Active Coastal Adventures with Adventures By the Sea - Cannery Row - San Jose

Active Coastal Adventures with Adventures By the Sea - Cannery Row

San Joseeasy to moderate

Difficulty

easy to moderate

Duration

1–3 hours depending on activity

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness recommended—suitable for beginners to casual athletes comfortable on bikes and watercraft

Overview

Discover Monterey’s coast with kayak tours, paddleboard lessons, and electric bike rides from Adventures By the Sea - Cannery Row. Unlock unique perspectives on iconic landscapes and marine life in one active, hands-on outdoor experience.

Details

At the heart of Monterey, California, Adventures By the Sea - Cannery Row offers an engaging array of outdoor adventures that put the stunning Pacific coastline and legendary 17-Mile Drive within reach. This locally-rooted outfitter specializes in watercraft rentals and guided tours, inviting visitors to engage with Monterey’s natural landscape from unique perspectives—from paddleboards skimming kelp beds to the smooth glide of electric bikes along scenic shorelines.

Monterey’s coastline, carved by wave-worn granite and bordered by sea otter habitats, provides an extraordinary backdrop. The company’s signature Cannery Row Kayak Tour lets paddlers navigate calm coves, taking in coastal marine life and historic waterfront sights once tied to the sardine canning industry—a nod to Monterey’s industrial past. For those seeking to balance learning and adventure, paddleboard lessons combine technique coaching with tours under wide-open skies.

Beyond the water, Adventures By the Sea brings the famous 17-Mile Drive into play with private electric bike tours, allowing riders to cover this iconic stretch with ease while stopping at landmarks like Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. Traditional bicycle and surrey rentals offer a family-friendly option along the coastal bike paths, emphasizing accessibility.

What sets Adventures By the Sea apart is its combination of flexibility and local expertise. Offering private tours alongside rentals, they cater to varied groups from solo adventurers to families. Their electric bike options especially open up the iconic drives to more visitors, creating a sustainable approach to enjoying the natural area. Whether gliding over the water or cycling past Monterey’s rocky shorelines, guests connect with an authentic California coast experience rarely matched in this region.

Adventures By the Sea - Cannery Row stands as a pivotal part of Monterey’s outdoor scene, bridging historic coastal heritage with active modern recreation.

Adventure Tips

Wear layered clothing

Monterey’s coastal weather can shift quickly; layering helps you stay comfortable on water and land.

Bring water and sun protection

Even on overcast days, UV exposure is high; carry sunscreen and hydration for tours or rentals.

Reserve your private tours early

Popular private kayak and bike tours book quickly during peak season; advance booking is recommended.

Check tide schedules for kayak tours

Tide conditions can influence water access and wildlife visibility on the Cannery Row Kayak Tour.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The less-visited El Estero Lake Park for quiet biking
  • The tidal pools near Pacific Grove Lighthouse

Wildlife

  • California sea otters
  • Blue herons along coastal estuaries

History

Cannery Row’s past as a sardine canning hub in the early 1900s shapes much of the area’s cultural heritage and waterfront architecture.

Conservation

Adventures By the Sea promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging low-impact transportation options and educating visitors on protecting marine habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour sunrise
Late afternoon light
Overcast days for softer colors

Best Viewpoints

  • Lone Cypress viewpoint
  • Cannery Row waterfront docks
  • Spanish Bay cliffs

What to Photograph

Sea otters in kelp beds
Classic fishing boats and piers
Coastal rock formations

Recommended Gear

Water-resistant jacket

Essential

Protects against chilly winds and light rain typical of Monterey’s coastal spring.

spring specific

Sun hat and sunglasses

Essential

Crucial for sun protection during long daytime paddling or biking.

summer specific

Hydration pack or water bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated during active tours along the coast or 17-Mile Drive.

Closed-toe water shoes

Ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding to protect feet on slippery docks and rocky areas.

summer specific