Kayaking

Get up-close and personal with some of the area’s furry, flippered, and feathered residents and celebrate the area’s Chumash roots by kayaking or paddling the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo.

Watch the video to see the wide range of ocean activities San Luis Obispo has to offer.

The mild weather, scenic sights, and lively sea life make the waters off of Morro Bay, Los Osos, Pismo Beach and Avila Beach ideal for kayak adventures for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, all year long.

Expect more wind in the spring, some fog in the summer, and occasional rain in the winter, but otherwise, expect to be blown away by the clear, glassy waters and inspiring views. Paddle the local estuaries, bays, beaches, sea caves and lakes and enjoy seeing sea otters, dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, and hundreds of species of birds, as well as kayak fishing or kayak surfing.

Head out with a local guided kayak tour company, hire an expert nature guide, or just rent a kayak and explore on your own.

Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks, Morro Bay

Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for exploring the bay, estuary and sand spit near Morro Rock

Central Coast Outdoors, Los Osos

Guided half-day, sunset, and moonlight tours of the Morro Bay National Estuary

SLO Coast Kayaks, Avila Beach

Guided kayak tours of Fossil Point or Port San Luis, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for rent, plus beer and wine tasting after your paddle in the Port Harford Chandlery & Pub, housed in the same building

Central Coast Kayaks, Shell Beach

Guided kayak tours, kayak lessons and rentals for exploring of the coves, caves and sea life around Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Avila Beach

Lake Nacimiento Resort, Paso Robles

Kayak rentals available for freshwater kayaking and kayak fishing