Kayak Connection

I made reservations way ahead of time for 5 paddleboards and 2 single kayaks
4 Hrs kayak/​paddleboard rental for $ 35. (actually a lot of time) — includes wetsuits, lifejacket, and windproof jacket (plastic jacket)
I got there on time and informed them my party of 7 were going to start 30 min late. They were accommodating with the late start and the last minute update from paddleboards to kayaks. Our setup took an hr so give a leeway of ~30 minutes for prep if you’re coming in a 2 – 4 party group. There’s two changing rooms available.
They gave us small instructions, good recommendations where to paddle. I recommend wearing a wetsuit. It was a little windy that day, but still a nice day. There were huge kelp beds with a few sea otters ready to snooze!
Suggestions:
— Big groups: make reservations ahead of time.
— Paddleboards are typically more popular than kayaks so the if you reserved a kayak and want a paddleboard last minute, you’re less likely to get it.
— Kayakers can paddle to the boardwalk pier in 2 – 3 hours depending on the wind conditions.
— Respect wild life (can’t say that enough)
— Initial your flipflops, if you’re bringing them. I’m pretty sure I walked away with someone’s Rainbows. (The pile of flipflops were kicked around)

Had a really mellow time. The staff is super sweet and makes you feel comfortable. Plus, its a great deal. I will definitely be going again soon. short trip today, longer next time.

Very friendly service. Good training. One of our party fell in the water while parking but it was really funny haha. Paddle boards and kyaks are good and affordable.

I love paddle boarding in the harbor, then we hit Crow’s Nest. Kayak Connection staff is very helpful, parking right on the street and easy access to harbor. I highly recommend Kayak Connection!

I just completed the Sea Kayaking Club with the Daves, with cameo appearances by Matt and Riley. Their tutorial was thorough, technical, and humorous. This was a great way to take kayaking lessons. For five weeks 9 of us went through the classes together, so it was a great way to bond and make new friends too. Kayak Connection’s staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and always friendly. They won’t allow you to go out into conditions that could be potentially dangerous — its good to know they’re always looking out for your best interest. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to take lessons, and I STRONGLY suggest the Kayak Club. If you prefer to just rent, their equipment is top notch.
I love them big time.

This place rocks and rolls. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Equipment is well maintained and prices are reasonable. I will definitely frequent their facility and probably even buy my first kayak from them.

Great overall experience renting a double kayak for me and my son. The four hour rental period was more than enough time for us to paddle to the far end of the bay, and take our time cruising back with the wind. Saw 6 or 7 otters and numerous sea lions. The staff were very friendly, the equipment was in good shape, and everything went smoothly. Best of all, there were no hidden fees… They included the wet suits with the standard kayak rental. Will definitely come again.

Great tours
Great staff
Easy rentals
Good equipment
Sensitive to wildlife
Great tours
Great staff
Easy rentals
Good equipment
Sensitive to wildlife

If you love seeing wildlife but the idea of open ocean kayaking is a little intimidating, Elkhorn Slough is perfect. Over 100 sea otters make their home here, and I think we saw most of them, plus plenty of seals, which swim right next to your kayak, as well as hundreds of Pelicans and other birds. The people at Kayak Connection were very friendly and helpful, and our guide Jess was awesome. Worth taking the tour to hear the details about the animals and the history of the slough. Water was nice and calm, and no prior experience necessary. Highly recommend it!

My boyfriend and I had a great time kayaking here. We rented two single kayaks and kayaked for 3 hours. Staff was super friendly and we got to see sea lions and otters in the ocean! A great experience overall.

Great place only been once but the people were super nice. Also keep in one you get free parking from this place they can give you a tag for the entire 4 hours yours out on the water; otherwise parking is 8 $ for the day or 20 $i think for the season.

I got the Groupon here. Came here on a Sunday morning and although we were late for our reservation, they still gladly took us in. There is parking available on street even at the «permit only» spots because they give you a permit if you tell them. Rentals are for 4 hours and includes a wet suit, waterproof jacket, lifejacket and the kayak itself. They have various different wetsuits that varied in amount of coverage (whole body, cropped. etc) Make sure you follow the rules on the safety video otherwise you will end up washed up on the beach like me and my friends (whoops…) but thank god for wetsuits and lifeguards!

Arrived a bit late in the day.245 was told it was a 4 hour rental but they closed at 6. I said ok because 4 hours is actually to much for kids. so we are still going at this point, Next I was told the winds were to high and couldn’t go out into the ocean and would have to stay in the harbor. which was followed by the comment about the smelly anchovie die out. You mean to tell me that the people who rented at noon needed to be in the harbor before 3? Anyway I said that’s fine, since we were still going to go out then all of a sudden she comes at us with. instead of being back by 530 like we have in the past, she says you will need to be back at the office by 5. WHAT! It just felt like they didn’t want to work anymore so we left. Pretty disappointed with the service this time. I do want to say normally the service is great but she must of had something to do and didn’t want to be bothered. If you don’t want to. rent after 230 then there should be a sign that says last rental out at 3.5 hours before closing and another that says all kayaks need to be back in 1 hour before closing. I just feel upset when I know those are not the normal polices. the OWNER should talk with staff.

This review is for my recent visit at kayak connection.
I went stand up paddle boarding.
PRICES
$ 25 FOR 2 HOURS
$ 35 FOR 4 HOURS
I was disappointed when they told me I couldn’t paddle out into the ocean and that I had to stay in the harbor AFTER I had already paid.
The water in the harbor was so dirty due to the numerous boats that reside there.
I paid for 4 hours but after 2 hours, my arms were tired from paddling, and I was a little sun burnt. so my group and I decided to leave early and ask for a partial refund.
They refused to gives us $ 10 backs.
Ridiculous! As a future Business Owner, I would rather refund 10 bucks than lose customers.
Never coming back.

Awesome spot to kayak if you wanna see some wildlife. Sea outers, sea lions, and so many types of birds, it’s a sure place to spend some hours on water.

My two other friends and my wife went kayaking on the Independence Day. Due to their fault, one of my friends kayak has a leak in the middle of ocean. It was very dangerous situation because we are way out from the shore. Luckily, all of us did our best to rescue my friend.
Here is why I rare their service bad. During the process of giving us full refund, a girl who worked at the front desk, gave us attitude and didn’t want to give a whole group refund. Did she think that we had fun? She was very insincere about the accident and acted like a greedy business woman. I believe this store ruins whole good down to earth spirit of Santa Cruz and other surfers around this town.
I highly do not recommend!!!

My wife and I took the 3 hour wildlife tour from the Santa Cruz harbor last week. It was the highlight of our 5 day trip on the Central Coast. My wife was a little nervous because she’d never been in a kayak. Our guide, Dave, soon had her relaxed and both of us paddling away in completely dry kayak-​built-​for-​two. We didn’t even get wet shoes. What we did get was up-​close views of dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, and lots of sea otters, along with Dave’s insightful commentary on the wildlife, ecology, and history of Monterey Bay. Thanks, Dave for a morning we’ll never forget!

I got a groupon deal for 20 $ for 4 hours. UH. That sounds awesome already. I was confused where the actual place was but eventually I saw the blue flags. When I went there they were all super nice. I mean thats a very general description but dang, they were the nicest bunch of characters! =)
I would def come here again! Also, I was paddle boarding and my expereince with them was amazing, in terms of customer service and the whole process as a whole. They were very warm and family based, although, they were super professional and knew their stuff!

I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life on the kayak whale watching tour with Kayak Connections. Nick was our tour guide, who did an excellent job of getting us prepared, and was incredibly friendly, outgoing, and knowledgeable. The equipment all seemed to be very high quality, easy to use, clean, and affordable.
I showed up without reservations, essentially zero kayaking experience, and Nick was more than happy to get me signed up and ready to go. I thought it would be more of a hassle, but it was as easy as pie, and everyone was super welcoming – genuinely nice people here.
The kayaking trip itself was surreal and gorgeous. It was a 830am tour, so the water was pretty calm. At first we mostly saw otters, sea birds, and sea lions, which in itself was so much fun. After a little over two hours, we started to head back in, only slightly disappointed that we hadnt seen whales… but THEN, we spotted two spouts right ahead of us. Instead of rushing us back into the harbor, Nick was happy to take us a bit longer in pursuit of these majestic creatures. After 5 or 10 minutes of fast paddling, the whales were literally FEET away from us. It was nothing less than a spiritual experience. I was blown away.
All in all, even if we hadn’t seen whales so close, i would have given this company a 5 star review. I felt safe but adventurous at the same time, and the people were so welcoming, friendly, and clearly very experienced.
Thank you Kayak Connections for one of the best days of my life!

that’s what’s SUP!!! Love them
$ 25 hours for 2 hours. Includes board and wetsuit.
You don’t have to drag the boards on your car. You just walk down to the dock!!!
Did it twice so far, and I will definitely be back for more.