Morro Bay State Reserve

The Morro Bay State Estuary Preserve is an 800-acre natural area that protects a rare and valuable ecosystem on the central California Coast. Part of Morro Bay State Park, the preserve carries the highest level of protection for the plants and animals within its boundaries. The preserve and the whole of Morro Bay offer an outstanding area for exploration with kayaks, SUPs or other craft. The marina located across the road from the Morro Bay State Park Campground is an excellent place to launch a boat to explore the bay.  There is a company that rents boats and boards at the marina as well.

From the marina it is about 3 miles to the end of Morro Bay near the town of Los Osos and the Morro Coast Audubon Society Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. Along the way, depending on the tides, there are many channels to the east that lead up Chorro and Los Osos Creeks that are worthy of exploration. Bird life is abundant and harbor seals are commonly seen. On the west side of the bay is the sand spit (part of Montana de Oro State Park), which is an interesting place to land and explore, though much of the spit itself is off-limits due to nesting plovers. There is so much to explore in the bay that several hours should be set aside to do this paddle justice. Just be aware that winds generally come up in the afternoon, so an early launch is recommended.