Kayaking California's Central Coast Waters

Morro Bay and Shell Beach Offer Scenic Coastal Adventures

Jun 15, 2009 Kathryn Hedderig

Kayaking along the Pacific coastline offers an opportunity to view rocky shoreline scenery, encounter sea life and marine birds while paddling along the Central Coast.

The moderate climate of California’s central coast region creates a perfect environment for ocean kayaking. The Pacific water temperatures remain cool, normally between 52 and 62 degrees but with a light waterproof jacket or full wetsuit, a day touring the coastline is an inviting adventure.

The calm protected waters in Morro Bay offer a chance to get a few lessons or to refresh kayaking skills. For the more experienced kayakers, the rocky cliffs and caves that follow the Shell Beach shoreline can easily be explored by paddling from the convenient landing spots along the beach. Both regions are located within a half hour of the town of San Luis Obispo, California (halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco).

Kayak Tours and Rentals in Morro Bay

A good place to learn how to kayak, especially for anyone completely new to the sport, can be arranged in the Morro Bay area. A four-mile long and narrow sandbar juts from the harbor area south creating a protected estuary and calm waters. A few boats drop anchor in the harbor but otherwise the bay is open and easy to navigate. Both equipment rentals and full guided tours can be arranged.

The scenery surrounding Morro Bay harbor and Estero Bay includes a bird sanctuary where white egrets, herons and other migratory sea birds are easily spotted. Harbor seals, seal lions and playful sea otters make their home in the bay and are often seen sunning themselves on the rocks.

Booking a tour or reserving kayak equipment in Morro Bay may be arranged at The Kayak Shack of Morro Bay (805) 772-8796, Central Coast Outdoors (888) 873-5610 or Kayak Horizons (805) 772-6444. Kayaks may be rented by the hour or for a full or half day outing. Guided tours, some including lunch, are available most of the year and are especially popular during the summer for an early morning paddle or an evening excursion prior to sunset.

Kayak Tours and Rentals in Shell Beach

The unique coastal beauty of Shell Beach draws visitors who walk along the shoreline to admire the rocky cliffs and clear aqua waters. But viewing the intriguing ocean caves at Dinosaur Caves Park is best admired by an in water adventure and kayaking along the coastline. The scenic terrain curves around a large bay area with some full ocean exposure. The currents and winds in this area compared to Morro Bay can be more difficult to navigate but the scenery and natural beauty are worth the effort.

Booking a tour or reserving kayak equipment in Shell Beach may be arranged at Central Coast Kayaks, www.centralcoastkayaks.com., where hourly, full day or half day rentals are available. Tours normally leave in the morning. Full equipment rentals including Coast Guard approved PFD devices (required if renting kayaks) may be booked in advance.

Typical Weather Conditions for Kayaking on the Central Coast

Summer and autumn months are mild with temperatures typically in the low 60s to mid 70s. Afternoons can become windy and water conditions may be choppy and breezy. Early morning fog often dominates the beginning of summer with clearing in the afternoon. Evening kayak tours are offered during the summer when the winds and seas are calm. During the winter and early spring months, the air and water temperatures are cool (50o range) but sunny afternoons and clear skies are common. Kayaking on the Central Coast can be considered a delightful year round activity with the appropriate clothing and gear.

The copyright of the article Kayaking California's Central Coast Waters in Paddle Sports is owned by Kathryn Hedderig. Permission to republish Kayaking California's Central Coast Waters in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Kayaking in Morro Bay