A magical natural reserve!
This is one of our absolute favorite kayaking spots. The Slough offers a range of mileage - 7 miles inland - with many points of interest along the way, access to the Pacific for more experienced paddlers (or on particularly calm days), and the delight an abundance of sea life offers! While neither an otter nor a harbor seal has hopped in our kayaks YET, it's def an aspiration of Kym's!
After launch you'll paddle along the main harbor area. To the right is the ocean channel - where you'll have to watch for boat traffic (great for catching wake waves) - and to the left you'll pass the pier where the sea lions fight for position in the sun on your way into the slough. Once you pass under the car bridge you'll enter the main area where we like to head out on one side and back on the other to fully experience the shifting geography, water currents, and of course sea life.
There's no shortage of distance really so remain cognizant of your time - noting how long you've paddled out so you can return in time, managing your excursion to your fitness level. The slough's website includes info on conditions and tides. We bring this up because in the afternoon the winds can pick up and if you're already tired upon your return it might present a challenge. For a thorough experience we recommend 90 minutes out + find a protein + hydration spot to take it all in - sorry, no offshore areas to picnic here - and then follow the opposite shore line for your return. If the wind is at your back and you have extra time passing back under the bridge, either hanging out in the channel area to simply take it all in and / or heading to the left (opposite of return to the north lot) to check out the boats docked in the harbor offer a nice cap to your trip!
Being a good paddler means respecting the local residents (birds and animals) and their space, which is especially true here given the plethora of life. Occasionally, boat patrols are present providing friendly reminders to keep a respectful distance from the sea life. They're also happy to chat you up and provide some pointers on where to find the day's best views.
If you notice a lot of boats hovering in a particular spot that's another clue that there's something to see, so make your way over!
Fun fact: The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education. The Reserve is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What does this mean to you? This setting provides home and shelter to an amazingly abundant variety of plants and animals. So have camera ready (in a dry case to protect it if you have butterfingers) because the photo opps are endless!
BOTTOM LINE: TOP SPOT! We rate this paddle 5 out of 5 paddles!
LAST VISITED: 2018
SEASON: Year round although a 1st occurred in July 2018 when the winds were too high for any boating.
TOTAL KAYAKING MILEAGE: The slough itself travels 7 miles inland.
TRAFFIC: Mostly kayaks along with boats coming into the harbor from the ocean.
GETTING HERE: The Elkorn Slough is located @ Moss Landing smack dab between Santa Cruz and Monterey (25 miles South | North respectively). While there are multiple put ins, the most convenient is The North Harbor Entrance found at 2486 CA-1, Moss Landing, CA
2018 PARKING: $11 covers launch and parking fees.
2018 CAR TOP LAUNCH FEES: $11 covers launch and parking fees.
INSPECTION: N/A
RENTALS? Yes! 2 options right at the main North Harbor Boat Launch. The Kayak Connection ($35 single - $60 double per boat/4 hours) & Monterey Bay Kayaks ($30-$35pp per use). Each offer tours and lessons which is a good route for beginners. Note: Monterey requires prior kayaking experience to rent a sit inside kayak. Otherwise, only sit on top available. Our advise if you don't have sit inside experience is to go with someone who can coach you or take a lesson first. Either way you go, we recommend advanced reservations.
LAUNCH TYPE: dock, harbor shore, and boat ramp access available from the main lot.
FACILITIES: Yes
PICNIC SPOTS: There are a couple of tables with views of the marina.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Not much else going on here - it's all about getting on the water.
WEBSITE: https://www.elkhornslough.org/ Visit for tide information, events,
WHAT ELSE? Check out the LIVE otter cams!
The Whole Enchilada: right next door!
This is a local favorite in Moss Landing and surrounding parts. Traditional south of the border fare and decor with colorful art and masonry throughout. While it's a sit down full service restaurant (beyond a taqueria), your casual clothes are fine. We do usually bring a change of clothes tho into as you're likely to get wet on you're excursion.
The menu is as lively as the atmosphere offering a full menu of Mexican favorites! A few seafood salads to choose from, all the traditional plates - including breakfast fare - and some fun twists on local favorites like ciappiono and crepes.
Here's how they serve up the key meat fillings for tostadas, tacos, and enchiladas:
Tostadas Filling Choices: Chicken, Beef, Chile Verde, Carnitas, Crab or Shrimp
Combination Plates
Choose a 1,2 or 3 Item combination.
Item Choices: Taco, Enchilada
Filling Choices: Chicken, Chile Verde, Beef,
Carnitas or Cheese
We've had a few meals here and all have been tasty. Kym leans toward the crab and shrimp tostadas -yum!- while Ben of course is your taco guy choosing the chicken, chile verde and carnitas for a satisfying combo!
BOTTOM LINE: We give this a 3.5 overall. Pluses for the energy and location. The fare is tasty yet we'll dub it 'beachy mex'. Which, if you're going to have it, you might as well do so here! Haute Enchilada down the road is a recommended option, so watch for a review on our next visit. GETTING HERE: Check out the map - it's so close @ 902 CA-1, Moss Landing. A bit more than a stone's throw, you'll want to drive over.
ADULT BEVERAGES: Full bar available.
SEATING: Traditional full restaurant with host and server. Outdoor patio!
WEBSITE/MENU: http://wenchilada.com/
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