Rentals

Rent kayaks from Monterey Bay Kayaks

Quality Equipment
Knowledgeable Instruction
Reasonable Prices
and lots of Fun!

$25 per person for all rentals
at both locations!
Effective now till March 15.
Applies to all types of kayaks.

Rentals in Monterey

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

Rates

Rentals in Elkhorn Slough

Make a Reservation for Elkhorn Slough

Rates

What's included?

  • Wetsuits are highly recommended on the ocean. The average water temperature is in the low 50's.
  • Adults get a Farmer John style wetsuit and paddling jacket
  • Kids get a full surf suit (up to size 14)
  • Life jacket and appropriate safety equipment for the boat you are renting
  • On land orientation with map, weather forecasts, paddling and safety rules. Staff will assist you with your boats on the beach.
  • Changing rooms, restrooms and outside showers

What's included?

  • Your choice of either a wetsuit, paddling jacket, paddling pants or your own suitable clothing
  • Kids can get a full surf suit (up to size 14)
  • Life jacket and appropriate safety equipment for the boat you are renting
  • On land orientation with map, weather forecasts, paddling and safety rules. Staff will assist you with your boats on the beach.
  • Changing rooms, restrooms

What to bring

  • Bathing suits and quick drying layers to adjust for weather. Base layers synthetics, fleece and nylon fabrics are best. Avoid getting on the water wearing heavy cotton or denim.
  • Footwear and socks that can get wet (or go barefoot)
  • Hats, sunscreen, water, snacks, waterproof cameras. Items are available at our store.

What to bring

  • Bathing suits and quick drying layers to adjust for weather. Base layers synthetics, fleece and nylon fabrics are best. Avoid getting on the water wearing heavy cotton or denim.
  • Footwear and socks that can get wet (or go barefoot)
  • Hats, sunscreen, water, snacks, waterproof cameras. Items are available at our store.

What's it like?

Read about the Monterey paddling area.

What's it like?

Read about the Elkhorn Slough paddling area.

Who can rent?

  • You should be a good swimmer to rent an open deck kayak, but no paddling experience is required.
  • If you are not comfortable in the water, check out our guided tours
  • Previous experience is required for Closed Deck and Recreational Kayaks. Read more information about Closed Deck Kayaks and Recreational Kayaks.
  • Kids should be 5 or older to be in a double with an adult who can do most of the paddling if needed. Kids 3 and older can join our 2-hour guided tours. Kids 13 and older can paddle single kayaks.

Who can rent?

  • You should be a good swimmer to rent an open deck kayak, but no paddling experience is required.
  • If you are not comfortable in the water, check out our guided tours
  • Previous experience is required for Closed Deck and Recreational Kayaks. Read more information about Closed Deck Kayaks and Recreational Kayaks.
  • Kids should be 5 or older to be in a double with an adult who can do most of the paddling if needed. Kids 3 and older can join our 2-hour guided tours. Kids 13 and older can paddle single kayaks.

Reservations — 800-649-5357

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

Make a Reservation for Elkhorn Slough

  • Reservations are not always necessary for rentals but it will guarantee your boat on arrival.
  • Reservations are full payment in advance with 3 days notice required for a full refund unless we cancel for safety reasons. Groups of 12 or more receive a 10% discount if prepaid on one credit card.
  • Walk ins are always welcome. Arrive early for the best selection. If we are sold out, kayaks are available after a short wait.
  • Light rain or fog will not always cancel an event as long as water conditions remain calm. Overcast days can provide ideal, calm waters with some of the best wildlife viewing conditions. Mornings are usually calmer than afternoons (especially during spring/early summer and sunny, clear days)
  • Click for our current hours, directions, weather and other useful visitor links!

Open Deck or Sit-on-Top KayaksOpen Deck Kayaks

sit-on-tops

No previous experience needed - These kayaks are great for beginners and first time paddlers due to their stability and self bailing features. Backrest, paddle leash and basic paddling instruction is also included with your rental. Single, double and triple seated models are available. Renters need to be good swimmers.

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

Make a Reservation for Elkhorn Slough


Closed Deck Kayaks Closed Deck Kayaks

sit-inside touring

Closed deck kayaks are "traditional sit-inside" kayaks that can be a little less stable than open deck kayaks, but provide more performance, with the proper instruction.

Prerequisite for renting in Monterey: a sea kayak class that has covered assisted and solo re-entry techniques.

Prerequisite for renting at Elkhorn Slough: basic knowledge of how to adjust the kayak to fit, use rudder (if part of the boat) and how to do a wet exit. Re-entry techniques not required if you can swim the boat to shore.

Additional safety gear is provided including a paddlefloat, water pump and sprayskirt. Renters need to be good swimmers.

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

Make a Reservation for Elkhorn Slough


Recreational KayaksRecreational Kayaks

sit-inside recreation kayaks

Available exclusively at our Elkhorn Slough location. Previous paddling experience is required. These kayaks are designed with a larger deck opening than traditional, closed-deck touring kayaks and offer more stability on the water. Re-entering this kayak can be more difficult than an open deck kayak and may require swimming to shore. Pump and floatation included. Single and double seated models are available. Renters need to be good swimmers.

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

Make a Reservation for Elkhorn Slough


Stand Up Paddleboards

Surftech Stand Up Paddleboards Available exclusively at our Monterey location. No previous experience needed to try this exciting sport straight from Hawaii. Stand Up Paddleboards by Surftech are available for entry to intermediate level paddlers. Paddle, ankle leash, wetsuit, lifejacket and paddling orientation are also provided. See the Monterey Bay from a whole new perspective!

Make a Reservation for Monterey Bay

New to Stand up Paddeboards? Check out our new 2-hour classes every Saturday and Sunday during summer.

$20 for 2 hours


Frequent Paddler Packages

Frequent Paddler Packages

All rates are per person:

Package #1

$100 for 2 months of unlimited rentals/demos of our kayaks at both locations, and Stand Up Paddleboards in Monterey. A great way to try out all the different models that we have available. The $100 can then be applied to any new boat purchase within 60 days.

Reserve Package #1

Package #2

$250 for 2 months of unlimited rentals, and select classes and tours at both locations. Classes include Intro to Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Re-entry and Rescue Techniques, Surf Zone, Surfing in Kayaks, and any pool session (does not include rolling or private classes). Guided tours include any 2- or 3-hour Natural History, Sunset, Full Moon, and Bird Watching tour. Your $250 can then be applied to any touring kayak purchase within 60 days.

Reserve Package #2