Kayaking All Over Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is one of the most beautiful areas on the California Coast. From Santa Cruz, to Monterey, to the Pacific Grove, and down to Carmel, these are some of the most visited towns in California and they all share the beautiful deep blue coastline of the wildlife rich Monterey Bay. While tourists flock to these shores to sightsee, bike, and even hike, kayakers have a veritable paradise full of trips for all levels from beginning paddlers all the way up to advanced expedition kayakers. Here is a list of kayaking put-ins and trips on Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz down the bay all the way to Point Lobos State Park.

Kayak Trips from Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, with its south facing shores, has some of the clearest, blueist, and sunniest skys on the Monterey Bay. Known for its surfing, there are plenty of kayaking trips to indulge in from Santa Cruz.

Launching Your Kayak at Santa Cruz Harbor

The Santa Cruz Harbor is the perfect launch point for any kayaking trip you want to take from Santa Cruz. Its even pleasant just paddling around the harbor for beginners.

Kayaking in Monterey

There are amazing paths and trails from Cannery Row following along the Monterey Penninsula. Kayakers can enjoy these same views and sights from boat. Not to mention paddle over kelp beds, deep blue waters, and among seas teaming with sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and even dolphin and at times whales.

Launch a Kayak from Monterey's Breakwater Cove

Breakwater Cove is a kayaker’s dream of a kayak launch site. While you will have to pay to park, the easy path down to the beach or the simple put-in at the boat launch is well worth the money.

Kayaking Trips in the Pacific Grove

Rub shoulders with the wealthy along the world famous 17 Mile Drive. Well, you’ll get to see them playing golf as you paddle by at least. The put-in at Stillwater Cove is the perfect place to launch a kayak and paddle in protected cove, paddle up along 17 Mile Drive, or down into Carmel Beach.

Kayaking Around Point Lobos

Monestary Beach is a great put-in to begin your paddle around Point Lobos State Park. The kelp, deep blue water, surging seas, and crashing waves into the boulder gardens make for one exciting trip. There’s even a cave to explore and plenty of places for intermediate to advanced paddlers to practice their maneuvers in and out of the rock gardens.