About Monterey Bay Kayaks
Monterey Bay Kayaks has been the Monterey Peninsula's premier paddlesport outfitter since 1985, operating from their flagship shop on Del Monte Avenue and a seasonal outpost at Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing. As one of the longest-running kayak operations on the Central California coast, they've introduced tens of thousands of visitors and locals to the extraordinary marine life of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from the water's surface.
Their rental fleet includes single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks, closed-deck touring kayaks for more experienced paddlers, and stand-up paddleboards. Guided eco-tours paddle along the Monterey coastline through kelp forests where sea otters, harbour seals, and sea lions are regular companions, while Elkhorn Slough tours explore one of California's largest tidal salt marshes — home to over 340 bird species and hundreds of resident sea otters. They also offer multi-session kayak courses from beginner rolling clinics to advanced open-water skills.
What sets Monterey Bay Kayaks apart is nearly four decades of local marine knowledge combined with their unique dual-location setup. The Monterey shop puts paddlers into open ocean kelp forests minutes from launch, while the Moss Landing location offers calmer slough waters ideal for families, wildlife photographers, and first-time paddlers. Their guides are naturalists first and foremost, delivering experiences that are as educational as they are exhilarating.
