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Kayaking group on Elkhorn Slough Guided Natural History Tours

Take an educational and exciting tour of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, in Monterey Bay or Elkhorn Slough. Our guides are trained naturalists, and the group sizes are small to provide personal attention. The paddling pace is leisurely, with plenty of time to watch and enjoy the wildlife. All the necessary equipment is included. No experience needed. Times vary by season. Please call to check the latest availability.

2 Hours - Family Adventure Tours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough
(Recommended for families with small children)
3 Hours - Closed Deck Tours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough
(Recommended for adults and kids over 14)
Kayaking for Kids Camp
Elkhorn Slough
Full Moon Tours - 3 Hours
Elkhorn Slough only
Sunset Tours - 3 Hours
Monterey only, summer
Kayak Fishing with Allen Bushnell - 5 Hours
Monterey only
Closed Deck Intermediate Tour - 6 Hours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough
Whale Watching - 6 Hours
Monterey only, winter

Monterey Bay Tours
Explore the harbor and Cannery Row

Enjoy the Monterey experience. Explore the dynamic shoreline of Monterey Harbor and Cannery Row, renowned for its history, scenic beauty, and abundant marine life. Kelp beds, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and shorebirds are just some of the highlights of this area.

Elkhorn Slough Tours
Peaceful coastal wetland and wildlife habitat

Enjoy the Elkhorn Slough experience. These coastal wetlands are a unique habitat for shorebirds, harbor seals and sea otters year round. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy trips during fall and spring migration.



Kayak Tours on Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough Family Adventure Tours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough (2 hours)

This shorter tour is a perfect family getaway to discover the wonders of the bay—big and small! Both locations provide wonderful wildlife and paddling adventures. We use open deck doubles or triples for everyone's comfort level. Wetsuits included but not required. (Recommended for families with small children.)

Price: $50.00 for adults
$30.00 for kids ages 3-6
Group Rates: 10% discount for 12 or more people.
Times:   Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am-12:00pm.
Please call for additional dates and times.
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.

Family Adventure Kayak Tours on Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough



Closed Deck Tours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough (3 hours)

Closed Deck Kayak Tours on Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough

You'll enjoy spending more time on the water exploring our unique habitats, renowned for their beauty and abundant marine life. Closed deck kayaks provide a drier ride and a stable sea kayak experience. Recommended for beginners ages 14 and up. Wetsuits not required.

Price: $60.00
Group Rates: 10% discount for 12 or more people.
Times:   10:00am-1:00pm Monday-Friday
9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm Saturdays and Sundays year-round
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.


Kayaking for Kids Camp

Click for full details about Kayaking for Kids Camp.



Monthly Full Moon Tours
Magic on Elkhorn Slough (3 hours)

Come join us each month for a magical blend of moonlight, water and kayaking on the Elkhorn Slough. We'll head out as the sun begins to set and then explore the area under a silver sky. A fun and memorable experience.

Price: $60.00
Group Rates: 10% discount for 12 or more people.
Dates/Times:  
2008 Dates Times
May 18 and 19 6:00-9:00pm
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.


Sunset Tours
Romantic Evenings at Monterey (3 hours)

There's no better way to kick off your weekend than relaxing in a kayak as the sun sets over Monterey Bay. Learn about the natural history as you paddle with us during one of the most beautiful times of the day.

Price: $60.00
Group Rates: 10% discount for 12 or more people.
Dates and Times:   Offered Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend only.
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.


Kayak Fishing with Allen Bushnell
Exclusively at Monterey (5 hours)

Kayak Fishing with Allen BushnellJoin local angling guru Allen Bushnell for a fun and informative day of kayak fishing off the shores of Monterey. Allen is the June, 2003 Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing Derby winner, and writes the regular weekly fishing report for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. He can be heard as co-host on the weekly "fish-talk" radio show "Let's Go Fishing!" on 1340 KOMY in Santa Cruz.

Good areas to fish for halibut and rockfish abound, just a short paddle from our store on Monterey Beach. Allen will share his favorite tips, techniques, and strategies for getting the most from your kayak fishing adventures. Trips meet at the Monterey store at 7:00 AM sharp. We'll begin with a brief clinic, covering kayak fishing basics, boat outfitting, and launching strategies. Then we'll hit the water, to make the most of the prime hours for catching fish. This is a good opportunity to have fun kayak fishing, find some great spots to fish, and learn more about the sport from a professional angler. We'll fish for 3-4 hours, depending on conditions.

Kayaks, kayaking related equipment, and rod holders will be provided. Participants should supply their own basic tackle items, as well as a valid CA fishing license. Allen will bring extra terminal tackle to share.

Dates:   Offered starting June 2008
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.


Closed Deck Intermediate Tours
Monterey or Elkhorn Slough (6 hours)

Are you looking for a longer paddle with one of our naturalists? If so, Monterey Bay Kayaks' Intermediate Tour may be just what you are looking for. This six-hour tour leaves from both our Monterey and Moss Landing locations. From Monterey you will paddle along Cannery Row, past the Monterey Bay Aquarium, around Point Cabrillo and land at Lovers Point for a lunch break.

If the tidal wetlands of Elkhorn Slough are what you are interested in, we will depart from our location in the North Harbor, heading back into the slough. This paddle will take you to the furthest reaches of the slough and through some exciting tidal creeks with a lunch break at Kirby Park.

Both Intermediate tours are well suited for the experienced and fit paddler.

Requirements:   Good Physical Shape, Pre-Packed Lunch
Dates:   Call to set up a custom Intermediate Level Tour.
More Info:   Click for Reservation Information, directions, and what to wear and bring. Or call (800) 649-5357.


Whale Watching Tour
See the annual grey whale migration (6 hours)

Our whale watching tours for 2009 are approaching. Prepare for our whale watching tours by taking the three pre-requisite classes.

This adventurous paddle is a great opportunity to observe Grey Whales during their annual migration. Our staff of naturalists will enhance your paddle with information about the bay, other marine mammals and birds, and a comprehensive background on the behaviors of the whales.