ELKHORN SLOUGH RENTALS - reservations required as of 6/29
RENTAL RATES
We have a flat rate for the day. With your reservation, you can arrive anytime and paddle as long as you like.
No need to stress about being on time! Rates include all necessary equipment and safety orientation.
No experience needed for SIT-ON-TOP Kayaks
Sit-on-top DOUBLE KAYAKS - $35 PER PERSON/day
Sit on-top SINGLE KAYAKS -$45 PER PERSON/day
SINGLE STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS -$45 PER PERSON/day
________________________________________________________________
Previous experience required and be 13+ years for SIT-INSIDE kayaks.
(reserve a sit-on-top and request to switch when you arrive)
Sit-inside DOUBLE KAYAKS - $40 PER PERSON/day
SIT-inside SINGLE KAYAKS - $50 PER PERSON/day
________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFO:
* Everyone must be a good swimmer
* Children 5 - 12 yrs must be in a double kayak with an adult.
* Maximum weight is 250 lbs per person.
* We recommend paddling in the morning to avoid possible afternoon winds.
Rates include kayaks with backrest, paddles w/ leashes. and life vest Optional splash jackets and pants
Rental orientation includes info on kayak safety, paddling areas, weather update, the marine sanctuary and wildlife.
Your reservation email will have details on what to bring, our location map and a link to sign waivers online
See FAQ's below
We have a flat rate for the day. With your reservation, you can arrive anytime and paddle as long as you like.
No need to stress about being on time! Rates include all necessary equipment and safety orientation.
No experience needed for SIT-ON-TOP Kayaks
Sit-on-top DOUBLE KAYAKS - $35 PER PERSON/day
Sit on-top SINGLE KAYAKS -$45 PER PERSON/day
SINGLE STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS -$45 PER PERSON/day
________________________________________________________________
Previous experience required and be 13+ years for SIT-INSIDE kayaks.
(reserve a sit-on-top and request to switch when you arrive)
Sit-inside DOUBLE KAYAKS - $40 PER PERSON/day
SIT-inside SINGLE KAYAKS - $50 PER PERSON/day
________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFO:
* Everyone must be a good swimmer
* Children 5 - 12 yrs must be in a double kayak with an adult.
* Maximum weight is 250 lbs per person.
* We recommend paddling in the morning to avoid possible afternoon winds.
Rates include kayaks with backrest, paddles w/ leashes. and life vest Optional splash jackets and pants
Rental orientation includes info on kayak safety, paddling areas, weather update, the marine sanctuary and wildlife.
Your reservation email will have details on what to bring, our location map and a link to sign waivers online
See FAQ's below
FITNESS PADDLING PASS
$125 per person/per month
Skip the gym and go outside! Paddling is an excellent total body workout with the added bonus of being out in a beautiful, natural environment. Enjoy unlimited kayak or standup paddling at both our Monterey and Elkhorn Slough locations for 30 days. Drop in anytime for a quick get-away! The 30 day pass starts with your first paddle so you can pay on arrival.
Skip the gym and go outside! Paddling is an excellent total body workout with the added bonus of being out in a beautiful, natural environment. Enjoy unlimited kayak or standup paddling at both our Monterey and Elkhorn Slough locations for 30 days. Drop in anytime for a quick get-away! The 30 day pass starts with your first paddle so you can pay on arrival.
ELKHORN SLOUGH PADDLING MAP
FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RENTING AT ELKHORN SLOUGH
How does it work?
After check-in at the store's front counter, you will head to our gear area that has changing rooms and bathrooms.
Once you have changed, lock your belongings in your car. Make sure your parking receipt is clearly displayed on your windshield.
Meet up with our staff again who will escort you to the beach for a mandatory but quick orientation on kayaking safety,
weather and local information.
You can then launch and paddle as long as you like until the return time. Mornings are usually the calmest time of the day.
Afternoon winds may limit or cancel rentals.
1. Do I need to know how to swim?
If you capsize, you should be able to swim and have the upper body strength to climb back on your kayak OR swim to shore with 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.
2. What about children?
• Children 5 thru 12 must be in doubles with adults (children 3yrs + can go on our guided tours).
• Kids 13 and up can be in singles or paddleboards.
• All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
3. What is an Open Deck (sit-on-top) kayak?
Sit-on top kayaks are a more stable, self-bailing kayak that you are not enclosed into. If you capsize, they don't fill with water and it is easier to climb back on board (see photos on graphic above). These are recommended for beginners, and groups with children.
4. What kind of previous experience is required for Closed Deck (sit-inside) kayak?
They are less stable and if capsized, can fill with water and be difficult to re-enter. You should have practiced a wet exit AND re-entering techniques. or swim the boat to shore to empty and re-enter. There are also more parts (foot pedals, rudders, sprayskirts, pumps) that you need to know how to use.
5. When is the best time to go kayaking during the day?
Mornings are the calmest time on the water with very little wind but can be cloudier and cooler. Afternoons can be sunnier but with more onshore winds (making paddling back harder). If it is too windy, we may limit the rental area or cancel rentals altogether. Local winds are very hard to predict and can increase or decrease quickly.
During Nov-March, our "rainy" season, the weather can vary widely so calling the day before will be the most accurate.
6. Can pregnant women rent kayaks?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Can I bring alcohol?
No, we will refuse rentals to anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs or if you bring them on the kayaks.
8. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs for single kayaks and 500 lbs total for a double kayak.
9. How close can I get to sea otters?
Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animals. It is illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law and you may be fined if reported. Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
10. Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are always included as an option because coastal weather/wind/water can be fickle and cooler than expected. Our Moss Landing location also offers optional paddling jacket and/or paddling pants to put over your quick dry clothing.
11. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
You can decide on the day of your arrival as temperatures vary.
• Option 1: Wearing wetsuits (included) - Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath.
• Option 2: No wetsuit - 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 provide splash jackets and/or splash pants (optional) and a life vest to wear over your quick dry clothing.
* 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.
12. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
Lockers are not available. 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.
13. Are dogs allowed on rental kayaks?
Yes, but on open deck kayaks only. We do not provide life vests for dogs so bring your own or they are available for purchase. We also recommend a leash. There are federally protected marine mammals that might get close to your kayak and dogs should not jump into the water to chase them, or harass them in any other way. Owners will be held responsible and might be fined.
There is no extra charge as long as dogs are under 40 lbs and they fit into a single kayak with 1 person (max total weight limit 250 lbs) or a double kayak with 2 people (max total weight limit is 500 lbs.).
If dogs are over 40 lbs, they will need to go in a double with 1 person and be subject to a $30 fee during summers and holiday periods. These limits are set up to ensure safety for all, so please do not ask us to make exceptions.
After check-in at the store's front counter, you will head to our gear area that has changing rooms and bathrooms.
Once you have changed, lock your belongings in your car. Make sure your parking receipt is clearly displayed on your windshield.
Meet up with our staff again who will escort you to the beach for a mandatory but quick orientation on kayaking safety,
weather and local information.
You can then launch and paddle as long as you like until the return time. Mornings are usually the calmest time of the day.
Afternoon winds may limit or cancel rentals.
1. Do I need to know how to swim?
If you capsize, you should be able to swim and have the upper body strength to climb back on your kayak OR swim to shore with 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.
2. What about children?
• Children 5 thru 12 must be in doubles with adults (children 3yrs + can go on our guided tours).
• Kids 13 and up can be in singles or paddleboards.
• All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
3. What is an Open Deck (sit-on-top) kayak?
Sit-on top kayaks are a more stable, self-bailing kayak that you are not enclosed into. If you capsize, they don't fill with water and it is easier to climb back on board (see photos on graphic above). These are recommended for beginners, and groups with children.
4. What kind of previous experience is required for Closed Deck (sit-inside) kayak?
They are less stable and if capsized, can fill with water and be difficult to re-enter. You should have practiced a wet exit AND re-entering techniques. or swim the boat to shore to empty and re-enter. There are also more parts (foot pedals, rudders, sprayskirts, pumps) that you need to know how to use.
5. When is the best time to go kayaking during the day?
Mornings are the calmest time on the water with very little wind but can be cloudier and cooler. Afternoons can be sunnier but with more onshore winds (making paddling back harder). If it is too windy, we may limit the rental area or cancel rentals altogether. Local winds are very hard to predict and can increase or decrease quickly.
During Nov-March, our "rainy" season, the weather can vary widely so calling the day before will be the most accurate.
6. Can pregnant women rent kayaks?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Can I bring alcohol?
No, we will refuse rentals to anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs or if you bring them on the kayaks.
8. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs for single kayaks and 500 lbs total for a double kayak.
9. How close can I get to sea otters?
Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animals. It is illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law and you may be fined if reported. Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
10. Do I need a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are always included as an option because coastal weather/wind/water can be fickle and cooler than expected. Our Moss Landing location also offers optional paddling jacket and/or paddling pants to put over your quick dry clothing.
11. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
You can decide on the day of your arrival as temperatures vary.
• Option 1: Wearing wetsuits (included) - Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath.
• Option 2: No wetsuit - 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 provide splash jackets and/or splash pants (optional) and a life vest to wear over your quick dry clothing.
* 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.
12. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
Lockers are not available. 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.
13. Are dogs allowed on rental kayaks?
Yes, but on open deck kayaks only. We do not provide life vests for dogs so bring your own or they are available for purchase. We also recommend a leash. There are federally protected marine mammals that might get close to your kayak and dogs should not jump into the water to chase them, or harass them in any other way. Owners will be held responsible and might be fined.
There is no extra charge as long as dogs are under 40 lbs and they fit into a single kayak with 1 person (max total weight limit 250 lbs) or a double kayak with 2 people (max total weight limit is 500 lbs.).
If dogs are over 40 lbs, they will need to go in a double with 1 person and be subject to a $30 fee during summers and holiday periods. These limits are set up to ensure safety for all, so please do not ask us to make exceptions.
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.