Elkhorn Slough Kayak Rentals
Elkhorn Slough is one of the top ten wildlife viewing destinations in North America. The Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing in Monterey Bay boasts the largest remaining raft of southern sea otters on the planet.
Come paddle with these amazing endangered creatures, as well as sea lions, harbor seals, beautiful floating jellies and migrating sea birds.
We guarantee wildlife spottings on every outing!
Kayak Rental Information
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing, CA
We offer the finest closed-decked kayak rentals in Elkhorn Slough for a unique sea kayaking adventure. Our double kayaks are all equipped with rudders to help for easier maneuvering in windy conditions. These closed-decked kayaks are extremely stable, with plenty of room to store snacks, water and extra equipment that you may wish to bring with you on your paddle.
Spray skirts are included with your rental purchase to keep you warmer and dryer throughout your journey. Coast guard certified personal flotation devices are worn by every paddler for safety. We also provide wind breakers and paddle pants without additional charge. Our goal is to create happy paddlers on the water!
For those who prefer to go “sans spray skirt,” sit-on-top single and double kayaks are available.
Pricing: Sit on Top Kayaks: $50 for single, $85 for double, $130 for triple / Closed Deck: $65 for single, $110 for double
Duration: Our half-day rental (up to 4 hours) provides you plenty of time to explore all the wildlife of the Elkhorn Slough.
Half-Day Kayak Rentals (4 Hours)
What Type of Kayak Should I Rent?
Sit on Top Kayaks
Our Single Sit On Top Kayaks are all brand new, modern equipment that offer our guest a very stable, maneuverable platform to view all the wildlife and beauty of the Elkhorn Slough. These beginner friendly kayaks allow you to be “captain of your own ship” and are easy to paddle. All necessary equipment included.
Double Sit on Top Kayaks
Our Double Sit On Top Kayaks offer paddlers the most stable kayak available for “otter spotting” and “seal sightings.” These kayaks are very maneuverable and extremely beginner friendly, optimal for the total novice. All necessary equipment included.
Triple Sit on Top Kayaks
The Triple Sit On Top Kayak can be the perfect solution to an odd-numbered crew, and allows a stable kayak for three adults. All necessary equipment included.
Closed Deck Single Kayaks
Our Closed Deck Single Kayaks are a terrific way to explore the Elkhorn Slough. We use modern, stable touring kayaks in our fleet. Paddling a Closed Deck Single Kayak is more efficient, warmer and dryer than a Sit On Top Kayak, and tracks in a straight line better.
Our Single Closed Deck boats are beginner friendly, but they do require a moderate level of fitness and are the least stable rental option offered. All necessary equipment included.
Double Closed Deck / Touring Kayak
Paddling in a Closed Deck Double Kayak can be a fantastic way to work as a team and cover distance the most effectively and efficiently. Our Closed Deck Doubles all have rudders to help with steering, and are remarkably warm and dry in comparison to sit on top kayaks. They are the best way to see the most of the Elkhorn Slough with the least effort exerted.
Our Double Closed Deck Kayaks are beginner friendly, but they do require a moderate level of fitness. All necessary equipment included.
FAQs
When you arrive at our shop to get your rental kayaks, the first thing you’ll need to do is sign our liability release.
After that, we’ll get you set up with the rentals and have you pay your invoice. Our staff will then show you how to use and wear your gear correctly. One of our team members will give you and your group a safety and paddle talk before taking you out to our dock, where we’ll help you into your kayak.
Once you’re out on the water, you’ll enjoy a serene paddle in one of the most beautiful areas in Monterey Bay. The Elkhorn Slough is in an inland waterway protected from the rough, choppy waters of the open ocean.
Although the Slough is saltwater and connected to the sea, the water is calm, and this area is ideal for beginning kayakers since you’re never far from shore. While the site does have a tide, it isn’t affected by ocean swells.
The Elkhorn Slough serves as a peaceful refuge for wildlife, including otters, sea lions, seals, and hundreds of sea and land birds. If you’re interested in seeing the area’s wildlife, this is a great kayaking destination.
We’re a family-friendly operation, and we love to see kids get out on the water! If they meet the requirements below, they’re welcome to rent paddle with us at Kayak Connection.
For insurance and safety reasons, however, we do have a list of rental requirements:
• Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in a rental and 3 to participate in a Family Adventure Tour.
• Children 15 years or older are welcome to paddle a single kayak.
• All participants must sign a release, and children under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by at least one person over 25.
Keep in mind that even though five-year-old kids can rent a kayak, some aren’t ready to join you on the water. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you bring your little one on your upcoming expedition:
• Does your child feel comfortable on the water?
• Can your child swim?
• Will the conditions on the day of your trip be too cold, or too windy for a young child?
• Do you feel that you can manage your kayak, yourself, and your child in the unlikely event that your kayak capsizes?
Unfortunately no. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the wildlife in the Elkhorn Slough, we do not allow dogs on our kayaks at our Moss Landing location.
We recommend that you bring the following for your kayak trip:
- A hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water and a snack
- Camera and binoculars (bring at your own risk of them getting wet!)
- Footwear such as flip flops, old sneakers, Tevas, water socks, or booties.
Not sure which kayak to rent?
Just give us a call or send us a message to reach one of our friendly staff and we’ll be happy to help.
Kayak Connection - Elkhorn Slough
2370 Highway 1
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Phone: 831-724-5692
Hours
9AM – 5PM Weekdays
9AM – 5PM Saturday & Sunday
Please give us a call if you have questions or would like to make a reservation for rentals, tours or classes. See you on the water!