Equipment Rentals

Rental Rates

		Up to 4 hours	Up to 24 hours
Closed Deck:	Single	$ 35	$ 45
	Double	$ 50	$ 60
	Triple	$ 65	$ 75
	Fiberglass Single	$ 40	$ 50
	Fiberglass Double	$ 55	$ 65
Open Deck:	Single	$ 35	$ 45
	Double	$ 50	$ 60
	Triple	$ 60	$ 70
Canoes		$ 40	$ 50

We offer drive-away rentals of plastic kayaks only (sorry, no fiberglass): plastic singles are $50 per day, and plastic doubles are $70 per day. You must leave a credit card imprint.

Rental Requirements

• Children under 5 years old may not rent or go on tours.
• Children under 15 may not rent singles.
• Children under 18 may not rent or go on tours without a parent or guardian's signature.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by at least one person over 25.
• Mothers in the FIRST 3 months (1st trimester) of pregnancy may not rent or go on tours.
• Alcohol/drugs are not allowed before or during rentals or tours.
• Kayak Connection reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

Rental Cancellation Policy

Discount Rental Rates

Santa Cruz Rentals Information

When renting kayaks in Santa Cruz, you can find sea otters and sea lions frolicking in the kelp beds, or maybe the occasional whale or dolphin! Paddling on the open ocean can be exhilarating and rewarding, but you should keep in mind several factors...

1. If coastal conditions are determined to be potentially dangerous, your rental excursion may be limited to the Santa Cruz Harbor.

2. In order to rent closed-deck kayaks (sit inside), you need to have taken our series of classes or comparable instruction from another outfitter. Wetsuits are included in rentals and we always recommend them if you're not dressed appropriately.

3. If you have not had formal instruction, you may rent open-deck kayaks (sit-on-top) to paddle on the ocean. Open-deck rentals require a wetsuit, which we will provide free of charge.

4. Conditions on the ocean can change dramatically and quickly, so scheduling flexibility may be required. Starting in the morning will help you to avoid the wind.

5. Kiwi kayaks and canoes are not available to rent in Santa Cruz.

6. Check our What to Bring list on our web pages for further information on suggested items to bring when renting or going on a tour.

Moss Landing Rentals Information

In Moss Landing, rentals are only for Elkhorn Slough, which is an inland waterway that is seven miles long. In the slough you will see lots of wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and thousands of birds. It is a calm, protected waterway, and no experience is necessary to rent closed-deck kayaks. The only requirements we have for rentals on the slough is that everyone in your party know how to swim and must be at least 5 years old. Here are some suggestions to make your excursion more enjoyable...

1. The best time to paddle in the slough is in the morning, as there are often afternoon winds to paddle against on the way back.

2. Because the slough is influenced by tides, a considerable current can flow during spring tides (during new and full moon). When the current is strongest, it is best to plan your trip so that you enter the slough about an hour before high tide. Doing this will ensure the current flowing with you in both directions. The tide is only a major factor during these peak times of the month. Click here for Moss Landing tide chart.

3. If it is your first time in a kayak, we recommend you go in a double, but this is not a requirement.

4. The best times for birdwatching are fall and winter at low tide. The Elkhorn Slough is also inhabited by otters and seals who live there year round together with gulls, loons, herons and a myriad of other marine life.

5. Our map of the Elkhorn Slough will give you some idea of the paddling possibilities when you come to do a rental with us.

Elkhorn Slough Shuttle -- We at Kayak Connection know that many of our customers at the Elkhorn Slough are repeat paddlers who yearn for a new Slough experience. To provide customers with a new paddling experience, we have started a shuttle service for renters and privately booked tours that will allow customers to paddle one way (following the tide) and see more of the Slough. Depending on the tide, one could ride the shuttle to Kirby Park and paddle back to the dock by the shop; or paddle from the dock and get picked up at Kirby Park. The cost of the shuttle will be $15 per person and will be available mostly on weekends, though we can run it on weekdays (with prior arrangement) if we have enough demand. We hope to start the May 1st weekend. For reservations and shuttle direction call Sara at our location in Moss Landing 831-724-5692.

Rental Agreements

When you join us for any of our activities, you will be asked to sign a Release Form.
Please be advised that there are inherent risks associated with this activity.

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