Places to go for nature paddle/relaxing

I have a good friend who wants to take his brother out for some relaxing kayak touring. Somewhere where they can enjoy some nature maybe see some otters or seals or something along the coast. He was thinking of moss landing but I couldn’t give him much info as I have never been there. I think they want to go somewhere along the coast.

I have a couple kayaks I could loan him but I said there might be some where there to rent so they don’t have to mess with hauling them and all that. I just wasn’t sure with the whole covid thing if these places were still open. I told him I will help watch the weather and check wind and swell forecasts for whenever they go.

I would also appreciate any other suggestions to if someone knows a good place they could go for a paddle Any info on places to rent and orpaddle. Thanks in advance

You can rent them out of the Bodega Bay Surf Shack and they'll transport them to your launch of choice ... usually the harbor or the Salmon Creek Estero. I think its $49 per day.

I was in Jenner w the family a few weeks back and they have a kayak renting outfit right on the river close to the mouth. Pretty sure the ocean is off limits, but the place looked awesome for a nature paddle, lunch, and checking out a ton of seals.

Elkhorn slough is a great place to see otters, tons of birds etc. Plan your trip around tides.

Elkhorn slough is a great place to see otters, tons of birds etc. Plan your trip around tides.

+1

Elkhorn slough is a great place to see otters, tons of birds etc. Plan your trip around tides.

+1

Make that another plus. And it looks like MBK still has a presence at the put in as well. Who knows, maybe they too are able to rent. Worth a call.

I was at lovers point last week.  They're rental shack had plenty boats for rent, on a Monday at least.  Not sure you/their tolerance for driving there.  But for a scenic protected launches with EZ rental access, can't beat it.  2 hours free parking in the street or adjacent lots. 

https://adventuresbythesea.com/lovers-point/

Elkhorn slough is a great place to see otters, tons of birds etc. Plan your trip around tides.

+1

Make that another plus. And it looks like MBK still has a presence at the put in as well. Who knows, maybe they too are able to rent. Worth a call.

+1.  Just stay in the slough, dont go out of the harbor, should be easy peasy.  I believe MBK is open and they can give them pointers on where to go.

Big River is outstanding, albion is nice also but I don't think they have rentals. Always plan around the tides.
https://visitmendocino.com/paddling-big-river/

Kirby Park, in Elkhorn slough.

Elkhorn slough is a great place to see otters, tons of birds etc. Plan your trip around tides.

+1

Make that another plus. And it looks like MBK still has a presence at the put in as well. Who knows, maybe they too are able to rent. Worth a call.

+1.  Just stay in the slough, dont go out of the harbor, should be easy peasy.  I believe MBK is open and they can give them pointers on where to go.

Yet another +1.

In addition to the tides (which can result in strong currents), be aware of the wind, as it's typically directly in your face on the return trip.