Take your kayaking skills to the next level with advanced stroke techniques and bracing in scenic Moss Landing. Suitable for experienced paddlers seeking a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good upper body strength and endurance to perform sustained paddling and recovery techniques.
Wildlife
History
Elkhorn Slough has a rich history as a natural estuary long used by indigenous peoples and later for fishing and salt production.
Conservation
The area is protected as an estuarine reserve dedicated to preserving delicate habitats and promoting sustainable recreation.
Kayak Connection - Elkhorn Slough
Take your kayaking skills to the next level with advanced stroke techniques and bracing in scenic Moss Landing. Suitable for experienced paddlers seeking a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience.
Kayak Connection - Elkhorn Slough operates guided sea kayak tours and kayak rentals from Moss Landing, California. The business specializes in wildlife-focused paddling experiences on Elkhorn Slough, offering a mix of private and shared tours, family outings, sunrise and sunset paddles, and seasonal night excursions.
Tours include the Sunset Wildlife Tour (Private), Private Sunrise Tour, Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour, Family Adventure Tour, Starlight Bioluminescence Tour, and a selection of single, double, and triple sit-on-top and closed-deck kayak options. Guides provide safety instruction, route planning, and naturalist-led interpretation to highlight local ecology, including sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory shorebirds. All necessary equipment—life jackets, paddles, and well-maintained kayaks—is provided for each trip.
Trips accommodate beginners and families, with age recommendations specified for certain tours. Private tours and tailored departures are available for groups seeking a customized experience. Seasonal scheduling aligns with natural events such as bioluminescence viewing, and tours depart from Moss Landing for direct access to the slough. Emphasis on safety protocols, experienced guides, and wildlife education supports responsible, low-impact paddling in this important estuarine habitat. Visitors choose Kayak Connection - Elkhorn Slough to combine accessible instruction with reliable wildlife viewing in a protected coastal environment.
Launch Point
Moss Landing
Direct access to Elkhorn Slough
Family Friendly
Ages 3+
Tours welcome young children
Seasonal Tours
June–Oct
Bioluminescence runs seasonally
Tour Types
10 tours
Private, family, and rentals
Reserve a private or family-friendly paddle from Moss Landing — equipment and expert guides included.
Check Weather Conditions
Wind and tides can greatly affect kayaking; always check the local forecast before heading out.
Wear a Good Personal Flotation Device
A properly fitted PFD enhances safety and confidence on the water.
Practice Entry and Exit Techniques
Familiarize yourself with safe kayak entry and exit, especially on uneven shorelines of Elkhorn Slough.
Bring a Dry Bag
Secure your essentials like phone, snacks, and extra clothing in a waterproof dry bag.
High-Visibility PFD
Ensures safety and visibility during advanced maneuvers on the water.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps personal items dry during strokes and potential splash or capsizing.
Thermal Layers
Keeps you warm during cooler fall paddling sessions.
fall
Sun Protection Hat
Protects from intense sun exposure during long summer routes.
summer