Kayaking in Monterey Bay
There are few experiences for me that have come close to the pure joy I experienced kayaking in Monterey Bay earlier this week. Since I do not own a kayak, I had to rent one and decided to go with Monterey Bay Kayaks (http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/), a company that is located near the main beach in Monterey. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the company or the experience.
For starters, the price was only $30 for the day and included a wet suit, the kayak, a life jacket, a pullover jacket, and complete instructions. This was my second time kayaking (the other time was in Hawaii) and that was a few years ago, so after getting fitted with a suit, the 15 minute instruction portion was very helpful. I now know what the "Three B's" are and how to use them to get back in the craft.
I went with a co-worker who was also interested in taking a shot at the water, so we decided on a two man raft. After getting a few final words of wisdom, it was off to the water.
For the next three and a half hours we were able to enjoy Monterey from the water and see the large variety of homes and businesses in the city. Although you are a bit limited with where you are allowed to kayak, the 1 mile stretch has numerous chances to see a wide variety of wildlife. We saw countless sea lions, birds, otters, and ducks. The highlight for me was having a sea lion come up next to the kayak and try to grab the oar from me by biting it. Check out the video!
This is a definite must-do for anyone visiting Monterey when the seas are flat.
For starters, the price was only $30 for the day and included a wet suit, the kayak, a life jacket, a pullover jacket, and complete instructions. This was my second time kayaking (the other time was in Hawaii) and that was a few years ago, so after getting fitted with a suit, the 15 minute instruction portion was very helpful. I now know what the "Three B's" are and how to use them to get back in the craft.
I went with a co-worker who was also interested in taking a shot at the water, so we decided on a two man raft. After getting a few final words of wisdom, it was off to the water.
For the next three and a half hours we were able to enjoy Monterey from the water and see the large variety of homes and businesses in the city. Although you are a bit limited with where you are allowed to kayak, the 1 mile stretch has numerous chances to see a wide variety of wildlife. We saw countless sea lions, birds, otters, and ducks. The highlight for me was having a sea lion come up next to the kayak and try to grab the oar from me by biting it. Check out the video!
Click to viewThis is a definite must-do for anyone visiting Monterey when the seas are flat.