Monterey Bay Kayaks delivered a true five-star experience and ended up being one of the highlights…read moreof our time in the area. We arrived right around 9 AM when they opened on a Wednesday, which I highly recommend. It wasn't very busy, so getting checked in and ready for our adventure felt relaxed and easy. I also have to give their team credit: this may be the first time I can remember a company making a safety briefing genuinely fun and engaging. It immediately set the tone for the experience. We kayaked through Elkhorn Slough, which is an absolutely gorgeous setting. The landscape is incredibly serene, with wildlife everywhere--we saw numerous sea otters, seals, and birds gracefully flying overhead in formation. Super important to keep your distance and be respectful! I definitely recommend going in the morning. The winds and currents tend to be calmer, and there was something particularly beautiful about being on the water as the morning marine layer slowly lifted. As the fog gave way, more and more of the surrounding landscape and spectacular mountain backdrop revealed itself, giving the entire experience an almost mystical quality. We spent about four hours paddling through the slough, taking our time and simply enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty around us. It never felt like four hours. If you enjoy being outdoors and want to experience a completely different side of the Monterey area, I can't recommend this enough. Go early, give yourself several hours, and take your time. It's peaceful, beautiful, and an incredible way to experience this unique ecosystem.

This outfit and Elkhorn Slough did not disappoint! The set otters were plentiful, playful, and so…read morecute. Getting in and out of the slough can be tough due to the current and wind. This was especially true since I was on double kayak and my partner had "issues". All the necessary gear is provided, along with a good amount of training. Getting cleaned up afterwards is a breeze as well. What is also great is that there is a good place to eat (Sea Harvest) in the same area. That restaurant is at the mouth of the slough which gives you the ability to see fellow kayakers coming and going.

Brian is the man! He's knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic about doing what he loves which…read moremade our first snorkeling trip easy, fun and exciting. From the seals to the otters to the kelp, it was just such a memorable experience and we cannot wait to come back and do it again. Just wish there was a tip option online after the expedition because we didn't have cash and felt so bad not being able to tip. Also he takes some great pictures!

Amazing Experience! We booked a snorkeling tour for my 13 yo child (not certified) as an intro for…read morethem and for myself (certified dive master, ~200 dives) to learn about snorkeling around Monterey. But this was better than scuba diving!! This company was recommended by someone in the Monterey FB scuba group, and they did not disappoint. Because our schedule we were always very last minute and had to try a few times before we could actually book a spot. Brian was very good about communicating and patient with our multiple change of plans. They had plenty of gear, in good condition and the dive shop that they partner with has good facilities at a convenient location. Our guide Fernando, was punctual, clear in communication and good at putting everybody at ease. YMMV, but we saw two sea hares, multiple huge sea stars, plenty of kelp. Water was calm and viz was excellent. Highlight of the tour were the sea lions, seals and sea otters. One sea otter in particular came very close to check us out and then proceeded to hunt and eat close to us. We witnessed it hunt for and devour at least 3 crabs and 2 sea urchins. It clearly could have kept more distance every time it re-surfaced, but it didn't care that we were there. We were in the water over 1hr. Fernando was great at pointing sea life out to us and guiding us in the water. He even hauled plenty of spare gear with him, just in case, and sure enough my child swapped goggles mid tour. I was surprised they did not provide wait belts to make us (more) neutral buoyant vs now I was flopping on the surface a bit more than I liked. We have our own weight belts, but forgot them at home. But it wasn't a big deal and it helped us glide over the kelp better. I didn't even try to free dive. Next time

Booked a group lesson for my son. The location was never given, but was able to schedule and get…read morecharged for it. Not sure this business is still operating or a scam? Called the business and never got an answer or call back. Drove to the physical location, which was a storage facility... definitely sketchy to say the least. Will dispute charges.

So much fun! Abraham was fun, patient, and so helpful! This was the kids first time surfing and…read morethey had a blast! They both were able to have a great time and enjoy the waves! I highly recommend booking with them! Thanks, Abraham!

I just want to say what an amazing experience I had with purchasing my Starboard paddle board from…read moreCovewater Paddle Surf. Olivier was extraordinarily helpful in finding me a board and working on getting it delivered to the East coast. He carefully wrapped the board and it arrived here in perfect shape. I am now on my board almost everyday and I am in heaven every time I step on this board..aka Stella Bella Starboard. I would recommend Covewater Paddle surf to everyone and a special thanks to Olivier!!

I booked a private SUP surf lesson with Olivier and had a great experience. Olivier is incredibly…read moreknowledgable and an excellent instructor. He tailored the equipment and location to my skill level and we had an epic session where I learned more in 2 hours than I had in years of paddle surfing. Olivier uses headset technology that allows him to communicate with you throughout the session - it was amazing. Book a lesson with Oliver and you will level up immediately. Plus you'll have a ton of fun!

SO MUCH FUN! I am a…read morebig guy and was scared out of my mind BUT the nice little lady...Natalie I think...was very helpful and calmed all my fears. She showed me pro techniques that helped me in the calm water and the baby surf that was out there. I was doing hand stands by the end of the day! We got out early, it was calm and a little foggy but then the fog burned off and it was amazing! So peaceful. We got to see dolphins, sea lions and an otter with its baby! And schools of fish under your board...pretty cool! Can't wait to take my 9 year old out there! Thanks again!

1st. Class Service. This is a paddle surf shop. and I am a longboard surfer. I needed a special…read more"Waist Leash". Olivier Guincetre the owner said not problem. He took the time to show me how to take apart my ankle leash and install the waist leash and even gave me the little allen wrench.

I've rented SUP boards from here several times and always had a good experience. Trudie is helpful…read moreand friendly, making sure I get the right kind of board and advising me on the conditions. I would just say I haven't tried the lessons or kayak rentals from SUP Shack so I can't comment on those.

Had a great paddle around the SC harbor with a friend this morning. Trudy the owner is great lady,…read moresuper friendly, and even opened a little early for us. We were also happy to help a local business, particularly with the Murray St bridge closure. Afterward, we had coffee at Java Junction. A great June morning!

This Saturday Portside Paddle hosted lessons for Single parents.... this is something my son and I…read morehave wanted to try, this opportunity allowed us this great adventure. I showed up and Burleigh was super enthusiastic to have my son and I @ Portside. Short pump up orientation were safety was outlined and understood prior to decking up. I have to admit that this big momma wasn't to sure about how successful my body was gonna allow this experience to unfold, but I not only surprised Burleigh but myself too! Ofcourse my athletic little guy was all over the place and had to be reigned in several times. This is a family business and I had the pleasure of meeting the whole family: Helen, Burleigh and Lil Mia. Helen and their little were at the dock when we got back. Enjoyed a nice debrief family to family. Great experience. I would defiently recomend to all. ALL ages & body types.

Fantastic family activity on spring break! They made sure we were comfortable and confident on the…read morepaddles. Great bonding experience and a lot of fun!

Found this place on Yelp and decided to support local and buy some gifts for friends. We got a few…read morebeanies which were great quality and not super expensive. Prices vary depending on what you get. They had lots of cool stuff and the staff were friendly.

Maverick's Surf Shop has a deep history in the Half Moon Bay community, or so I was told, by a…read morefriend who grew up in the area.... This shop and the nearby popular beach with which it shares a name and is known for their huge wave surfing is a must-see if you're in the area. So, for that reason, and because I have a son named Maverick, we decided to swing by this surf shop and check it out... We weren't in the market for any surf gear, but they have everything you need here if you are. We enjoyed perusing their store and I ended up purchasing a t-shirt and hat. The other stores in the area were closed for renovation, but if you end up here, eat at nearby Sam's and make an afternoon of it. That's what we did. Enjoy!

Boardsports California is awesome! They rent out all kinds of water fun -- paddleboards,…read morewindsurfing gear, kayaks, and more. Met the really nice folks here who works here, super friendly and helpful. The shop is located right on the beachfront, which makes it super convenient to get out on the water right away. Very dog friendly. Highly recommend!

Wide selection of activities that you can try! Kayaking,…read morewind surfing or even parasailing, they got the right equiptment. They even offer you free lesson if you buy the equiptment to them. For a price, they have a selections of lesson for the enthusiasts., my one note, you go online and get the best deal. They go up and beyond when it comes to service and have an impeccable knowledge focused on safety. Go to the journey and enjoy this state beach in Alameda with Boardsport.