Monterey offers an unparalleled sailing and kayaking experience for all levels, whether you're an expert or a beginner taking your first lesson. http://www.seemonterey.com/tourist-activities/enjoying-the-outdoors/kayaking/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:44:58 +0100 WebGen + FeedCreator 1.7.2-ppt Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:27:48 +0100 http://www.seemonterey.com/tourist-activities/enjoying-the-outdoors/kayaking/ Kayaking and SailingSee the Monterey County shoreline from a different perspective. While others watch enviously from the shores, you can admire the area the way the first explorers did – from the ocean! Kayaking Kayaking is a special way to experience the Monterey Bay and its environs. Floating on the water in a single or two-person kayak, you can get "up close and personal" with the sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and other inhabitants of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. And whether you're an expert or are interested in taking your first kayak lesson, Monterey offers an unparalleled experience for all levels. Several local outfitters offer safety instruction and interpretive tours of the Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough led by marine biologists, which provide an insider's appreciation for the fragile ecosystems. They usually offer group or individual lessons, kayaking accessories, a place to change, and, often, a place to take a hot shower. Click here for a list of kayaking outfitters. Don't forget to wear your sunscreen, and pack a waterproof camera to show your friends and family what an incredible experience you had playing on the bay.Sailing By afternoon, the wind picks up on Monterey Bay, making conditions ideal for unfurling the sails. Sailboats dot the bay with color. Charter boats afford an exquisite view of Monterey's shores. Out on the bay, marine life and birds abound. The lucky sailor might even encounter a school of dolphins. Click here for a list of sailing providers. For sailors with their own vessels, the Monterey Harbormaster's Office is at Del Monte and Figueroa in Monterey. Monterey Bay—A Sanctuary for Animals In 1992, Monterey Bay was named the largest of the 12 National Marine Sanctuaries nationwide. Spanning over 5,300 square miles, the MBNMS stretches along the Central California Coast from Marin County in the north to Cambria, down south in San Luis Obispo County. The marine mammals, plants and invertebrate life that call the Monterey Bay home are protected in the Sanctuary. Boaters (including kayakers), scuba divers and swimmers are required to keep a safe distance from wildlife, and refrain from harassing marine life or 'taking' (collecting) invertebrates without a permit. Violation is punishable by a fine. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:27:48 +0100 en_69_198_0