Check-in at our store at Moss Landing North Harbor 2390 Highway 1, Moss Landing
RENTAL RATES - up to 4 Hours
No experience needed for SIT-ON-TOP Kayaks
Sit-on-top DOUBLE KAYAKS - $35 PER PERSON
Sit on-top SINGLE KAYAKS -$45 PER PERSON
SINGLE STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS -$45 PER PERSON
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Closed deck touring kayaks are temporarily unavailable for rent.
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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.
Rates include an orientation on the area, weather & wildlife, life vest, backrest, paddles w/leashes and
optional splash jackets and pants.
We ask that you do not disturb wildlife (and its the law!)
* We recommend paddling in the morning to avoid possible afternoon winds.
See FAQ's below for more details on your day!
No experience needed for SIT-ON-TOP Kayaks
Sit-on-top DOUBLE KAYAKS - $35 PER PERSON
Sit on-top SINGLE KAYAKS -$45 PER PERSON
SINGLE STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS -$45 PER PERSON
________________________________________________________________
Closed deck touring kayaks are temporarily unavailable for rent.
________________________________________________________________
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.
Rates include an orientation on the area, weather & wildlife, life vest, backrest, paddles w/leashes and
optional splash jackets and pants.
We ask that you do not disturb wildlife (and its the law!)
* We recommend paddling in the morning to avoid possible afternoon winds.
See FAQ's below for more details on your day!
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?
a. As of June 1, we will return to our rentals on a walk-in basis. No reservations required & you pay on arrival.
b. We will still offer a few non-refundable reservations on a very limited basis.
c. Upon arrival, pay for parking and check-in at the store's front counter.
d. We have private restrooms and changing rooms where you pick up your lifevest and optional splash pants and jackets.
e. Once you have changed, 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 our staff again who will escort you to the beach for a mandatory but quick orientation on kayaking safety,
and rental area depending on the weather. They will also explain why/how to avoid harassing sea otters and other marine life.
g. You can then launch and paddle the recommended areas.
h. When you return, leave the kayaks on the beach but bring all other gear up to the rental area and check in with staff.
Weather & tide sites:
The Windy.com app set for the Moss Landing Area including Elkhorn Slough
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, CA
Tide forecast for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA
1. Do I need to know how to swim?
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 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. What is the weather like and 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.
7. Can pregnant women rent kayaks?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
8. 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.
9. 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 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 (available for sale at the store)
10. Can I paddle on the ocean past the harbor jetty?
No we do not allow renters to paddle in the ocean, just North Harbor and public areas of Elkhorn Slough.
11. 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.
12. Are dogs allowed on rental kayaks?
Yes, 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 many 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.
a. As of June 1, we will return to our rentals on a walk-in basis. No reservations required & you pay on arrival.
b. We will still offer a few non-refundable reservations on a very limited basis.
c. Upon arrival, pay for parking and check-in at the store's front counter.
d. We have private restrooms and changing rooms where you pick up your lifevest and optional splash pants and jackets.
e. Once you have changed, 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 our staff again who will escort you to the beach for a mandatory but quick orientation on kayaking safety,
and rental area depending on the weather. They will also explain why/how to avoid harassing sea otters and other marine life.
g. You can then launch and paddle the recommended areas.
h. When you return, leave the kayaks on the beach but bring all other gear up to the rental area and check in with staff.
Weather & tide sites:
The Windy.com app set for the Moss Landing Area including Elkhorn Slough
Weather Channel for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, CA
Tide forecast for Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing CA
1. Do I need to know how to swim?
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 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. What is the weather like and 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.
7. Can pregnant women rent kayaks?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
8. 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.
9. 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 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 (available for sale at the store)
10. Can I paddle on the ocean past the harbor jetty?
No we do not allow renters to paddle in the ocean, just North Harbor and public areas of Elkhorn Slough.
11. 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.
12. Are dogs allowed on rental kayaks?
Yes, 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 many 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.
WILL I SEE SEA OTTERS?
YES, but help them stay wild and thrive. Keep at least 5 boat lengths distant to avoid disturbing them, especially mothers and pups
Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
HOLIDAY HOURS:
Open 9-5 Daily EXCEPT
Closing early at 3:oo pm Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
Open on Thanksgiving and New Years Day!
Closed Dec 25 Christmas Day
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 EXCEPT
Closing early at 3:oo pm Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve
Open on Thanksgiving and New Years Day!
Closed Dec 25 Christmas Day
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 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.