Had an AWESOME date at El Estero Boating! This is our second time paddling Lake El Estero and had a blast. Paid a little over $20 for a 1/2 hour paddle boat rental. A short walk from Fisherman's Wharf/Downtown Monterey--right across the street from Del Monte Beach and Dust Bowl Brewery. Super fun way to start the day. Teresa--you're incredible. Thanks for everything! Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life Jackets Provided! Hit up the snack bar for some drinks and chips, even if you're not boating. Highly recommend! read more

we spotted the swan boats on our way in and have always wanted to try them. Such a great experience! Friendly staff and a variety of different paddle boats to choose from. $40 for 1/2 hour on the swan/duck boats. Life jackets are provided and required on boats. Loved it! so fun! read more

El Estero Boating - Swan boat - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

Came here to have a nice little outing on our Anniversary weekend. As I was getting out of the duck boat my wallet, which I had tucked inside my life jacket, popped out & fell into the water! After the dock was clear of other customers the staff allowed my hubby to jump in to see if he could find it. Thankfully he was able to, he was in & out in less than 5 minutes! I am so thankful he was able to locate it but I am equally as thankful for the kindness the staff showed to us. I didn't get their names but today there was 1 young lady & 2 gentlemen working. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kindness & helpfulness! read more

The weather is amazing here in Monterey! A last minute boat paddling session before we head home. Great for kids and adults. For a party of 6 we bought 2 of the 1 hr session and it was perfect because we paddled a little and rested a little then back to paddling. I'd say the next time I go or do something like this I would just do the 30 minute because It's a workout. read more

El Estero Boating - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

To the management: please hire friendly staff for this family-friendly experience. We drove down from Santa Cruz to celebrate my daughter's 6th birthday on the boats (we did this for her 5th birthday as well and she loved it). We arrived at opening on a Monday and the employee was extremely unfriendly. He did not greet us and was walking around talking on his phone and vaping. When we got to the boat, it was all wet from just being cleaned. We asked for a towel and the same employee said "it's fine, it will dry in the sun." So me and my three small children sat down on a wet boat. After the 30 min ($40) ride, we were never thanked for our business. The whole experience left a very bad taste in our mouths on my daughter's special day. read more

Theresa and her sons and staff are wonderful! Kind,knowledgeable and funny! I bring my disabled daughter and my loud father here to paddle around the lake every time I visit the peninsula. Its the highlight of our trip for my daughter and her grandfather. It is one of the most affordable forms of family entertainment to be found in the area. It is a terrific way to get exercise and to enjoy the natural beauty of Monterey at the same time. read more

See all

What an adventure it was so travel around the lake in a giant duck with friends! The staff were friendly and welcoming, and quick to accommodate us. We did a duck rental for 1/2 hour, which was the perfect amount of time, as it is quite tiring. Beautiful views on a beautiful day, but be sure to bring a jacket--especially if you're not pedaling. Only star-down is due to it being a bit pricey ($40/half-hour). Definitely recommend El Estero Boating! read more

El Estero Boating - Duck boat - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

Can I give negative stars??? I worked extremely hard to get my family (including three young kids) here by 5 when the last boat is supposed to leave according to what's posted here. I ran in at 4:58. The very unfriendly young man on the dock (mentioned here in multiple reviews) refused to stay open for our family, despite the fact that we were here before they closed (it says the last boats go out at 5 for a 1/2 hour since they close at 5:30). He actually called me "rude for waking in so late" (his exact words) and said "it wouldn't be worth his while to stay open" (another direct quote). All this and another boat was already out there and didn't return until 5:15, so basically he wanted to leave 15 minutes earlier to start his Friday night. He also openly said he had had a long day and wanted to leave. We literally just arrived from San Jose and got caught in traffic and had promised our kids we could do the boats so went straight there, just to be rudely turned down by this young man. I am fuming from being treated so disrespectfully and now have three very disappointed kids on my hands. I will not be going back to give this place another try. read more

El Estero Boating - Information according to yelp - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

Kids had a blast... Get there early... Swans get rented out fast.... Good family fun in Monterey.... Everyone is nice there...

We had a great time, we rented a duck boat. Great birthday outing on a sunny day in Monterey. We choose the Duck my son's favorite color yellow. Owners are great, very clean, have fun!!! read more

I used to take my kids here when they were young, and now they are taking their kids here. Such fun memories riding in the paddle boats around the lake and paddling around the little island that is covered in growth with lots of little critters living there. Their paddle boats are so cute now days. A gun place for a family outing. read more

Cannot recommend enough! The boys that run it are lovely, helped us get in and out safely and swap seats, the kids had a blast. I highly recommend getting there earlier towards opening. If you have young or nervous ones get the swan or duck so they can move. Older kids are fine on the back of the open ones, just think about how you distribute weight when you're sitting on them! The island in the middle has lots of birds there, so take a camera for a close up, the crane gave us a spectacular show if it's wings! read more

El Estero Boating - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

After driving past the pond at least a couple hundred times in my life, I finally stopped to try out a paddleboat! Discouraged by the lack of activities available for my kids during a recent visit, thanks a lot COVID, we were desperate to find something to entertain them after a morning on the beach. They've always pointed out the swan boats, so we decided now is the best time. There are small, colorful paddle boats available, as well as larger swan or duck boats. My husband is a really big and tall guy, so I was worried that they wouldn't be able to accommodate him. But the weight limit on the boat was extremely high so we could all four go in the same boat together. The kids loved it and we had a great time. The young guys working the dock and handing out the life jackets were very friendly and fun. We were there on a particularly windy day, so the owner came out on his small boat to help push us if we got too far off course. It was a lot of fun, and we'll be back! read more

10/10 recommend, very nice staff :) she told me i have mermaid hair and the swan boat was very nice

Had a great time on the paddle boats. Was so excited to see they have added Rubber Ducks to their bird collection of boats. Unfortunately it was to windy to use them. Great customer service. They even came and hopped in the boat to help us get back to the dock area. Thanks can't wait to see paddle again!!! read more

El Estero Boating - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

Awesome place for family and then lunch at the taco truck . We enjoyed 1hr for $30 it's a nice activity for kids read more

El Estero Boating - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

If I could give this place a 0 I would. We had been here before and had a great experience. We came by today and got two swans. One of them got stuck. I told one of the workers who tried to help trouble shoot. They ended up getting stuck. He told another man who's name I didn't get. Skinny white man. Who told me he was busy and they had to wait until he put all those waiting in line in a boat. We wait and they are really stuck now. I ask another worker who asks him. He proceeds to roll his eyes and tell me they didn't listen to the instructions and that they had to wait. I had already told him my pregnant cousin and toddler nephew were on there. He didn't care. Until I said we were going to call 911. He still didn't care and called me rude. They decided to come off the boat since they got stuck on the edge. He then decides to help and comes back and mocks me saying nothing happened and that it wasn't an emergency. I really felt discriminated by this man. I left my number so the person in charge can call me I doubt they will. read more

Occasionally the hubz and I will take a trip to Monterey to get some air and visit the family. So we drive around the area pretty much every time we visit. We planned a picnic and were watching the people rent out the swan and duck paddle boats. I've always wanted to go on one, and so we decided why not? We went on a weekend, so the wait time was roughly around 20 mins. They have these large adirondack chairs that you can wait in. I have to say that these boats are fairly big. They warned us that it takes a lot for 2 people to paddle, but honestly it's a great leg workout! Although it sounds kinda pricey for the times $40 an hour, it's actually worth it. You do get a full experience, maybe you can go around the lake maybe twice with some breaks. Also shout out to the team there, they are super friendly and helpful. In regards to Covid, they spray the boats after every use. Because weekends are pretty busy they can't do a full wipe down, but they are cleaned. Definitely plan on coming back with some friends to experience this again in the summer. read more

Wonderful! The owner and staff were friendly gracious and very kind. We experienced a most enjoyable Swan paddle boat adventure with three generations of family. Thank You so much for the fun! read more

See all

Very helpful and great customer service. It's relaxing to go with family or friends, we got the yellow duck!

Really enjoyed the paddle boats! Me and my husband took my two year old daughter out on the lake and had a blast. We were all given life vests and helped into our boat. I was a little apprehensive with my daughter but she did great! She was able to sit in between us so we could keep an arm around her and she had so much fun! read more

Growing up in Monterey county, I can't tell you how many times we drove past the park seeing the paddleboats and wishing I could try them, too! Flash forward over 2 decades of that later and I finally got my chance. The paddleboats were fun but I wouldn't recommend being overzealous about it. For someone out of shape like me, the paddling was quite exhausting and I would've been content with the half hour instead of the hour (or it might have been more?) that my boyfriend reserved. Also, word to the wise, DON'T CHASE THE GEESE. We didn't (because he and I know better) but we saw a couple of fellow boaters chasing the geese and then promptly getting chased back! Overall, though, it was great. The boats were in a good condition and we were lucky enough for really nice weather. Would definitely recommend it! read more

Had a really good experience at this place. The lady at the front was super friendly. After she rang us up, she got me and my friend on a paddle boat and let us paddle around the lake. The weather was nice and the experience was great. The only thing was that there are a lot of seagulls circling above you. We almost got pooped on by the seagulls. We laughed it off after it missed us by a few inches. read more

We really enjoyed taking a turn around the lake on a paddle boat. It was a great way to spend some time outside, on the water. Our chihuahuas enjoyed it too! The park is large enough to enjoy lunch at picnic tables under the shade without being crowded. The gentlemen running the paddle boat rentals were very helpful. read more

We visited Monterey, CA two weeks ago and since the weather was great we decided to rent two paddle boats for 1 hour. It was the best 1 hour. The scenery was pretty and water was very calm. We would definitely do this again when we visit Monterey in the future. The workers were very friendly. read more

I have been coming here since I was 6 years old this place is so relaxing & fun I made great memories with my familythe people inside are always welcoming too read more

It's a really fun activity but really should update the closing time on here. Showed up at 5 because on here it said it didn't close till 6 but when I got there they were closing already. Pretty upsetting. read more

So we planned our trip to Monterey with the paddle boats in mind. We wanted to take our son on our last day here. Google says they are open 7 days a week at 9am. We came on a Wednesday at 9:30am and they were closed. So I called the office and the message said they open at 10am. OK no problem so we waited until 10, then 10:15, etc. Finally at 10:30am it was obvious they weren't opening anytime soon. All the boats were covered and the office was silent and locked. No staff in sight. Thanks for nothing losers! read more

Dangerous !! Lacking Safety measures...........STAY AWAY !!! I usually don't write reviews on Yelp but today, i thought i have to share my GREAT experience about El Estero boating at Monterey, CA. I was out there with my family (2 different boats) last week and the manager was nice enough to explain which boat would suite us. However, after we started our boating, i realized that we were given a boat which (i was present and peddling) had it screws not so tight and during the middle of our boating,the screw came off and i found water leaking in and we had our 4yr old on board. At a point, i thought that the boat is going to drown. We screamed for help and no one seemed to react and the boat keeper was busy on his cell phone and so was the manager in her nice cabin. We realized that we are not going to get any help from El Estero and i stretched and tried to fix the screws, and TG, it worked. While we were back, i tried to explain the problem to the boat keeper and he joked at us saying "oh you were given the sinking TITANIC"....and the manager, instead of apologizing, tried to trick that the screw is intact and was saying we didn't knew about that type of boat. Come on, this was not my first boating....In fact, this was the worst ever and most dangerous. Finally, our kids were given FREE ice-creams to cool us down...after all, they were kids and they promptly accepted the ice creams...if they were adults, not sure what would they yell..... STAY AWAY !! read more

Had the best time! Family owned operation. Very friendly and the best customer service. Thank you for a great family fun time!!!

We were on our way to Fisherman's Wharf when we spotted this place. From the street we could see these giant swan paddle boats. We just had to stop. We landed up renting the regular paddle boats because staff told us they were faster than the swans and cheaper; the swans cost $35 while the regular ones cost $20 for 30 minutes. You can fit at least 4 people on each. The employees were really cool, they said we could stay out for 40 minutes but I really don't think they were clock watching at all. We had a total blast but let me warn you, paddle boats are a lot of work so be prepared to get a workout. We paddled around the huge little lake/pond which was right in the middle of a pretty little park. If you have some time this is a fun little side thing to do, just whatever you do stay away from under the little bridge area, our paddle boat got stuck on some net (totally our fault) under the bridge and we landed up abandoning ship and hitching a ride with the rest of our crew. This was a lot fun with a ton of laughs. read more

El Estero Boating - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

No posted hours, and not open during spring break with a cruise ship in port. At $18 for a 1/2 hour trip, maybe I should count my blessings. read more

Super cute and fun! We rented a paddle boat for half an hour and had a blast. Very relaxing and fun, and definitely worth it. :) read more

El Estero Boating - Really cute and fun! - Boating Near Me - Monterey, California

Real easy to get to and into a boat. 2 adults and 2 kids in a paddle boat for $25 for an hour. Good fun for a reasonable price. We paid and got our boat real quick and we were off. Others seemed to have their issues but everyone was nice to us. I think it said they close at 5 but it looked like they were stretching times for the many customers waiting. A side note for people with kids. No bathroom in site, so go to the park across the water first. read more

Definitely something to try when you are in the Monterey Bay area. It's a fun family event to do plus there is the Dennis the Menace Park nearby, a skatepark, and a BBQ picnic area as well. 1/2hr can cost $17, 3/4hr costs $20, and and hour costs $22. You can paddle through the area within 1/2 hr but your legs can get tired. If you want to give yourself some time you can definitely do it in 45 minutes. read more

As a kid I have always wanted to get on a paddle boat. We saw this place and thought we would enjoy the experience with our boys. Got a great work out and was super fun. We were able to see most of the skate park, baseball field and Dennis the Menace park which are right next door. We paid $20 for 1/2 hr which is plenty of time to work out those legs. The swan was $35 for 1/2 hour. Life jackets are included. read more

my kids love this place we go boating everytime we come to town. read more

See all

I wish I could post zero stars. I was with my sister at Elestro, today. There was some kind of gathering by the information center and a woman walking by started screaming and ranting about something, someone said something to her and she only started yelling louder. I thought she was one of the group, but she kept walking and went right into the paddle boat business, came back out and started scrubbing boats! I remember going on the paddle boats with my parents a few years back. They were so over-priced and the pond isn't even worth it. If they don't like the community they're in, they should leave and the rest of us can say good riddance! read more

Got a bad experience with the manger this past Sunday. A very rude lady. Would never go there again. Not friendly at all.

The trip was ok. But as my wife and I got off the she left her Smart Phone on the boat. We walked to put our life jackets away and she realized her phone was not in her purse. I promptly went back to boat. Keep in mind we hadn't left the property. It was not on the boat and the Only person that was on the dock was the boat tender. I went to talk to manager and he said it probably fell in the water. I called her phone and it continued to ring. The manager then tried to convince me that a smart phone would still continue to work under water for awhile. I called Verizon to verify that. They said if a smart phone fell in a lake it would short circuit right away. I them tracked her phone thru G mail locater app and it showed her phone as being on the property. We called the police dept to make a report. The police came to check the cameras that the place had. The Owner said the cameras our on a DVR on their home computer and that they reviewed the cameras and didn't see nothing suspicious. The police said they could not force them to turn over the camera footage so it ends there. Very displeased with the rude owners and the way they dismissed us when we persistently told them her phone did not fall in the water. read more