• photo by Andrew Goff
• Humboldt Baykeeper's 25-foot Boston Whaler

 No matter how water-loving you are -- fully immersed or just Bay-curious -- Humboldt Baykeeper will tempt you to embrace the aquatic.

 For free!

 The environmental group offers a little-known, free boat ride on Saturday and Sunday mornings from early April through mid- to late October.

 The theory is that once you see Humboldt Bay up close and lovely, you won’t be able to resist its charms. You’ll cherish it. And you’ll want it to stay healthy.

 The hour-long nature tour is yours for just a bit of planning: Call or email in advance, put your name down for the next opening and sign a waiver. Baykeeper won’t take money even if you offer (at least, not on the boat -- it’s a legal thing).

 When it’s your turn to ride on the group’s 25-foot Boston Whaler, a docent will explain what you’re seeing as the bay’s silvery waters slip past. The talk might be about birds or oysters or the bay’s natural history, but docents are trained to steer away from politics. (If you must know, they’ll point you to the organization’s office in Old Town Eureka.)

 To partake in some of this free bay love, email volunteer@humboldt baykeeper.org or phone 268-8897.

 -- Carrie Peyton Dahlberg