MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS
  • PADDLE ELKHORN SLOUGH
    • Elkhorn Slough Tours
    • Elkhorn Slough Rentals
    • Elkhorn Slough Classes
  • PADDLE MONTEREY BAY
    • Monterey Tours
    • Monterey Rentals
    • Monterey Classes
    • Summer Kids Camp
    • Kayak Fishing
    • Point Lobos & Pebble Beach
  • PRIVATE GROUPS
  • SEA OTTERS & THE MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
  • Shop our Store -Used Kayaks now available!

MONTEREY  RENTALS

WinterHours - open daily 9:00 - 5:00 
(Open Thanksgiving day 9-3)
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Phone (831) 373-5357


ON SITE RENTAL RATES
DOUBLE KAYAKS (Sit-on-top kayaks only) - $30 PER PERSON/per use
SINGLE KAYAKS (Sit-on-top kayaks only ) - $35 PER PERSON/per use
STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS -
$35 PER PERSON/per use
SINGLE FISHING KAYAK - 
$50 PER PERSON/per use (does not include fishing rods)
FITNESS PADDLE PASS - $100 PER PERSON/per month (now good for both locations!)


Prices include: Backrests, paddle, leash, life vest, safety orientation, and optional wetsuit and splash jacket.   The safety orientation includes basic instruction on how to kayak, where you can paddle, weather and how to observe marine mammals respectfully. Once you launch your kayak, you can paddle as long as you like.

Requirements:  Must be a good swimmer. Our safety orientation will teach you how to paddle and what to do if you capsize.

Reservations are not necessary. Walk in anytime!  We have the largest fleet in the area, with availability throughout the day.

Groups of 10 or more can make reservations with 1 credit card and a 10% discount. 48 hour cancellation policy applies.


DRIVEAWAY RENTALS - Requires own roof racks, (we do not allow pickup trucks to transport kayaks or SUPS), own straps, kayak or board carriers and $600 per kayak damage deposit). You must know how to tie down your kayaks/boards. 
Open Deck Double - $120 for 24 hours
Open Deck Singles, Fishing Kayaks and Standup Paddleboards) - $90 for 24 hours


SEE FAQ's ON RENTALS BELOW
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693 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey
Check-in at our store on Monterey Beach. We have a full retail store, restrooms, changing rooms and parking








FITNESS PADDLING PASS - MONTEREY & ELKHORN SLOUGH

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!

No reservations needed. The 30 day pass starts with your first paddle.
$100 per person/per month (sit-on top kayaks and standup paddleboards only)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR RENTING IN MONTEREY BAY

Picture

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.  On the bay, swimming to shore is not always an option.  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? What is the difference between singles and doubles?
• They 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).
• Doubles are more stable than singles and can be faster with 2 people paddling. 

4. What is the difference between the the Monterey location and Elkhorn Slough? 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 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. 

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 windier. If it is too windy or winds are offshore, we may limit the rental area or cancel rentals altogether. Unfortunately it is impossible to predict what will ACTUALLY happen even with the best forecasts!
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. Will I get wet? 
Plan on getting a little wet, mostly from splashes and walking into the water! Capsizes are rare put possible. 
Wetsuits are always included as an option because the water temperature on the bay is 54-58 degrees year round.

11. What should I wear/bring and what is included?   

• Option 1: Wearing wetsuits (included) - Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath.
• Option 2: No wetsuits - Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes  and towel to leave in your car. DO NOT wear jeans, sweats or any heavy cotton clothing on the water. 
• We provide splash jackets and life vests to wear over your wetsuit or 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. 
Our store sells all the gear you will need!


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, on open deck kayaks only. We do not provide life vests for dogs. Please be aware that there are 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.

No extra charge as long as dogs are under 50 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 50 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. 
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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 300,000 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.
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  • PADDLE ELKHORN SLOUGH
    • Elkhorn Slough Tours
    • Elkhorn Slough Rentals
    • Elkhorn Slough Classes
  • PADDLE MONTEREY BAY
    • Monterey Tours
    • Monterey Rentals
    • Monterey Classes
    • Summer Kids Camp
    • Kayak Fishing
    • Point Lobos & Pebble Beach
  • PRIVATE GROUPS
  • SEA OTTERS & THE MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
  • Shop our Store -Used Kayaks now available!