun tanning, trips take place rain or shine. We suggest dressing for all types of weather since it is possible for it to be very cold and foggy on the beaches with it warm and sunny only a quarter mile inland.

If a particular trip has a limited number of signups, we reserve the right to reschedule the trip for a later date, if this is the case we will provide a minimum of 72 hours notice.

As most of you know, beach combing results can vary widely from one day to the next, as such some trips will be far more productive then others.

You may also bring along pieces of sea glass found on your own beach combing excursions in order for Charles to appraise them and or make jewelry from them.

Charles is known for wearing a wetsuit, surfing booties, life vest and a collecting bag while beach combing. Though you do not need to wear the same gear as Charles, plan on bringing a towel a change of clothes and if you choose to, similar gear as to what Charles will be wearing.

One of the benefits of beach combing with Charles as your guide, is he will enter the crash zone in the surf to work the gravel washes that are difficult to access. If you choose to do this yourself, be prepared for very cold water and rough conditions possibly even life threatening as this activity can be quite dangerous.

A deposit of 50% is due at the time of your booking in order to secure your reservation.

If you fail to show up at the prearranged location at the predetermined time, you will be not be refunded your deposit. If you provide a minimum of one week notice of cancellation you will receive a full refund of your deposit less a $5 processing fee.

If you would like to attend an excursion, please contact us in order to make reservations. If a particular trip has no vacancies, you may request to be placed on a backup call list where if an opening comes up we will contact you so that you may join us.

Beach Combing Excursion Details & Pricing

The duration is a minimum of 1.5 hours and up to 6+ It all depends on your stamina level and what it is that you want to do.

The cost is dependent on what type of trip you are interested in. The options are below:

Beach Combing the Carquinez Straight
The Carquinez Straight connects Susuin Bay with San Pablo Bay which then connects with San Francisco bay. The area is rich in history as Benicia was once the State Capitol of California and the Pony Express used to run through here. There was a brisk tanning and ship building industry here and there were many waterfront buildings which have since been destroyed.

This trip is for all ages and is there is a guarantee of finding large quantities of sea glass. This sea glass has a somewhat different patina from ocean glass or bay glass, but has a beauty all it's own. The common colors of white, brown, aqua blue, seafoam, olive green and green are easy to locate while most of the time you can find sun amethyst, purple, cobalt blue and sometimes even yellow, orange, Vaseline glass, iridescent pieces, campfire/bonfire glass, red and even a true pink!

The cost of this trip is $150 for a 2 hour minimum and includes one piece of jewelry made from one of your finds at the end of the trip. If additional time is desired, it's yours if you care to be on your own, but for me to remain for additional time I charge $85 per an additional hour.

Beach Combing north of Santa Cruz
The beaches to the north of Santa Cruz can vary from very productive to almost nothing in the way of sea glass. One added benefit is the sea shells and abalone shell pieces that can be found. There are also fossilized seashells found in surf tumbled beach rocks as well as driftwood, jade, agates, jasper and more.

These trips can vary from mild to wild with rather unpredictable results. I never come away empty handed, but sometimes all the knowledge and skill in the world will not make them beach themselves. When there are no gravel washes to work it can be tough collecting more then a little handful of tinies, however when there are nice gravel washes that have formed, some of my favorite gems have come from these beaches. I recently pulled out a flawless boomerang shaped chunky piece of yellow Vaseline glass that was over 2" in length! Uncommon, yes, but possible!

Base cost of this trip begins at $225 for a 2 hour excursion with additional guided hours running $85 an hour. In this trip we may hit one of several beaches or a combination of up to five different locations in our hunt for the gems of the sea. Cost of this trip includes two pieces of jewelry made from pieces you find during your excursion.

Beach Combing and Kayaking Adventure
This trip is only for experienced kayakers and you must provide your own kayak or cover the cost of renting one. Trips can depart from three locations and are all limited to either the Carquinez Straight, San Pablo Bay or to San Francisco Bay. You must be in good physical condition for this activity.

Cost for this trip varies depending on type of experience desired. Trips in San Francisco Bay are $250 for the first 3 hours with additional hours running $95 an hour. Trips in San Pablo Bay run $225 for the first 3 hours and are charged $90 an hour for each additional hour. Trips in the Carquinez Straight run $200 for the first 3 hours and are billed at $85 for each additional hour.

During this trip it is possible to find absolutely anything! You name it, (sea glass wise) it could happen!