FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Nestled along California's Central Coast, Captain's Inn at Moss Landing is a boutique waterfront getaway overlooking the serene Elkhorn Slough — home to playful sea otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds. Just 20 minutes from Monterey and Santa Cruz, the inn blends nautical charm with peaceful surroundings and heartfelt hospitality. Below are our most frequently asked questions to help you plan your stay — from check-in details and room amenities to whale watching, eco tours, and local dining recommendations.

Why Guests Love Captain's Inn

Peaceful harbor location with year-round sea otter and bird sightings

Spacious rooms — some with soaking tubs, fireplaces, or full kitchens

Easy, secure contactless check-in with local innkeeper support

Locally curated dining and eco-tour experiences nearby

Perfect midpoint between Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz

Ideal for couples, eco-travelers, and scenic California Coast road

About the Inn

Where is Captain's Inn located?
Captain's Inn is located in the tranquil harbor village of Moss Landing, California, about 20 minutes north of Monterey and 20 minutes south of Santa Cruz. Overlooking the Elkhorn Slough, one of California's most scenic and wildlife-rich wetlands, the inn offers a peaceful coastal escape surrounded by sea otters, harbor seals, and coastal birds year-round.

What makes Captain's Inn Unique?
Captain's Inn blends nautical charm, natural beauty, and heartfelt hospitality. Each room is individually decorated — some with fireplaces or full kitchens, others with soaking tubs and Slough views.
Our Innkeepers live locally within 20 minutes and are available to personally assist when needed.

Activities & Attractions

What can I do near Captain's Inn?

Monterey Bay Eco Tours – Quiet, electric-powered catamaran rides through the Elkhorn Slough with naturalist guides.

Elkhorn Slough Safari Tour – Relaxed pontoon rides perfect for families, photographers, and birdwatchers.

Whale Watching Cruises – Year-round departures from Moss Landing Harbor with humpbacks, dolphins, and even seasonal killer whales.

Kayaking – Paddle calmly among sea otters and seals with Monterey Bay Kayaks.

Beach Walks & Sunsets – Moss Landing State Beach offers wide, uncrowded sand and beautiful coastal views.

Day Trips – Only 20 minutes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Is Captain's Inn close to Monterey Bay attractions?
Yes! We're centrally located — just 20 minutes from Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and Carmel-by-the-Sea — making Captain's Inn an ideal base for exploring California's Central Coast.

Can Captain's Inn fit into a California Coast itinerary?
Definitely! Many travelers stay with us while driving between San Francisco, Big Sur, and Santa Cruz — we're the perfect midpoint for rest, wildlife watching, and romantic coastal stays.

Is Captain's Inn good for birdwatching or photography?
Absolutely. Captain's Inn is a bird-watcher's paradise. Frequent visitors include great blue herons, pelicans, ospreys, avocets, godwits, and egrets, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Rooms & Amenities

What types of rooms do you offer?

Our nautically themed rooms blend historic charm and modern comfort in our Historic Building. Some include fireplaces for cozy warmth & views in the Boat House Building; others have full kitchens for extended stays.

Do all rooms have a view?
Only Boat House Building rooms have direct Elkhorn Slough and Salinas River views. Other rooms overlook the garden or the parking lot.

What amenities are provided in each room?

Bath essentials: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, towels, tissue.
In-room comforts: Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, filtered water carafe, and K-Cup coffee maker with condiments.
Extras: portable fan & heater, extra blanket (in closet or armoire), and nautical decor.
Select rooms feature: fireplaces for added warmth and ambiance.

What vehicle sizes can park on-site?

Our private lot fits standard passenger vehicles only.
No RVs, trailers, or oversized trucks.
Guests with larger vehicles may use street parking on Moss Landing Road.

Check-In, Payments & Policies

How does contactless check-in work?

Captain's Inn offers a secure, contactless check-in experience for every guest. Once your reservation is confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email containing a secure "Apply Payment" link.
Please complete payment at least 48 hours before arrival to finalize your booking. On your arrival day, you'll receive two smart-lock access codes — one for your private room and another for shared common areas.
Guests can also call our business line (831) 889-0815 or email us for payment support. If payment isn't completed, our team will reach out via text or phone to help finalize it. International guests can receive codes and updates through WhatsApp.
Our Innkeepers are within 20–30 minutes and available 24/7 for physical assistance. To reach us in person, press the Ring Doorbell or use the black phone beside the entrance (please allow 1–2 minutes to connect)

How can I make payments securely?

We accept all major credit cards via Authorize.Net and cash with advance notice. A secure ResNexus payment link is automatically included in your confirmation email — just click "Apply Payment."
If you booked through a third-party site (e.g., Booking.com or Expedia), those platforms may not share full contact or card details. Our team may text you to verify your payment before releasing your access codes.
If you ever receive a payment link you're unsure about, call us directly at (831) 889-0815 for verification.

What is your cancellation policy?

Standard reservations: Cancel at least 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid charges.
Special events, holidays, and long weekends: Require 30-day notice (e.g., Concours d'Elegance).
Date changes within these windows count as new bookings.

Are pets or children allowed?
Captain's Inn welcomes adults and older children. Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Food, Snacks, & Common Area

Is breakfast included?

Captain's Inn does not serve a traditional breakfast, but guests enjoy a self-serve snack and beverage station open 24/7:

Instant oatmeal (use the electric kettle)
Protein bars & Svenhard's danishes
Microwavable popcorn
Coffee, tea, & Swiss Miss hot chocolate (seasonal)
Filtered drinking water (glass jar)

Common area amenities:

Microwave, refrigerator, plates, silverware, condiments
Champagne & wine glasses
Comfortable dining area seating
Guests receive two access codes — one for the room and one for the common area.

Nearby Dining

Where can I eat nearby?

Moss Landing Cafe – Local favorite for breakfast & brunch.
7881 Sandholdt Rd, Moss Landing | (831) 633-3821 Show your Captain's Inn business card for a free fried artichoke appetizer with breakfast!
Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill – Thai-inspired coastal cuisine.
413 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing | (831) 633-0700
Phil's Fish Market & Eatery – Famous cioppino & fresh seafood.
10700 Merritt St, Castroville (5 min drive).
Sea Harvest Fish Market Moss Landing – Fresh seafood with harbor views.
2420 CA-1, Moss Landing (5 min drive).

Essentials, Gas, EV & Fresh Produce

Where can I find the nearest gas station?

Shell Gas Station – 413 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing
Chevron Gas Station – 11601 Merritt St, Castroville

Where can I ship for fresh produce or farm goods?
Moss Landing and Castroville are known for their local farm stands offering seasonal fruit and vegetables:

Thistle Hut Farm Stand – 413 Moss Landing Rd (next to Lemongrass)
John Cerney's Farm Fresh Produce – Hwy 1 & Porter Dr, Moss Landing
Pezzeni Produce Stand – Hwy 1 & Dolores Ave, Castroville

Are there EV charging stations nearby?

Yes! While we don't have chargers on-site, several are very close:

Tesla Supercharger – 1415 Main St, Watsonville (9.9 mi | 14 min)
EVgo Charging Station – 8065 San Miguel Canyon Rd, Prunedale (7.9 mi | 12 min)

Wildlife, Views & Nature

Can I see wildlife from my room?

Yes! Guests in waterfront suites can often spot sea otters, harbor seals, and dozens of shore birds right from their window. During whale-watching tours, you might even see dolphins and seasonal killer whales feeding in the bay. The Elkhorn Slough estuary is one of the best wildlife viewing spots on the entire California coast.

Where can I watch the sunset?

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from your balcony or from the boat-deck garden behind the Inn — it's one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in Moss Landing.

What are the best whale-watching tours nearby?

Blue Ocean Whale Watching (7881 Sandholdt Rd | 0.3 mi | (831) 600-5103) – Known for exceptional guides and close encounters with humpbacks, dolphins, and orcas.
Sea Goddess Whale Watching (7881 Sandholdt Rd | 0.3 mi | (831) 633-5555) – Family-friendly trips with certified naturalists and top TripAdvisor reviews. Both depart from Moss Landing Harbor, just a 2- to 3-minute walk from Captain's Inn. Reservations are recommended during peak whale season (May–October).

Are there calm scenic eco tours or sunset cruises?
Yes— for guests seeking a peaceful, educational experience rather than adrenaline adventures:

Monterey Bay Eco Tours – Guided Sea Otter and wildlife tours aboard a quiet, all-electric catamaran through Elkhorn Slough. These smooth, non-disruptive rides are ideal for photographers and families.
Wisher Charters Sunset Cruise – Gentle sunset voyages along Moss Landing Harbor and the outer bay, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing evening on the water.

Can I go kayaking nearby?
Absolutely! Kayak Connect Moss Landing provides guided and self-guided kayaking adventures through Elkhorn Slough, just a 2- to 3-minute drive (or short walk) from the Inn. Paddle calmly among otters, pelicans, and seals — a must-do for nature lovers visiting Moss Landing.

Tell me about the turtles!
Our pond is home to four friendly turtles — William, Catherine, Megan, and Henry — who love basking on their ramp. Please don't feed or touch them to help preserve their peaceful habitat.

Is Captain's Inn eco-friendly?
Yes - located beside the Elkhorn Slough, Captain's Inn proudly supports sustainable tourism by recommending local electric-boat tours, eco-friendly charters, and guided kayaking partners. Guests are encouraged to explore responsibly and help protect the delicate marine ecosystem that makes Moss Landing so special.

Celebration & Romance Packages

What special packages do you offer?

Celebration Package – Prosecco + Lula's Truffle Chocolates (handmade in Monterey).
Romance Package – Prosecco, Lula's Chocolates, and a dozen red roses arranged in-room.
Guests can add local wines or pairings from our gift shop; we'll place them in-room before arrival.

Is Captain's Inn good for couples or romantic getaways?

Absolutely! With fireplaces, soaking tubs, and sunset views, Captain's Inn is a favorite for anniversaries and romantic coastal escapes.

Local Innkeeper & Guest Support

Is there someone on-site at Captain's Inn?

Captain's Inn operates a contactless, self-check-in system supported by local Innkeepers. While our answering service is available 24 / 7 by phone or text, our Innkeepers live within 20 minutes and can arrive in person if needed (usually within 20–30 minutes). On busy check-in days, you'll often see us on-site welcoming guests and ensuring smooth arrivals. We appreciate your patience as we drive in to assist.

Accessibility

Which rooms are handicap accessible or downstairs?

First Mate Room – Fully ADA-accessible with walk-in shower and ramp access.
Hideaway Room – Ground-floor with walk-in shower, no steps.

Wi-Fi & Entertainment

How reliable is the Wi-Fi at Captain's Inn?

Our Spectrum Business Fiber Internet provides high-speed, stable Wi-Fi throughout the property.
If you experience an issue, call 1-888-210-5794 (U.S. tech support). Our answering service can't reboot the network directly, but can alert our IT technician to fix it remotely.

What TV and streaming options are available?
Captain's Inn offers Dish Network satellite TV. During severe coastal weather, signals may drop briefly. Guests can use their own Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu credentials on our smart TVs (please log out before checkout).

Board games and books are available in the dining area for a relaxing offline evening.

Booking & Contact

How do I book a stay?

Book direct at www.captainsinn.com or call (831) 889-0815 (WhatsApp for international guests).

Why book direct instead of through Booking.com or Expedia?

Best rates (no markups)
Priority early check-in & upgrades
Direct local communication
Exclusive perk — free fried artichoke at Moss Landing Cafe