OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE | NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
How to prepare for kayaking Elkhorn Slough
Shorebirds find the eating good in the shallows of Elkhorn Slough, where the tide can make the kayaking easy.
Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076, (831) 728-2822; www.elkhornslough.org .
The slough is 19 miles north of Monterey. From California 1, take the Moss Landing exit. Turn east onto Dolan Road, go 3.5 miles, turn left onto Elkhorn Road for two miles and turn left.
Go for the kayaking, stay for the critters. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve teems with wildlife, which is almost within reach from the boat.
Best sightings: Otters, harbor seals, ducks and shorebirds, including egrets, blue herons, loons and terns.
Be prepared: Wear shorts, sandals, hat and a shirt or jacket made of synthetic material.
KAYAK & BOAT TOURS
Prices for kayaks or boats range from $28 to $85 per person for a half- or full-day trip.
Kayak Connection, (831) 724-5692; www.kayakconnection.com .
Elkhorn Slough Safari, (831) 633-5555; www.elkhornslough.com .
Monterey Bay Kayaks, (800) 649-5357; www.montereybaykayaks.com .
Outback Adventures, (408) 551-0588; www.outbackadventures.com .
 The French built this place before the Americans took it over. There are a couple of big lakes next door. |
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