Friends in town...suggested paddling destinations?

Have some friends in town from places I deem unliveable (basically anything east of the Rockies)    Was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for enjoyable day trips for paddling as they want to do something involving water but not surfing (well...my buddy wants to surf as it's been awhile for him but his lady doesn't want to).  Figured it'd be a good excuse for me to get the Search out again.  Was thinking the Monterey area, figured rent at MBK and go where though?  Just paddling around Monterey good/enjoyable for out of towners or no?  I'm new to the whole scene as well, so any recommendations are more than welcome.  Thx.

Oh yeah, I should add if your recommendations are also places that are good to throw a crab pot or two out even better! 

I've got my own boat for the fishing gear, but if the boundaries are tight that's no fun! 

Elkhorn Slough?  Easy Paddle and there is a rental place there (that may be another MBK location)? Good wildlife and you can fish the bay and a bit (like 1/4 mile in)...Check the regs on the fishing limits I could be off

Hi Yaker:

   I would do Santa Cruz West Harbor. There is a good place to eat with a view
of the Ocean at "The Crows Nest". The Boardwalk would be a fun place for out of Towners.
   Mark at Kayak Connection doesn't care if you fish off his Fleet. You could rent
and go South West to the LightHouse to view the Otters, Seals around the Kelp beds.
   I think you may rent surf board next to the Wharf.
                                                                                 Sea-ya
                                                                                 Ernie

http://www.santacruzharbor.org/
              

I agree with Erik,

Elkhorn slough is a beautiful, protected area with lots of wildlife. MBK or Kayak Connection have a rental fleet right off Highway 1. There are docents there to answer your questions, and you can also arrange a guided tour.

Rich

Thanks for the recommendations.  I'll do some research on the slough and the harbor.  Was hoping to hit Monterey with them as they've never been there, but if it's limited paddling that's no fun.

If they are new to paddling then a short trip at Monterey would be great. When I fish in the area my wife loves to paddle around the kelp beds out in front of the aquarium and she'll often spend 3 or 4 hours without realizing how fast the time is going by. There are all kinds of seals and otters out there and if they sit at the edge of the kelp they are likely to see small fish or other little animals going about their business. The paddle in front of the aquarium is also good for taking pictures of Cannery Row.

If they are experienced paddlers, then Cannery Row may be a bit of a bore to them.

I paddle at Monterey all the time, I don't think there is restrictions till you get to Lovers point and paddling behind Cannery Row and the aquarium is pretty cool. You can launch from the Coast Guard pier(breakwater cove) and check out the dozens of baby sea lion pups which were just featured on the local news last night. In the kelp beds behind Cannery Row you will find sea otter families as well. ABC rental kayaks are right are right next to the pier. I think Stillwater Cove in Pebble Beach is a very beautiful place to kayak as well. Adventures by the Sea kayak rentals have kayaks stored there, you should call them first though as there isn't a booth or attendee as far as I know. The two other places suggested are also very nice. Have fun  

MBK will rent for fishing.  I agree the aquarium area.  Otters, sea lions, and fish for you to catch inside and outside the kelp beds.

have safe and be fun!

Allen

Come see me at MBK Moss Landing...drop your pots outside the harbor,paddle the Elkhorn Slough and enjoy a seafood feast at Phil's Fishmarket!