Watercraft of any kind are not normally allowed on Batiquitos Lagoon, due to its sensitive environment. In 2006, the Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed a limited number of visitors to paddle around the lagoon on kayaks to help clean out trash that had accumulated in the water and shoreline brush. Since then, the event has become very popular. It gives kayakers an opportunity to paddle and enjoy the normally inaccessible lagoon in two-hour shifts. The two-hour limit was necessary to accommodate all the entrants that wanted to be a part of the clean-up by the second year. Since then, they have added a second day. Even so, the spots are usually sold out by the date of the event.
Subject to availability, there will be kayaks provided, or participants can bring their own. Guides provide information about the natural habitat and the adverse effect of litter on the wildlife inhabiting the lagoon. The tax-deductible fee is $50 per person, with the proceeds going toward the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. The check-in location is at the I-5 park-and-ride at La Costa Avenue in Carlsbad. For online registration, go to batiquitosfoundation.org.
Bonus: registrants qualify for discounts and a “goodie bag” from the Encinitas REI store, where they can also secure their check-in time by completing the required forms in advance.