SEA KAYAK TOURS OF MONTEREY, CARMEL AND PACIFIC GROVE, CALIF. USA

1. What's the best time of day to encournter sea otters and other marine mammals? These are harbor based mammals, so anytime you go out they are there - you just need to know where to look for them. This is another reason why the Guided Tour is the best choice for anyone new to the Bay (you may know how to kayak but you don't know where the mammals are different times of day.

2. What's the best time of day to kayak? Mornings are Best: If you want the Bay to have ideal wind and sea conditions and want to enjoy the quiet and solitude of Cannery Row, go in the early morning. Guided Tours have the earliest opportunity at 7am and the price is ideal at only $39.95 per person. Or if you want to go it alone rentals begin at 9am. In the summer it is often foggy early morning and sometime throughout the day. No problem! We provide all the warmth you'll need with wetsuit, Nylon jacket and lifejacket you'll be as warm as the otters and sea lions. It is also exotic exploring the coastline as it emerges through the mist and each mammal found is more challenging and rewarding. Afternoons can be gusty in the summer but usually die down by the later afternoon/early evening. The early morning or sunset tour is great for those that don't want the physical challenge of wind. Spring, Winter and Fall do not have the higher winds in the afternoon like the summer season.

3. How close can I get to the marine mammals? The Federal Marine Mammals Protection Act prohibits you from getting closer than 50 feet. Breaking this regulation involves fines in the thousands of dollars - remember you endanger yourself getting too close to a wild mammal too. You also threaten the habitat of endangered southern sea otters when you get too close. And the excuse that the animal swam towards you is always met with why didn't you paddle away? Don't get too close for any reason and there is no problem.

4. Do I need to know how to swim? Ideally yes. But we require all paddlers to wear a lifejacket at all times and the kayaks don't sink. Anyone who doesn't swim must take a guided tour for the benefit of having someone who can help if you need it. Children who are only beginning to swim should also take the guided tour for the same reason.

5. How long is the tour? The tour lasts about 2 hours on the water with the guide and then you have as much time after the tour to explore on your own as you like.

6. How much and where do I park? Parking is 1.25/hour and it's all city parking lots for a mile. Buy a ticket at the top of the lot and be sure to put in an extra hour in case you want to stay a little longer. Don't bet the metermaid won't catch you... they check often.

7. What should I wear? We provide most everything you need on the guided tour. You will need to wear a bathing suit or your undergarments under the wetsuit and splashjacket we provide. Either way you will want to bring dry pants to replace your wet garments after the trip

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