Monterey Bay Kayaks
Monterey Bay Kayaks
4.5
Nature & Wildlife ToursStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & Canoeing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Sea kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, guided tours, classes and sales at two amazing wildlife locations, Elkhorn Slough @ Moss Landing and Monterey! Open daily 9:00 (except Christmas). See website for holiday hours. Closing hours changes seasonally.
Moss Landing, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Monterey Bay Kayaks
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
67 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
12
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
1
traveltarot
Nevada City, CA543 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
The four of us had the good fortune to have Amber as our guide. We had selected the 9 o’clock tour and the weather gods were with us! Such a beautiful experience particularly as you get away from the man made noises and settle into the sounds of nature...oodles of otters, harbor seals, birds.
Amber Was great at describing tips for kayaking and full of facts on the animals and birds in nature we experienced.
Was beautifully calm and an easy paddle in double kayaks. Group size was a very manageable 6.
Highly recommended!
Amber Was great at describing tips for kayaking and full of facts on the animals and birds in nature we experienced.
Was beautifully calm and an easy paddle in double kayaks. Group size was a very manageable 6.
Highly recommended!
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasonpeeves
Mountain View, CA10 contributions
May 2021 • Family
The family and I headed out here on a Mother’s Day afternoon (3 pm) and had the best time! We chose the Elkhorn Slough guided tour (1.5 hours) because we were a bit nervous about heading out to the ocean with our paddling experience. The Slough was the perfect choice-much more mellow.
We saw so many otters! Lots of Moms with pups and eating food. It was so cool! The sunny weather was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for a better nature experience.
Ask for Allen as a tour guide. He was awesome! He got us all set up with the gear we needed (they offer wetsuits, splash jackets and pants-it’s up to you what you want with no extra charge). Allen walked us through the paddling on shore and helped everyone feel at ease. He had a really great demeanor and was super knowledgeable and funny.
We’ll definitely be back for a longer tour next time. This one flew by but was so beautiful and fun!
I don’t remember seeing it on the website but parking was permit parking in the lot and was $10 cash only.
We saw so many otters! Lots of Moms with pups and eating food. It was so cool! The sunny weather was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for a better nature experience.
Ask for Allen as a tour guide. He was awesome! He got us all set up with the gear we needed (they offer wetsuits, splash jackets and pants-it’s up to you what you want with no extra charge). Allen walked us through the paddling on shore and helped everyone feel at ease. He had a really great demeanor and was super knowledgeable and funny.
We’ll definitely be back for a longer tour next time. This one flew by but was so beautiful and fun!
I don’t remember seeing it on the website but parking was permit parking in the lot and was $10 cash only.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sobaytravelguy
Santa Clara, CA255 contributions
Aug 2020
I had a terrific experience on the 2.5 hour guided kayak trip through the Elkhorn Slough. On-line registration was easy, and they provided clear instructions. The staff were friendly and helpful. They provide wet suits and windbreakers if desired, and at no extra cost. I recommend these, as it does get cool on the water. Adele, our trip guide, was exceptional. She was gracious, attentive and incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife, environment and area. We saw lots of sea otters, sea lions and birds. I highly recommend Monterey Bay Kayaks!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cpenny61
Davis, CA141 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Our kayak tour of the slough was awesome. Alan was a great guide, offering naturalist context for the scads of otters, harbor seals, and birds we saw on this 2-hour tour. The whole group helped spot wildlife. We stayed a respectful distance and enjoyed relaxed time watching otters sleep, somersault, and dive. The seals mostly napped contentedly on the shores. The gear provided by MBK was very useful and kept us warm. The kayaking was fun and not tiring. I would jump at the chance to go on another kayak trip with MBK!
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justmejoey
Corona, CA67 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Wow! Our family took the 1.5 hour tour through the Elkhorn Slough. We were debating on the bay tour or this one, and we are so glad that we chose the slough. It was quiet ( we went in the morning), we saw lots of sea otter, seals, and birds. A shout out to our tour guide, ADELE ! She was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and just plain fun !
They were COVID safe, wearing masks when on land and the gear was clean. I was worried about being cold, but the wetsuits and splash jackets kept me warm and dry. The waters were calm, and we even had a seal come up and nibble on our paddle! Highly recommend this for family !
They were COVID safe, wearing masks when on land and the gear was clean. I was worried about being cold, but the wetsuits and splash jackets kept me warm and dry. The waters were calm, and we even had a seal come up and nibble on our paddle! Highly recommend this for family !
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen L.
1 contribution
Jan 2022
Monterey Bay Kayakers - Moss Landing location was a huge disappointment. I have rented from many places with far better customer service. First they tell you must kayak with bare feet. The concrete walking from the rental place down to the water is very rough (they could have laid mats on the ground so it wouldn't be so hard on their customer's feet). You would think they would let you wear your flip flops. 95% of people had bare feet, a few oppose this rule and wore their flip flops.
The staff isn't professional and lack customer service skills big time. You get down to the beach area, there isn't staff available to rest the kayaks on the shore or to assist you into the kayak. The customers are dragging their kayaks from the beach to the water. In my case, I objected so the orientation guide dragged my kayak for me to the water edge.
The staff could care a less if you complain, they act as if you are the person with the problem. When I verbally expressed my dissatisfaction, the older man said I am sorry you feel that way and the mid 20s lady stated I could have brought my flip flops, in other words go against their rules. Never ever again!
The beach was soggy muddy, I ended up with mud all over their protective pants (comes with the rental).
Due to my poor kayaking experience (mud from the beach into the kayak), and staff that lack customer service skills I will not be going back. We all have choices on where we spend our money - little does the staff know we are paying their salaries.
Rent from the kayak place at the yacht club next door. You will have a better experience. The slough is beautiful with otters, seals and sea gulls.
The staff isn't professional and lack customer service skills big time. You get down to the beach area, there isn't staff available to rest the kayaks on the shore or to assist you into the kayak. The customers are dragging their kayaks from the beach to the water. In my case, I objected so the orientation guide dragged my kayak for me to the water edge.
The staff could care a less if you complain, they act as if you are the person with the problem. When I verbally expressed my dissatisfaction, the older man said I am sorry you feel that way and the mid 20s lady stated I could have brought my flip flops, in other words go against their rules. Never ever again!
The beach was soggy muddy, I ended up with mud all over their protective pants (comes with the rental).
Due to my poor kayaking experience (mud from the beach into the kayak), and staff that lack customer service skills I will not be going back. We all have choices on where we spend our money - little does the staff know we are paying their salaries.
Rent from the kayak place at the yacht club next door. You will have a better experience. The slough is beautiful with otters, seals and sea gulls.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky197043
Los Angeles, CA195 contributions
Oct 2021
It was suppose to be pretty windy but I decided to go and spend sometime on the water looking at wildlife. I got there and the folks at Monterey Kayaks were great. I met the 2 guides, for the life of me I cannot remember their names. The 2 ladies whom took us out were fantastic. I joined one of the guides in her kayak as I was a solo person and the other guide was in her single. There was a couple that joined us. We were taught the correct way to paddle, to enter and exit the kayak, to enjoy the scenery safely and how to approach and stay clear of the wild life. The weather was a bit dicey going out but it was quite lovely the first hour. The second hour the wind was getting worse and we started back. We were able to see many Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, white and brown pelicans. It was so lovely to watch all the animals in their natural habitat. The ladies did a great job at giving us facts and how to spot the behaviors of the animals. What I was most impressed with was how they kept calm and allowed us to rest when we faced going back in with the wind, white caps and small waves that were definitely a bit scary. We made it back and they had to call the rest of the day because the wind just got bad. I really want to thank them for making sure we made it back without taking a dip. It was overall a great experience and I learned I have great paddling power. LOL. Thank you to all the folks at Monterey Bay Kayaks for making the experience a great one.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frugalshopper
San Jose, California55 contributions
Jun 2021
We got a 2 person kayak for 4 hours but returned it after about 2 because we had had enough. Easy kayaking out into the slough but much harder getting back because of the tide and wind. No place to beach the kayak and get out within the kayak area, the only place was 4 miles in, and that was too far. Saw lots of otters, harbor seals and other kayakers. The boats were easy to use and they provided waterproof clothing. Hubby forgot a hat but they sold them in the store adjacent. Short instructional by the staff. Easy in and out of the water. No one capsized! Parking in the area was a little steep. No cost if you park in the street.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy H
11 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We had a great day with our guide Will on the Elkhorn Slough. It was great to be on a tour, as we hadn’t been in the area before, and our group loves facts. Check in and gear-getting was smooth. All the employees were super helpful and made sure that we had splash pants and tops and life vests that fit and that we were comfortable. We had people of all different sizes and heights in our group and they had gear that fit all of us well. We didn’t use wetsuits as we got lucky and hit an almost 70 degree day in January with very smooth water in the afternoon. We saw 8 mother pup otter pairs, tens of seals, several herons and egrets, as well as other lovely water birds. We saw a sea star and a kingfisher. Lots of cute grebes and big cormorants. Many pelicans. Went to Phil’s next door for sunset and food afterwards. All in all a super day. We’ll be back.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vamanos4
Grand Rapids, MI56 contributions
Mar 2021
This was our second time renting kayaks from Monterey Bay and kayaking in Elkhorn Slough. Nice equipment, good friendly service from staff, impressed both times at lack of mildew smell on dry shirts and life jackets that I have experienced so many other places. It is incredible kayaking in the slough amongst the otters, harbor seals, and other wildlife. Amazing birdwatching to be done here as well.
Written March 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, When you are out in the Slough, can you easily stop to eat lunch from inside your kayak? (without getting out?) Thanks!
Written August 22, 2016
Absolutely. Just make sure you keep your distance from the wildlife and don't beach anywhere. You are not allowed to beach along the shore of the slough or get out of your kayaks.
Written August 23, 2016
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