Monterey Bay Kayaks offers a unique experience to outdoors enthusiasts. Our friendly and knowledgable staff offer an outstanding combination of excellent customer service and the best selection of high quality kayaks and equipment. Our stores are located right on the water, so you can see and demo kayaks at both locations at any time. Our 4000-square foot store in Monterey and smaller store in Moss Landing have one of California's largest selection of high quality brands and range of retail products, including kayaks and accessories, outdoor clothing and footwear. Visit us soon!
There is no better way to discover the Monterey Bay National Marine Sactuary, the nation's largest and most diverse marine ecosystem. You will be amazed and awed by the wildlife that calls this place home. Let our fully trained staff introduce you to sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, bird life, kelp beds, and marine invertebrates while discovering the wonderful sport of sea kayaking.
Kayak Monterey
Set within the nation's largest marine sanctuary, our Monterey location provides an exciting and diverse sea kayaking experience. Paddle through the sheltered waters of the harbor or explore the expansive, vibrant kelp beds along Cannery Row. World class wildlife viewing is accented by rich local history, creating an environment that everyone will enjoy.
This portion of the sanctuary is an important habitat for coastal bird species, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. In fact, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the only area in the world where California sea otters, currently an endangered species, can still be found in the wild. Lucky paddlers may spot playful dolphins, or even glimpse gray whales during their winter migration through Monterey Bay.
Our unique coastal climate provides mild temperatures year round. Whether it's sunny or foggy out, Monterey Bay offers a beautiful paddling area, teeming with wildlife and full of places to explore.
While kayaking within the harbor, paddlers will enjoy a nostalgic journey through aisles of old fishing vessels, many of which date back to the heyday of Cannery Row. Next to Fisherman's Wharf, within the harbor, Heritage Beach provides the perfect spot to relax, have a bite to eat, or do some tidepooling. Venturing beyond the harbor mouth, heading towards the world renowned kelp forests of Cannery Row, paddlers often find themselves accompanied by groups of frolicking sea lions, leaping playfully nearby.
With over 800 marine species, from the bizarre to the beautiful, the kelp beds create a spectacular environment, and an unforgettable experience.
Kayak Elkhorn Slough
Moss Landing is a quaint, historic fishing village, located at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough. This charming, eclectic seaport is the gateway to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, California's second largest marine wetland and one of only twenty such areas in the nation.
This expansive tidal wetland is an important habitat for sea otters, harbor seals, and over 250 resident and migratory bird species. In addition, seven currently endangered species make their homes here, making Elkhorn Slough a "must see" for curious naturalists. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy trips during the fall and spring migrations, when thousands of birds descend upon the Slough, creating grand, colorful displays of aerial acrobatics.
The main channel meanders inland for several miles, bordered by great expanses of tidal marsh and rolling, oak covered hills. Rows of harbor seals slumber along the exposed mudflats, while sea otters carelessly float and play nearby.
Hawks, kites, and harriers soar effortlessly over the hillsides, as countless varieties of shorebird dabble delicately along the water's edge.
For the adventurous, a labyrinth-like network of tidal creeks branches off from the main waterway, revealing an endless series of "liquid trails" that are perfect for wildlife viewing and exploration.