Rated #1 of 48 Tours in the Monterey Area - TripAdvisor!
We are Certified Wildlife Stewards (CAWS)
693 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey, California
Check-in at our store on Monterey Beach at least 15 minutes prior to your start time.
* We have a full retail store, restrooms, changing rooms and paid parking
* We use double kayaks for stability, speed and safety
* Children 3 - 14 must be accompanied by adults
See full cancellation policy & weather links.
See FAQS about our tours below.
Check-in at our store on Monterey Beach at least 15 minutes prior to your start time.
* We have a full retail store, restrooms, changing rooms and paid parking
* We use double kayaks for stability, speed and safety
* Children 3 - 14 must be accompanied by adults
See full cancellation policy & weather links.
See FAQS about our tours below.
Guided Tour Monterey - 1.5 hourThe beautiful Monterey harbor is a well protected area where you can view sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, shorebirds, and marine invertebrates. No experience is necessary and is recommended for families with children aged 3 to 12. Price includes FREE rentals after the tour!
Regular rental rules apply. $55 per person (new prices effective June 22, 2020)
Offered daily at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 |
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Guided Tour Monterey - 2.5 hours
Paddle beyond the harbor and explore Cannery Row from the water. This protected area of the marine sanctuary is a wonderful place to experience the ocean, kelp beds, view sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, shorebirds and even the occasional dolphin! No experience required.
$65 per person (new prices effective June 22, 2020)
Offered daily at 10:00 at 2:00pm |
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Guided Tour Monterey - Sunrise - 2 hoursBe the first ones out and enjoy the calm and serenity of daybreak along with the sea otters, seals, sea lions and birds! 4 person minimum. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.
$70 per person
Offered every Saturday morning 7:00am (must arrive by 6:30am) |
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Guided Tour Monterey - Intro to Standup Paddleboard Tour - 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 exploring the Monterey waterfront and its sea otters, seals and sea lions. All standup paddleboards are singles. Children must be at least 13 years old.
$75 per person Offered daily at 9:30am |
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CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PRIVATE TOURS OF MONTEREY BAY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MONTEREY BAY TOURS
1. 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.
2. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Our friendly 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 customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, your guide 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!
3. What is the difference between the Monterey location and the Elkhorn Slough location? How do I choose?
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 launch.
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.
4. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours and why are they doubles?
Our standard kayaks are the open deck doubles. They 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.
5. 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.
6. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person.
8. How close can I get to sea otters and other marine mammals?
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. It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
9. Will I get wet?
Of course and its part of the fun being on the water! You will wade into the water and most people get splashed from just paddling. Capsizes are rare but possible.
10. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
• Option 1: Wear wetsuits - you have a choice of either a full suit or sleeveless wetsuit. Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath. Wetsuits are included in price.
• Option 2: No wetsuits - Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. Do not wear jeans or any heavy cotton clothing underneath. We provide a splashwear top and bottom to put over clothing or go without on warm days. Splashwear is included in price.
* Life vests are required (included in price)
* Bring personal items such as bathing suit, extra clothing, 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.
Our store sells all the gear you will need!
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.
No, in the rare event of a capsize, your guide will immediately help you back into your kayak.
2. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Our friendly 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 customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, your guide 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!
3. What is the difference between the Monterey location and the Elkhorn Slough location? How do I choose?
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 launch.
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.
4. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours and why are they doubles?
Our standard kayaks are the open deck doubles. They 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.
5. 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.
6. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person.
8. How close can I get to sea otters and other marine mammals?
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. It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
9. Will I get wet?
Of course and its part of the fun being on the water! You will wade into the water and most people get splashed from just paddling. Capsizes are rare but possible.
10. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
• Option 1: Wear wetsuits - you have a choice of either a full suit or sleeveless wetsuit. Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath. Wetsuits are included in price.
• Option 2: No wetsuits - Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. Do not wear jeans or any heavy cotton clothing underneath. We provide a splashwear top and bottom to put over clothing or go without on warm days. Splashwear is included in price.
* Life vests are required (included in price)
* Bring personal items such as bathing suit, extra clothing, 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.
Our store sells all the gear you will need!
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.
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.