FAQs

Do we allow dogs on our boats? 

Yes, dogs are allowed on our kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, however, they are not allowed on the sand dunes directly across from us. There is a spot further north along the sand dunes where dogs are permitted. It is up to the customer’s discretion on whether the dog is fit for paddling heavier dogs with lots of energy can cause boats to tip over. Unfortunately, we do not provide dog life jackets.

 

Do we allow fishing from our kayaks? 

Yes, we just ask that you keep the boat tidy. Permits are required for fishing on the bay. 

 

Where can we paddle to? 

The bay and estuary offer an array of areas for you to explore. You can paddle in the estuary back towards Los Osos, to the marina towards Morro Rock, or you can paddle across to the sand dunes and explore them by foot. The only place you are not permitted to paddle with our kayaks is in the open ocean. A low tide also restricts some locations you can paddle to. 

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When is the best time to paddle? 

Morning is typically the most ideal time to paddle, as the winds are usually calm. High tide is also a good time to paddle, to avoid running into any mudflats. You can check the links on our website to look at a tide and weather report for when you choose to come paddle with us. In a perfect situation, you want to paddle at a higher tide with little to no wind. Although, low tide is a good time to check out shorebirds in the estuary. 

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Do we do tours or offer lessons? 

We do not personally offer tours, but Central Coast Outdoors provides tours that launch from our dock and use our equipment. You can click the link to their site for more information. On our end, we give necessary paddling tips and guide you in the best direction according to your skill level and what the tides are doing at the given time. 

 

What types of boats do you have? What are the boats’ weight restrictions? 

We have only sit inside kayaks, they come in double and single. The double kayaks can allow for two people and up to two small children additionally. Single kayaks can accommodate one person and one small child additionally. We also have canoes and stand-up paddle boards available. Canoes can hold up to 600lbs, double kayaks up to 550lbs, single kayaks up to 325lbs, and the stand-up paddleboards can hold up to 250lbs.

 

Do we have age restrictions? 

You must be 18 years of age or older to rent a kayak from us. If a parent or guardian is present, a child of any age can paddle with them. It is up to the guardians and employees discretion whether a child is fit to paddle on their own. We carry life jackets from infant sizes up to XXL. We also have small cushioned seats for smaller children to ride in a double or single kayak with an adult.

 

What do you need to bring? What should we wear? 

It is always a good idea to bring water and snacks. It is also recommended that you bring a cell phone along with you, in case you run into any incidents and we have a way to get a hold of you. If you need to rent a dry bag for your phone we have those available for $1 per bag. Dress in layers, as the weather can change very quickly. A hat, sunglasses, shoes or sandals, and sunblock are also recommended. What you’d like to bring all depends on how long you plan to paddle for and where you will paddle to.  Keep in mind that anything you bring is likely to get at least a little bit wet. You’ll need to bring a driver's license,i.d., or a credit card to leave with us, while you are renting the boat.

 

Will you get wet? 

There is a high possibility that you will get at least a little bit wet. We recommend a dry bag for valuables, and also if needed we can hold onto keys, wallets, or purses in our office.

 

Do we take reservations? 

We are not currently taking any reservations,so customers will be helped on a first come first serve basis. 

 

What will we see? 

Shorebirds of all types; including herons, egrets, willets, godwits, curlews, etc. You can also view raptors such as osprey, hawks, falcons, and sometimes even bald eagles. Other birds you will see include gulls, pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants, loons, grebes, kites, etc. You can also see harbor seals in the estuary and sea lions and sea otters out closer to the rock.

 

Will you see sea otters? 

There is no guarantee that you will be able to see otters. They come back into the estuary near us every so often. The best chance of seeing them is to paddle out towards the rock, where they typically hang out. 

 

Do we provide personal flotation devices (PDFs)? 

Yes, life jackets or PFDs are included with the price of the rental.