Kayak Outreach Program
Free guided kayak tours on Morro Bay for lower-income and underserved youth and their families.
Morro Bay is one of the calmest, most beautiful places on the California coast to get out on the water, and not every family gets the chance. Bayside Landing runs free guided kayak tours every year so more of them do.
The program
- Free for every participant. Bayside Landing pays all program costs: the guides, kayaks or canoes, safety equipment, and transportation to and from Morro Bay.
- Led by qualified professional guides who teach Morro Bay’s marine wildlife and recreational boating skills.
- At least four tours a year for about 100 people, approximately 10 to 25 participants per tour, in kayaks or canoes.
- On Morro Bay’s sheltered water, with a safety briefing before every tour.
- Permanent. This is a standing commitment, not a one-off event. The program runs for as long as any part of the hotel stands.
Who it’s for
Lower-income and underserved youth (up to age 18) and their families. Groups come to us through schools, youth programs, and community and nonprofit organizations that already work with these families. Organizations are selected each year based on interest and need.
How it works
- An organization gets in touch with us.
- We agree on a date that fits the organization’s own program calendar, usually spring, summer or fall, and works with the tides and the weather.
- We arrange transportation to and from Morro Bay.
- On the day, the guides handle the equipment, the safety briefing and the paddle. All the group has to do is show up.
This page explains the program. It is not a booking system. Tours are arranged directly with participating organizations.
Partner organizations
We have worked with these local organizations before, and they are interested in the program. Partners may change from year to year based on interest and need.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. Creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
- Paso Robles Youth Arts Center. Accessible after-school classes in the visual and performing arts and other creative enrichment for youth ages 5 to 18.
- San Luis Obispo YMCA. A charity offering programs built on Christian principles for people of all ages, backgrounds and incomes, promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
- Windhorse Integrative Mental Health. Holistic, relationship-centered mental health care grounded in mindfulness and community.
- Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO). Programs that help individuals and families reach self-sufficiency, from early education and housing to health, energy and senior services.
Common questions
Does it cost anything?
No. Tours are free for every participant. Bayside Landing pays all program costs, including the guides, kayaks or canoes, safety equipment, and transportation to and from Morro Bay.
Who can take part?
The program is for lower-income and underserved youth (up to age 18) and their families. Groups come to us through schools, youth programs and community organizations.
Do participants need to be hotel guests?
No. The program is open to the community and has nothing to do with staying at the hotel.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. Bayside Landing pays for transportation to and from Morro Bay for each tour.
What will participants learn?
Qualified professional guides teach about Morro Bay's marine wildlife and the basics of recreational boating, along with a safety briefing before every tour.
Where do the tours take place?
On the sheltered waters of Morro Bay. The launch point for each tour is confirmed with the group when the date is set.
How big is a group?
About 10 to 25 people per tour, agreed with each organization, so every tour stays a size the guides can look after properly.
Can I book a tour online?
No. Tours are arranged directly with participating organizations rather than booked online. If you run a school, youth program or community group, get in touch and we will talk through dates.
When do tours run?
There are at least four tours a year. Dates are set around each organization's own program calendar, usually spring, summer or fall, and around the tides and the weather on the bay.
About this program
The Kayak Outreach Program is a public-access commitment of Bayside Landing Inc. under California Coastal Development Permit 3-25-0777 (Special Condition 4(g)). The program is promoted in English and Spanish through partner organizations, this page, a QR code on the public access sign at the hotel, and printed flyers. Starting with the first year the hotel is open, Bayside Landing reports to the California Coastal Commission by December 31 every year: each tour and its attendance, outreach materials, partner organizations, transportation provided, and any suggested changes. See the project for more on Bayside Landing.
Bring a group out on the bay
Run a school, youth program or community organization? Get in touch, mention the Kayak Outreach Program, and we will talk through dates.
Contact us