Summer is calling, and the Monterey Bay is ready to answer.
If you’ve been daydreaming about spotting sea otters from your kayak or watching the sun dip below the horizon from a paddleboard, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning.
Santa Cruz and Elkhorn Slough are two of the best paddling destinations on the California coast, and summer is when the magic really ramps up. Longer days, warmer water, and incredible marine life make this the season to get out there and explore.
Here at Kayak Connection, we’ve been helping adventurers discover the Monterey Bay for over 30 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, this guide will help you plan the ultimate summer paddle adventure.
Why Summer is Prime Time for Paddling in Monterey Bay
There’s a reason summer is our busiest season, and it’s not just the weather (though that certainly helps).
Here’s what makes summer paddling on the Central Coast so special:
Warm, long days. Summer temperatures along the coast typically hover in the mid-60s to low 70s, and daylight stretches well past 8 PM. That means more time on the water, more golden-hour paddles, and more chances to catch a breathtaking sunset from your kayak or paddleboard.
Calm morning waters. Summer mornings on the Monterey Bay are famously glassy. Head out early and you’ll find mirror-like conditions that are perfect for paddling, especially if you’re newer to kayaking or SUP.
Peak wildlife season. Humpback whales are feeding in the bay, sea otters are lounging in the kelp, harbor seals are basking on the rocks, and pods of dolphins regularly make an appearance. It’s a wildlife show you won’t find anywhere else.
The perfect escape from inland heat. While the Central Valley sizzles, the Santa Cruz coast stays cool and refreshing. A paddle adventure is one of the best ways to beat the heat and make the most of a summer day trip or vacation.
Choose Your Adventure: Kayaking or Paddleboarding?
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is whether to hop in a kayak or stand up on a paddleboard. The good news? You really can’t go wrong with either one.
Kayaking is a fantastic choice if you want to cover more distance, stay dry, and get up close to wildlife. Our tandem kayaks are especially popular with couples and families because they’re stable, easy to paddle, and let you share the adventure side by side.
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) gives you a completely different perspective. You’re standing above the water, which means you’ll spot underwater wildlife like fish and jellyfish that kayakers often miss. It’s also a sneaky-good core workout. SUP is available at our Santa Cruz Harbor location.
Not sure which to try? Why not both? SUP is best in the morning when the water is calmest, so many of our guests start the day on a paddleboard and then hop in a kayak later, or try one on each day of a weekend getaway.
Pick Your Spot: Santa Cruz Harbor or Elkhorn Slough?
We operate out of two incredible locations, and each one offers a totally different vibe.
Elkhorn Slough (Moss Landing)
Elkhorn Slough is a protected estuary about 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz, and it’s one of the most wildlife-rich kayaking spots in all of California. The calm, sheltered water makes it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a more relaxed paddle. Don’t let “relaxed” fool you, though. You’ll be surrounded by sea otters, harbor seals, shorebirds, and all kinds of incredible marine life.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, families with kids, first-time paddlers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
Santa Cruz Harbor
The Harbor is your launchpad to the open waters of Monterey Bay. From here, you can paddle along the coastline, explore kelp forests, and watch sea lions sunbathe on the jetty. It’s also the perfect home base for our popular Sunset Kayak Tour, where you’ll paddle out during golden hour surrounded by otters, seals, herons, and pelicans as the sky lights up in pinks and golds.
Best for: Ocean paddling, sunset tours, catching glimpses of humpback whales and dolphins, and anyone who loves the energy of open water.
Plan Your Perfect Summer Day on the Water
Ready to lock in your adventure? Here’s how to set yourself up for the best day possible:
Book early. Summer is our peak season, and tours and rentals fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance (and even earlier for groups).
Go in the morning. The calmest, most beautiful conditions are in the morning hours before the afternoon winds pick up. Our Santa Cruz Harbor location opens at 9:30 AM and our Elkhorn Slough location opens at 9:00 AM, so plan to be on the water right when we open for the smoothest paddling. Morning conditions are also the best time for stand up paddleboarding, since the calmer water makes balancing much easier.
Dress for the coast. Even on a hot summer day, the coast can be cooler than you’d expect. Bring layers, wear quick-dry clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen. The reflection off the water intensifies sun exposure. A hat and sunglasses are essentials.
Bring water and snacks. Paddling is a workout! Stay fueled and hydrated so you can enjoy every minute on the water.
Don’t forget a camera. You’re going to want to capture the otter that floats by your kayak or the dolphin that leaps in front of your paddleboard. A waterproof phone case or a GoPro works great.
Summer Tours Worth Booking
If you want a guided experience with expert naturalist guides who know these waters inside and out, check out these fan-favorite tours:
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour. Paddle through the heart of one of California’s most important estuaries with a guide who’ll help you spot (and learn about) the incredible wildlife that calls this place home.
Sunset Kayak Tour (Santa Cruz Harbor). This is our most popular summer tour for a reason. You’ll launch during golden hour, paddle through the calm evening waters, and watch the sun set over the Monterey Bay. It’s romantic, peaceful, and absolutely stunning.
Can’t decide? Give us a call or stop by the shop. Our team loves helping people find the perfect adventure.
Make It a Full Day (or Weekend)
If you’re visiting Elkhorn Slough, the charming town of Moss Landing has great antique shops, fresh seafood at Sea Harvest, and great coffee at The Power Plant coffee shop.
A paddle adventure pairs perfectly with everything else Santa Cruz has to offer. After your morning on the water, grab fish tacos at the Harbor, stroll along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or check out the shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Cruz.
Planning a full weekend? Paddle one day in Santa Cruz and the next at Elkhorn Slough. You’ll get the best of both worlds: open-ocean adventure and serene estuary exploration.
Your Summer Adventure Starts Here
This is the summer to get on the water. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date-night sunset paddle, a solo wildlife expedition, or an epic weekend with friends, Kayak Connection has everything you need to make it happen.
We’ve got the gear, the guides, and 30+ years of experience on the Monterey Bay.
Heading out in peak season? See our guide on how to beat the summer crowds kayaking in Santa Cruz and Moss Landing for the best times and spots to paddle.
Ready to go? Book your summer tour or rental online today, or call us at Santa Cruz: (831) 479-1121 | Elkhorn Slough: (831) 724-5692.
See you on the water!
