Carmel Bay is a coastal bay on California's Monterey Peninsula, spanning approximately 2.7 miles of shoreline between Pescadero Point and Point Lobos. The bay's environment includes sandy beaches, rocky reefs, kelp forests, and a submarine canyon reaching depths near 470 feet. Key launch sites include Stillwater Cove, which provides easy access to spots within Carmel Bay, and the beach at Carmel-by-the-Sea, though this beach can be steep with surf. Whalers Cove in Point Lobos State Reserve is another launch option, but it requires a reservation. The entire coastline is exposed and can be rough, demanding proper equipment and research into tides and wind conditions. Paddlers should be prepared for cold water, with temperatures typically in the low 50s (°F), and should wear a wetsuit. The sand bottom in parts of the bay can make for unchallenging conditions for beginners, but wind and swell are significant factors. The area is part of the Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area, where recreational take of finfish is allowed but taking other marine life is prohibited. Wildlife sightings are common and can include sea otters, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and during migrations, gray and humpback whales. The kelp forests and rocky structures provide scenic paddling, with notable underwater features like The Needle, a slender pinnacle. From the water, paddlers can view the coastline adjacent to Pebble Beach. Commercial services offering kayak tours and rentals are available in the broader Monterey area.