Kayak with Sea Otters, Harbor Seals and Sea Lions

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, our tours operate only by advance purchase.

What should I bring with me?

Wear a bathing suit and bring a hat, sunglasses/croakie, sunblock, strap-on sandals, water shoes or flip-flops) and a t-shirt/sweatshirt. Also bring a camera if you'd like.

Are there any fitness requirements?

We offer the guided kayak tours to people ages 5 and up who are in moderately good health (no bad backs or pregnant women). We match stronger paddlers with weaker ones to ensure an enjoyable trip and good control of the boat at all times! We move at a relaxed pace, focusing on the scenery and marine mammals that may come our way. The physical output is low - similar to walking/hiking - you do have to be moderately fit.

Are there any weight restrictions?

A tandem kayak can accommodate a total of 500 lbs. Therefore the combined weight of both passengers cannot exceed 500 pounds. We do have special single kayaks that can accommodate an individual of up to 350 pounds - if you are interested in securing such a kayak, please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know about your situation.

What kind of kayaks do you use?

We use open-deck kayaks: boats uniquely designed for your enjoyment on the Bay. Stable and easy to enter and exit, these boats are ideally suited for paddling. We have a protected kayak launch, so the trip will be smooth from the start. We will also provide you with wetsuits, splash jackets, and life jackets at no extra charge.

What happens if it rains?

We paddle in rain or shine and it is commonly foggy in Monterey with heavy mist at times. Sea life is seen regardless of weather conditions and it makes for a special trip regardless of the visibility. We do not cancel trip often, but when winds become too high or it rains too hard we will cancel a trip for safety and/or comfort reasons. If that does happen, you will be able to reschedule or receive credit for a future tour.

Are children allowed?

Children ages 5 and up are allowed, but for safety reasons we do not permit children under 5.

Are pets allowed?

No, at this time we do not have the equipment required to ensure your pets' safety on our trips.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

Our tours are safe and we will match stronger paddlers with weaker ones to ensure good control of your vessel at all times. Normally women in early stages of their pregnancy should have no problem - however, if you have a concern, it is best to consult your doctor before attending. We do not recommend taking the tour if you are over 4 months pregnant.

How much time will we get on the water?

Time on the water is typically at between 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Tour guests are able to explore on their own for an hour after the formal guided tour, which makes a total of up to 3 hours on the water.

Will there be a guide kayaking with us?

Yes, each tour features the added value of an experienced guide who can both find the wildlife and tell you about what you are seeing. Guides also instruct you in safety, paddling technique and rescue.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. We require all guests to wear a USCG approved life vest that keeps your ahead above water even if you capsize the kayak. The kayaks cannot sink and the guide will assist getting you back on your kayak.

Do I need to have kayaked before to enjoy this trip?

No. There is no experience required to take one of our trips. We provide you with all the kayaking instruction required prior to setting off on the tour.

Can I have a single kayak?

Unfortunately we paddle only with tandem (double) kayaks. If you are alone we will pair you with another single paddler. The only exception to this would be for larger individuals that require a special single kayak that can accommodate up to 350 lbs (these are only available upon request and with advance permission from the seller).

Is the kayak safe?

Yes, our open-deck kayaks are one of the safest - and they are among the most stable and user friendly. In addition, our CPR and first aid certified guides are always on hand and available to help. Life jackets must be worn at all times and alcohol or drug use is not permitted at any time.

Are the waters safe?

Yes. You will kayak in protected Monterey Bay waters along Cannery Row, an area with large kelp forests that further protect the shoreline from waves. Furthermore, we have one of the protected launches in Monterey, a big advantage if there are children or inexperienced paddlers in the group.

Will I see sharks in the water?

No. This is not an area where sharks are seen.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Yes, but generally people bring a bottle of water or soft drink at most. We do not stop for lunch or snacks.

Are there any food or beverages included?

No.

Can I bring my own kayak?

Yes, but the price for the tour is the same with or without bringing your own equipment.

What should I wear?

For safety and comfort we provide farmer john style wetsuits, nylon shell jackets & life-jackets. Guests can leave their clothes in their car's or hotel rooms if nearby and we provide waterproof bags allowing guests to take their wallets and keys with them. Guests should bring either a bathing suit or a change of undergarments, as the clothes worn under the wetsuit will get wet/damp during the tour.

Should I bring cash?

Yes. You will need cash to tip your guide. A gratuity (tip) is customary to provide your guide after the tour (tips are 15-25%) and the tip is not included in your advance payment.

How far out will we go?

We will paddle about one mile each way (round trip of 1.5 - 2 hours on the waterl). Wel paddle between the Monterey Harbor and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in ideal weather, and between the harbor and the Monterey Plaza Hotel if the conditions are less than ideal. We always stay near shore (within 100 yards).

Do I have to wear a life vest?

Yes, for safety reasons we require that life jackets be worn at all times during the paddle.

Do I have to sign a liability waiver to participate in the tour?

Each participant must sign a liability waiver prior to joining the tour. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent sign their liability waiver for them.

Will I get seasick?

People have gotten seasick before, but the great majority make it through the experience without getting sick. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider taking preventative measures beforehand. Less Drowsy Dramamine is popular for those who are motion sensitive (be sure to take 2 hours before starting your kayak excursion).

Are there group discounts?

Yes, there is an automatic 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. If you have a group of more than 15 people, please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know about your situation and we will do our best to accommodate you.

How large a group tour can be accommodated?

We can take as many as 50 guests per tour day. Please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know about your group size and date.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes. Please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know if you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate.

How can I book a private charter or custom tour?

Please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know about your interest in booking a custom/private charter.

Do you offer kayak rentals?

For those with experience kayaking Monterey Bay, equipment rentals are available during the late spring, summer and early fall. Please click on the "Contact ABSeas" link to let us know about your situation.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Children under 5 years of age are not permitted and guests must be moderately fit.

For safety reasons, this trip is only recommended for participants ages 5 and older who are moderately fit. All participants will be required to wear a life jacket for the duration of the trip.

The tour is not recommended for women over 4 months pregnant or those with mobility problems.

For safety reasons, we do not recommend that women over 4 months pregnant take the tour. Any women in early stages of pregnancy should consult a doctor if they have any concerns about participating. We also do not recommend the tour for those who have mobility constraints such as back, leg or knee problems. Please consult a doctor if you have concerns about attending.

All kayaks are tandem and can support a combined weight of 500 pounds.

The kayaks used on the tour are double (tandem) kayaks and can support 500 pounds between two people. Larger individuals who have a concern about this weight limitation should get special permission from the seller to use a single kayak that can accommodate up to 350 pounds before purchasing tickets.

All participants must sign a liability waiver.

All guests will be asked to sign a liability waiver at the start of the tour. Any participants under the age of 18 must have waivers signed by their parents or guardians.

A B Seas Kayaks of Monterey