Elkhorn Slough

Sea otters at arm’s length in a tidal estuary.

A winding tidal slough off Monterey Bay where rafts of sea otters, harbor seals and huge flocks of shorebirds share calm, protected water. You launch in Moss Landing and ride the tide inland, then come back before the afternoon wind fills in. It is one of the easiest places in California for a first-timer to see otters from a kayak.

At a glance

Launches

Moss Landing North Harbor or Kirby Park

Wildlife

Sea otters, harbor seals, 340+ bird species

Wind

Northwest 10–20 knots most afternoons

Harbor current

Up to 3 knots under the Highway 1 bridge

Closed water

Everything east of the railroad tracks; no landing on mudflats or marsh

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Boat rentals
• Guided tours
• Paddleboarding
• Wildlife

Rentals, guides and shops

• Monterey Bay Kayaks

  Walk-up rentals on the slough plus guided harbor, 2.5-hour, sunrise and bioluminescence tours.

• Kayak Connection

  Kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours from its shop on Highway 1 at the North Harbor.

Where to stay

• hotelPortola Hotel & Spa

  Full-service hotel next to Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey.

  30 min drive
• innCaptain’s Inn at Moss Landing

  Small boutique inn beside the wetlands, a block off Highway 1, with some rooms looking over the slough.

  2 min drive

Nearby

• Elkhorn Slough Reserve · 10 min drive

  Visitor center and walking trails along the upper slough, open Wednesday to Sunday.

• Elkhorn Slough Safari · In Moss Landing

  Naturalist-led boat cruises up the slough, a good option for non-paddlers.

• Phil’s Fish Market · In Moss Landing

  Big, casual seafood restaurant and market in Moss Landing.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium · 30 min drive

  World-class aquarium on Cannery Row with a sea otter exhibit and kelp forest.

Getting there

• Monterey Regional (MRY) · about 25 min drive
• San Jose · about 1 hr
• San Francisco · about 1.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps