Will be in Monterey 3rd week of June. I have read that kayaking is good in the bay and other areas. Anyone have any experience with this. Guided or on your own? Which location is best, etc.

Look at the post "San Francisco and where else?" There's a comment there on the kayaking. All I know about it is what I've seen...very active, and LOTS of sea life. The other comment is from someone with personal experience.

Yes, We are going there and I was reading that post. Hoped someone had some specific info. That post was what gave me the idea. Looks like there are several launching points.

I've kayaked in Elkorn Slough, which was very enjoyable--got up close with some very friendly sea otters. I know you can rent kayaks there, and I assume there are guided tours. I was taken by a friend who is an avid kayaker. She used to work for a store in Monterey and give tours--Monterey Bay kayaks I think. However, I never went out on the Bay itself.

Monterey Bay Kayaks and Adventures by the Sea in Monterey both do a fine job. My experience was that Monterey Bay Kayaks was a little more detailed in their instruction before you head out on the bay. They have guided tours or you can go out on your own. Single or tandem kayaks.

I loved it. It was one of my favorite travel memories. We just walked down to the shop, they gave us an overview and we paddled out.
http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/Hos...ayak%20Rentals

The best part was paddling and watching the sea otters play and float on their backs. I paddled out a bit away from my group and just drifted. The magical part was a sea otter sliding up on the bow to take a look at me. Pure magic!

I also kayaked Monterey Bay and really enjoyed ! We did the guided tour- saw lots of otters and sea lions and of course lots of birds

We rented with Adventures by the Sea, they offer single or doubles. We had a great time and this outfitter is very helpful. They are located right in Cannery Row across from the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Have fun! ***kim***

I'm thinking Elkhorn Slough might be the best bet.

We have kayaked both the Elkhorn Slough and the Monterey Bay. Elkhorn Slough was more enjoyable as it isn't as windy and can be a bit more mellow experience. The bay is also great, but the fog and wind can come in pretty quickly. Early morning on a clear day would be best for both places--wind kicks up by 3 pm most days.

I think you will enjoy Elkhorn Slough--it's not on the typical tourist track and as Wm has stated it is a somewhat mellow experience.

I've not kayaked Elkhorn Slough but totally loved our kayak trip on the bay. There were only a few of us on the water on the time and it did not feel "touristy" at all. In fact, it was a great way to get out and about in nature. We didn't have any problems with wind or fog. We were there in July for a business meeting and went kayaking on our free afternoon. It was a short walk and a few minutes from the hotel to the kayaks and a wonderful experience. I'm sure Elkhorn Slough is nice, but the bay was as well.

starrs I was not implying that kayaking on Monterey Bay was a touristy activity or that it is not a nice activity. One activity is not better than the other, just different. However as spiro has indicated that he was thinking about Elkhorn I was merely letting him know that a visit to Elkhorn is not necessarily on the tourist track. OK?

I was sharing that I did not encounter wind nor fog nor felt the bay experience felt touristy. The previous two posts seemed to indicate those could be problems on the bay. We did not find that to be true. We were there on a July afternoon.
As I said in my post "I'm sure Elkhorn Slough is nice, but the bay was as well."

My husband and I love Monterey, but have never kayaked. We're in our late 60s and would like some confirmation that it'd be fun for us, too! I walk and jog and my husband plays golf, but no one would consider us particularly athletic. We're not hiking people.

What would you suggest for us?

Susan, kayaking is easy. You'll get some instruction on how to sit in the kayak, paddle, etc. but it's very easy for a first-timer to do. You don't have to paddle far and it's just so relaxing and the otters are amazing to watch.

okay, starrs, here's really silly question (and if I hadn't had several glasses of wine I wouldn't ask it). We've watched the sea otters and have found them delightful...but from afar. They're really BIG! So, do we need to be concerned whether they'll tip over the kayaks?

Are you thinking about sea lions?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_otter

Anyway, I was told that it's very rare for them to make contact with the kayak. The one that slipped up on the bow was about the size of my little pup. I didn't have any concerns about the kayak tipping.

Now, the alligator that was mad when we got too close to her kits...that's a different story! But, that was another time and place.

thanks! We'll give it a try!