Rated #1 of 48 Tours in the Monterey Area - TripAdvisor!
We are Certified Wildlife Stewards (CAWS)
NOW open Daily 9:00 to 5:00 both locations
2390 Highway 1, North Harbor of Moss Landing CA 95039
Check-in at our store at least 20 minutes prior to your start time.
We have a full retail store, private restrooms, changing rooms and parking
* Children 3 - 14 must be in accompanied by adults
* We recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance to ensure the tour/space is available.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE CANCELLATION POLICIES AND FAQS
Check-in at our store at least 20 minutes prior to your start time.
We have a full retail store, private restrooms, changing rooms and parking
* Children 3 - 14 must be in accompanied by adults
* We recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance to ensure the tour/space is available.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE CANCELLATION POLICIES AND FAQS
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Kayak 1.5 hour
This 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 (new prices effective June 22, 2020)
Offered daily at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 |
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Kayak 2.5 hour
Explore 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 (new prices effective June 22, 2020)
Offered daily at 10:00 and 2:00 |
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Intro to Standup Paddleboards - 2 hours
This tour is perfect for beginners who want to see what standup paddleboarding is all about. We start with a short class to fine tune your skills then set off to paddle approx 2 miles for some of the best views of this unique estuary, sea otters, seals and birds. All standup paddleboards are singles. Children must be at least 13 years old.
$75 Offered daily at 9:30
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Moon Rise 2.5 hoursJoin us each month during the full moon. We head out as the sun begins to set and explore the slough under a silver sky. We'll watch the moonrise for a magical and memorable experience. 4 person minimum. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.
$65 Offered monthly during the full moon.
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Bioluminescence
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CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PRIVATE TOURS OF ELKHORN SLOUGH
Cancellation policy and weather
1. There are no refunds for 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. If you are concerned about the weather, cancel at least 48 hours prior to your trip and re-book closer to the time/date if there is still space available.
4. Weather: you are going out into nature! We do not refund for light rain, overcast skies or cool temperatures.. Strong wind/tide combination is the most frequent reason we cancel, even on warm, sunny days. Dense fog is rare and temporary but may postpone launching.
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. If you are concerned about the weather, cancel at least 48 hours prior to your trip and re-book closer to the time/date if there is still space available.
4. Weather: you are going out into nature! We do not refund for light rain, overcast skies or cool temperatures.. Strong wind/tide combination is the most frequent reason we cancel, even on warm, sunny days. Dense fog is rare and temporary but may postpone launching.
FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELKHORN SLOUGH TOURS
1. When is the best time to go paddling or see wildlife in the Elkhorn Slough ? Short answer: when its least windy!
* April-June: Mornings, the earlier the better. Afternoon winds are typical and always blows 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.
• Nov - March: Storm forecasts and actual conditions can vary widely, even between our two locations! In between them we can have some of the nicest weather of the year!
* Our favorite weather & tide site:
The Windy.com app set for Elkhorn Slough @ Moss Landing Harbor
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough
Tide forecast for Elkhorn Slough
2. Do I need to know how to swim to join a tour?
No, in the rare event of a capsize, your guide will immediately help you back into your kayak.
3. Do I need experience to go on a tour? Is it strenuous?
Tours are better for complete beginners and the guide will provide all the instruction/assistance as needed. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace, mostly to observe wildlife. If you can hike a couple of miles easily, you shouldn't have any trouble on a beginners tour
4. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and is a very special eco-system with a unique variety of marine life. 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 water. Many experienced customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, tides, or even time of day! Our guides carry first aid kits, marine radios, tow ropes and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative and fun experience for everyone
5. What is the difference between the Elkhorn Slough and the Monterey location?
Fortunately, they are both amazing 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 subject to wind on certain days which can make the water choppier and may limit how far you can paddle.
The Monterey location is an exciting ocean experience along the Monterey shoreline, harbor, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with its diverse wildlife and eco-systems. Typically, people will see everything from small marine invertebrates, sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin or whale, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds, rocky shorelines and sandy beaches! Our paddling area is the most protected from surf and swell but some people who are sensitive to motion sickness might want to take precautions prior to arriving.
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing is a 20 minute drive north from Monterey. From our store in North Harbor, you paddle inland into a tidal Estuarine Reserve. Its a quieter area with less buildings and commercial boat traffic. This is a great place to see lots of sea otters, harbor seals and birds (especially during spring and fall migrations)! The slough is shallower than Monterey Bay and is surrounded by mud flats and oak hills. There is no landing allowed along the mudbanks throughout the slough.
6. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours
We use open deck and/or closed deck doubles depending on the tour (except the 1.5 hour harbor tours). Doubles are faster and more stable than singles. If you are an experienced paddler and want a single kayak, arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour so you can talk with your guide and select a model that fits you best. Only your guide can approve a request for a single kayak on the day of the tour.
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7. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
8. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person
9. 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, we make sure that we are not getting too close and disrupting their natural behaviors which can harm them. Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animal (unless they come to us!) It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read more about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
10. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
•Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. DO NOT wear jeans, sweats or any heavy cotton clothing on the water.
* We include a type 3 Coast Guard life vest designed for kayaking
• We provide optional splash jackets and/or splash pants
* Personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, eyewear retainers and water.
* Go barefoot or wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet.
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water.
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases.
11. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
No, we recommend locking belongings in your car and if you want, we can hold your car keys. If you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is an area to leave clothing/shoes. Valuables can be held in the office.
12. Are dogs allowed on tours?
Not on guided tours due to the consideration of other guests. They are allowed on rental kayaks
* April-June: Mornings, the earlier the better. Afternoon winds are typical and always blows 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.
• Nov - March: Storm forecasts and actual conditions can vary widely, even between our two locations! In between them we can have some of the nicest weather of the year!
* Our favorite weather & tide site:
The Windy.com app set for Elkhorn Slough @ Moss Landing Harbor
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough
Tide forecast for Elkhorn Slough
2. Do I need to know how to swim to join a tour?
No, in the rare event of a capsize, your guide will immediately help you back into your kayak.
3. Do I need experience to go on a tour? Is it strenuous?
Tours are better for complete beginners and the guide will provide all the instruction/assistance as needed. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace, mostly to observe wildlife. If you can hike a couple of miles easily, you shouldn't have any trouble on a beginners tour
4. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and is a very special eco-system with a unique variety of marine life. 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 water. Many experienced customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, tides, or even time of day! Our guides carry first aid kits, marine radios, tow ropes and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative and fun experience for everyone
5. What is the difference between the Elkhorn Slough and the Monterey location?
Fortunately, they are both amazing 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 subject to wind on certain days which can make the water choppier and may limit how far you can paddle.
The Monterey location is an exciting ocean experience along the Monterey shoreline, harbor, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with its diverse wildlife and eco-systems. Typically, people will see everything from small marine invertebrates, sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin or whale, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds, rocky shorelines and sandy beaches! Our paddling area is the most protected from surf and swell but some people who are sensitive to motion sickness might want to take precautions prior to arriving.
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing is a 20 minute drive north from Monterey. From our store in North Harbor, you paddle inland into a tidal Estuarine Reserve. Its a quieter area with less buildings and commercial boat traffic. This is a great place to see lots of sea otters, harbor seals and birds (especially during spring and fall migrations)! The slough is shallower than Monterey Bay and is surrounded by mud flats and oak hills. There is no landing allowed along the mudbanks throughout the slough.
6. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours
We use open deck and/or closed deck doubles depending on the tour (except the 1.5 hour harbor tours). Doubles are faster and more stable than singles. If you are an experienced paddler and want a single kayak, arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour so you can talk with your guide and select a model that fits you best. Only your guide can approve a request for a single kayak on the day of the tour.
.
7. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
8. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person
9. 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, we make sure that we are not getting too close and disrupting their natural behaviors which can harm them. Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animal (unless they come to us!) It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read more about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
10. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
•Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. DO NOT wear jeans, sweats or any heavy cotton clothing on the water.
* We include a type 3 Coast Guard life vest designed for kayaking
• We provide optional splash jackets and/or splash pants
* Personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, eyewear retainers and water.
* Go barefoot or wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet.
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water.
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases.
11. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
No, we recommend locking belongings in your car and if you want, we can hold your car keys. If you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is an area to leave clothing/shoes. Valuables can be held in the office.
12. Are dogs allowed on tours?
Not on guided tours due to the consideration of other guests. They are allowed on rental kayaks
Phone (831) 373-5357
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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 350,000 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 350,000 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.