Check-in at our store at North Harbor 2390 Highway 1,
Moss Landing, CA
Open Daily 9:00 to 5:00 (see below for holiday hours)
Phone (831) 373-5357
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Harbor 1.5 hourThis tour is a perfect adventure for young children and their parents. Even though we don't go far, we will still explore and see tons of sea otters, harbor seals, & birds. No experience is necessary and is recommended for families with children ages 3 to 12.
Price includes FREE rentals after the tour! Regular rental rules apply. $55 per person
Daily: 9:00, 3:00 Weekends: 9:00, 11:00, & 3:00 (Must arrive 30 min prior to start time to gear up) |
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - 2.5 hourExplore more of this peaceful tidal estuary with its stunning diversity of marine life. Paddle with sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a variety of shorebirds. No experience required. Recommended for adults and kids over 13 years old (with adults).
Price includes FREE rentals after the tour! Regular rental rules apply. $65 per person
Offered daily at 10:00 and 2:00 (Must arrive 30 min prior to start time to gear up) |
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Bioluminescence
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NEW! Ride the Tide tours are back for the winter!
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - 3 hours
Experience a different side of Elkhorn Slough during the King Tides of winter. The trips are scheduled on days with the most dramatic high and low tidal changes, allowing us to paddle further in and see more of the slough. Then we take advantage of the maximum tidal outflow for an easy ride back to the harbor. Bonus - view sea otters, harbor seals, and visiting winter migratory birds! Previous experience is recommended due to the length of the tour and the distance covered. 4 person minimum. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance.
$80 Offered on select dates
The start time will vary for each trip. See your confirmation for trip details.
The start time will vary for each trip. See your confirmation for trip details.
Click here if you are interested in a Private Guided Tour
Cancellation Policy and Weather
1. There are no refunds for any cancellations OR changes OR if you miss your trip for any reason within 48 hours of your event unless we cancel for safety reasons.
2. Our tour groups are small for the best experience with a higher guide-to-customer ratio than other kayak companies. Your reservation has held your space and turned away others, so please do not ask for exceptions.
3. We do not refund for light rain, overcast skies, or cool temperatures. Strong winds and tide combination is the most frequent reason we cancel, even on warm, sunny days. Dense fog is rare and temporary but may postpone launching.
4. We do not cancel tours based on the general forecast because of our unique micro-climate. Actual conditions on the day of the tour will determine if the water conditions are safe.
5. If you are concerned about the weather, cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and re-book closer to the time/date if space is available. A reminder email about your reservation is sent 48 hours before your tour.
2. Our tour groups are small for the best experience with a higher guide-to-customer ratio than other kayak companies. Your reservation has held your space and turned away others, so please do not ask for exceptions.
3. We do not refund for light rain, overcast skies, or cool temperatures. Strong winds and tide combination is the most frequent reason we cancel, even on warm, sunny days. Dense fog is rare and temporary but may postpone launching.
4. We do not cancel tours based on the general forecast because of our unique micro-climate. Actual conditions on the day of the tour will determine if the water conditions are safe.
5. If you are concerned about the weather, cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and re-book closer to the time/date if space is available. A reminder email about your reservation is sent 48 hours before your tour.
FAQS for Elkhorn Slough Guided Tours
How does it work?
a. Spaces are limited, so reservations are required. with full payment in advance. You will receive an email confirmation with trip details and a link to sign our online waiver before arrival
b. Tours start on time! Check-in at the store 30 minutes before your tour start time so you can relax and take care of signing waivers (if you haven't signed already), taking care of parking if needed, gearing up and taking care of your valuables and other business.
c. Meet your guide, and pick up your gear. We include optional splash jackets and pants that can be worn over your quick-dry clothing. Optional wetsuits are also available if you prefer.
d. We have private restrooms and changing rooms.
e. Lock your belongings in your car. You can leave keys at the front counter if you don't have a safe place to carry them on the water.
f. Meet up with your guide again and they will escort you to the beach for a mandatory pre-trip kayaking safety orientation.
g. Your guide will help you launch, and once everyone is on the water, will lead you on an amazing tour of Elkhorn Slough.
h. Consider a nice tip for your hardworking guide!
b. Tours start on time! Check-in at the store 30 minutes before your tour start time so you can relax and take care of signing waivers (if you haven't signed already), taking care of parking if needed, gearing up and taking care of your valuables and other business.
c. Meet your guide, and pick up your gear. We include optional splash jackets and pants that can be worn over your quick-dry clothing. Optional wetsuits are also available if you prefer.
d. We have private restrooms and changing rooms.
e. Lock your belongings in your car. You can leave keys at the front counter if you don't have a safe place to carry them on the water.
f. Meet up with your guide again and they will escort you to the beach for a mandatory pre-trip kayaking safety orientation.
g. Your guide will help you launch, and once everyone is on the water, will lead you on an amazing tour of Elkhorn Slough.
h. Consider a nice tip for your hardworking guide!
What's the difference between a rental and a guided tour? Do I need to know how to swim?
Our informative guides will make sure you get to see and experience as much as possible to get the most out of your time on the water. Tours are for those who want to learn more about the natural history of each area and want the safety of having a guide. Many customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, tides, or even the time of day!
Our tour groups are small and have the highest guide-to-customer ratio than other companies. Our guides carry marine radios, tow ropes, and first aid kits and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative, and fun experience for everyone. We offer a 1.5-hour tour for families with young children and a 2.5-hour tour for adults and older children. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace with lots of time to observe wildlife.
If renting, you will receive your kayak, gear, and mandatory safety orientation on land, and then you can launch yourself whenever you are ready.
Capsizes are rare but can happen for a variety of reasons. If you capsize, you should be able to swim and have the upper body strength to climb back on your kayak. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of your skills, consider a guided tour where you will be accompanied by a guide at all times.
Our tour groups are small and have the highest guide-to-customer ratio than other companies. Our guides carry marine radios, tow ropes, and first aid kits and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative, and fun experience for everyone. We offer a 1.5-hour tour for families with young children and a 2.5-hour tour for adults and older children. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace with lots of time to observe wildlife.
If renting, you will receive your kayak, gear, and mandatory safety orientation on land, and then you can launch yourself whenever you are ready.
Capsizes are rare but can happen for a variety of reasons. If you capsize, you should be able to swim and have the upper body strength to climb back on your kayak. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of your skills, consider a guided tour where you will be accompanied by a guide at all times.
What is the difference between the 1.5 hour and 2.5 hour tours?
The 1.5-hour Harbor tour is recommended for families with young children 3 years and up, Due to the shorter time frame, the tour ventures only about 1 miles into the slough before turning back. However, many otters and harbor seals can be seen in or very close to North Harbor.
The 2.5-hour tour provides enough time to paddle to "seal bend," just over 2 miles from the harbor. The pace is leisurely, with plenty of time to observe wildlife.
Note the actual distance paddled is determined by each group's abilities and factors like winds and tides.
The 2.5-hour tour provides enough time to paddle to "seal bend," just over 2 miles from the harbor. The pace is leisurely, with plenty of time to observe wildlife.
Note the actual distance paddled is determined by each group's abilities and factors like winds and tides.
When is the best time to paddle and see wildlife in the Elkhorn Slough? Short answer: when it is least windy!
Mornings are usually the calmest and least windy time of day but can be cloudier and cooler. Afternoons can be sunnier but with more onshore winds making paddling back harder. Strong winds are the main reason we limit or cancel rentals or tours.
* April-June: Mornings, the earlier, the better. Afternoon winds are typical and always blow against you on the way back.
* July-Oct: Early morning and late afternoon are the calmest time of day to be on the water. The middle of the day is the windiest. September and October is sometimes our warmest and least windy months!
• Nov - March: We can have some of the nicest weather of the year in between any rain or storm systems moving through. Weather can be more unpredictable and subject to rapid changes. Tidal currants are strongest this time of year.
Weather & tide sites:
Windfinder set for the Moss Landing Area including Elkhorn Slough
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, CA
* April-June: Mornings, the earlier, the better. Afternoon winds are typical and always blow against you on the way back.
* July-Oct: Early morning and late afternoon are the calmest time of day to be on the water. The middle of the day is the windiest. September and October is sometimes our warmest and least windy months!
• Nov - March: We can have some of the nicest weather of the year in between any rain or storm systems moving through. Weather can be more unpredictable and subject to rapid changes. Tidal currants are strongest this time of year.
Weather & tide sites:
Windfinder set for the Moss Landing Area including Elkhorn Slough
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, CA
What is best for children?
• Children 3 -12 can go on our 1.5-Hour Harbor Guided Tour
• Kids 13 and up can go on the 2.5 Hour Guided Tours
These are just recommendations, please consider the best experience for your own children
• All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Kids 13 and up can go on the 2.5 Hour Guided Tours
These are just recommendations, please consider the best experience for your own children
• All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
What should I wear/bring and what do you include? Will I get wet?
• You should plan on getting a little wet since this is a watersport!
• Wear quick-drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. Don't wear any heavy cotton clothing
* We include optional splash jackets and/or splash pants to go over your quick dry clothing
• We also include optional wetsuits if you prefer them instead of the splash jacket/pants.
• We have private changing rooms and restrooms
* We include a type 3 Coast Guard life vest designed for kayaking
* Bring personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, and eyewear retainers
* Wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet, minimum flip flops
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases
• Wear quick-drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. Don't wear any heavy cotton clothing
* We include optional splash jackets and/or splash pants to go over your quick dry clothing
• We also include optional wetsuits if you prefer them instead of the splash jacket/pants.
• We have private changing rooms and restrooms
* We include a type 3 Coast Guard life vest designed for kayaking
* Bring personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, and eyewear retainers
* Wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet, minimum flip flops
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases
Do you have lockers?
No, but we have guest bins where you can leave clothing/shoes. We recommend locking valuables in your car, and if you want, we can hold your car keys.
What is the difference between your Elkhorn Slough and Monterey location?
They are both unique places to paddle and see wildlife, so you really can't go wrong at either location! Both places are protected calm areas suitable for beginners. Both locations are sometimes subject to wind on certain days, making the water choppier and limiting how far you can paddle. We offer guided tours and self-guided rentals at both locations.
If you want to experience the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, come to our location in the North Harbor of Moss Landing, just 20 minutes north of Monterey on Highway 1. We paddle inland, and once past the Highway 1 bridge and the power plant, it is a quieter area with few buildings and is surrounded by mudflats and oak hills. Recently a new home for sea otters, you will see them, along with harbor seals, all along your paddle route. This is also an amazing area for discovering shore birds - especially during spring and fall migrations! Strong onshore winds and tidal currents can sometimes make paddling a bit challenging if you are looking for more excitement!
If you want to experience the exciting California Pacific Coast AND see an amazing array of wildlife, come to our Monterey beach location. We paddle the shoreline from the Monterey Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, and historic Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, with its diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Typically, paddlers will see everything from sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds. Our paddling area is the most protected spot on the bay, but can occasionally experience small surf or swell past the harbor area.
If you want to experience the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, come to our location in the North Harbor of Moss Landing, just 20 minutes north of Monterey on Highway 1. We paddle inland, and once past the Highway 1 bridge and the power plant, it is a quieter area with few buildings and is surrounded by mudflats and oak hills. Recently a new home for sea otters, you will see them, along with harbor seals, all along your paddle route. This is also an amazing area for discovering shore birds - especially during spring and fall migrations! Strong onshore winds and tidal currents can sometimes make paddling a bit challenging if you are looking for more excitement!
If you want to experience the exciting California Pacific Coast AND see an amazing array of wildlife, come to our Monterey beach location. We paddle the shoreline from the Monterey Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, and historic Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, with its diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Typically, paddlers will see everything from sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds. Our paddling area is the most protected spot on the bay, but can occasionally experience small surf or swell past the harbor area.
How close can I get to sea otters?
While the goal is to observe and learn about sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and birds, your guide will ensure that we are not getting too close and disrupting them. Sea otters are a threatened species and are protected from harassment by Federal Law, and you may be fined if you disturb, touch or feed them.
Besides that, not only are they the cutest animals ever, but they are also an important keystone species for the entire ecosystem. Therefore we want to ensure they can survive and thrive and not cause them any harm. We will observe and appreciate from a distance to avoid stressing and causing them to waste their limited energy, especially mothers and pups. We will also keep at least 5 boat lengths away, paddle parallel to them, and won't surround them if there are other kayakers in the area. Learn more about sea otters and other marine mammals.
Besides that, not only are they the cutest animals ever, but they are also an important keystone species for the entire ecosystem. Therefore we want to ensure they can survive and thrive and not cause them any harm. We will observe and appreciate from a distance to avoid stressing and causing them to waste their limited energy, especially mothers and pups. We will also keep at least 5 boat lengths away, paddle parallel to them, and won't surround them if there are other kayakers in the area. Learn more about sea otters and other marine mammals.
What kind of kayaks to you use on tours?
We use mostly sit-on-top doubles. They are very user friendly, stable and comfortable for everyone from children to adults. Singles can be tippier than doubles. If there is an odd # in your group, you may paddle a single kayak. Only your guide can make the final decision on the kayaks to be used.
Can I paddle if I am pregnant?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
What is the weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person, for safety reasons.
Can I bring wine?
No, for safety reasons, we will not allow anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs to get on the water.
Are dogs allowed on tours?
Not on guided tours due to the consideration of other guests. They are allowed on rental kayaks.
I want to learn more about the slough!
Check out the Elkhorn Slough Foundation's website. They have a wonderful visitor center and beautiful walking trails on the south eastern part of Elkhorn Slough. They also have docent-led walks and host many school groups.
STORE HOURS:
Open 9-5 Daily @ both locations except these
HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas Eve 12/24 - closing at 3 pm
Christmas Day 12/25 - closed all day
New Years Eve 12/31 - closing at 3 pm
New Years Day 1/1/2023 - closing at 3 pm
Call us (831) 373-5357
Why paddle with Monterey Bay Kayaks?
• We received the Business Tourism award from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
* We are Certified Wildlife Stewards from Sea Otter Savvy
• 2020 Travelers Choice by TripAdvisor
• Two locations offer unparalled wildlife & paddling experiences
with natural history tours, rentals and more
Open 9-5 Daily @ both locations except these
HOLIDAY HOURS
Christmas Eve 12/24 - closing at 3 pm
Christmas Day 12/25 - closed all day
New Years Eve 12/31 - closing at 3 pm
New Years Day 1/1/2023 - closing at 3 pm
Call us (831) 373-5357
Why paddle with Monterey Bay Kayaks?
• We received the Business Tourism award from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
* We are Certified Wildlife Stewards from Sea Otter Savvy
• 2020 Travelers Choice by TripAdvisor
• Two locations offer unparalled wildlife & paddling experiences
with natural history tours, rentals and more
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MONTEREY LOCATION |
ELKHORN SLOUGH LOCATION |
ABOUT MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS
We are a locally owned and operated small business that pioneered eco-tourism in 1985 and has been a leader in kayak recreation and education ever since!
We have introduced over 450,000 people to our unique and beautiful area with naturalist led tours, comprehensive rental packages and classes with ACA trained instructors.
Our mission is to provide a wonderful and exceptional experience for everyone while fostering stewardship of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.
We are a locally owned and operated small business that pioneered eco-tourism in 1985 and has been a leader in kayak recreation and education ever since!
We have introduced over 450,000 people to our unique and beautiful area with naturalist led tours, comprehensive rental packages and classes with ACA trained instructors.
Our mission is to provide a wonderful and exceptional experience for everyone while fostering stewardship of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve.