Discover the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of Elkhorn Slough on this guided kayaking tour in Moss Landing. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure offers close-up encounters with sea otters, herons, and more. Join Kayak Connection for an eco-friendly, family-friendly outdoor experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic paddling ability but no prior experience needed
Wildlife
History
Elkhorn Slough was historically a rich fishing ground and now serves as one of California’s most important estuarine national wildlifes areas, supporting diverse ecosystems.
Conservation
Kayak Connection actively promotes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the delicate habitat and prioritizing wildlife protection.
Kayak Connection - Elkhorn Slough
Discover the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of Elkhorn Slough on this guided kayaking tour in Moss Landing. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure offers close-up encounters with sea otters, herons, and more. Join Kayak Connection for an eco-friendly, family-friendly 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.
Wear layered clothing
Temperatures can vary; dressing in layers ensures comfort throughout your paddling adventure.
Bring waterproof gear
Rain or splashes are common; waterproof clothing and a dry bag for valuables are recommended.
Apply sun protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to shield yourself from California’s sunshine.
Arrive early
Arriving 15-30 minutes before your scheduled tour helps with check-in and gear setup.
Hat
A hat helps shield you from the sun and keeps you comfortable during the paddle.
summer|spring|fall|winter
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays, especially on sunny days.
summer|spring|fall|winter
Waterproof jacket
Ideal for unexpected rain or splashes, helping you stay dry and comfortable.
winter|spring|fall
Camera/binoculars
Capture wildlife moments and get a closer look at distant birds.
spring|summer|fall