Top California Kayaking Tours

Enjoy the sublime coastal scenery as you spot abundant marine life during this kayaking trip in La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle along with your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions and even orcas that inhabit the area. Also, kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the area’s rocky coastline. This La Jolla caves trip includes all necessary equipment, a life jacket, guide, and optional wetsuit rental.

Experience the Napa Valley’s natural beauty and fascinating history on a fun and memorable kayak tour. With an informative local guide leading the way, hop in a comfortable and beginner-friendly kayak, and paddle down the valley’s waterways. Identify birds, see rare animal species, learn about the first people to settle the area, and see historic buildings damaged in the 2014 earthquake.

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like otters, harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Gain admission to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, located at Pier 39 between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz ferry landing. A general admission ticket provides direct access to all of the aquarium’s main exhibit areas, which house more than 20,000 sea creatures. Learn what is typically found in San Francisco Bay and the nearby Pacific, including sharks, river otters, and even octopuses. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, as well as walk-through glass tunnels where schools of anchovies and fluorescent jellyfish swim overhead and around you.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

Enjoy easy access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid skip-the-line ticket. Walk right in to enjoy the museum's 4-story rain forest, planetarium, and aquarium. Avoid wasting your precious vacation waiting in the long lines to purchase tickets for this exhibit-packed museum. Your admission includes all shows and exhibits, and is a perfect activity for families. ***IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE*** Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled museum visit is required for all Academy guests ages 12+, along with photo ID for guests ages 18+. Masks are required indoors for all guests ages 2+.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a glimpse of Silicon Valley’s tech campuses on the return drive to San Francisco.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this half-day whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise. Get tips for great photo ops and learn all about the mighty creatures at one of California's most famous whale-watching destinations.

For one of the best wine country tours from San Francisco, combine a visit to Northern California wine country with a Muir Woods experience for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discount price, allowing you to see and taste the delights of Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. You’ll begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument with an informative guide to stare up in wonder at the towering redwood trees. Then you'll visit three wineries, with wine-tasting included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge and have free time on Sonoma Plaza to buy lunch if you haven't opted to upgrade to the lunch option.

This private Santa Barbara kayaking tour lets you explore the marine life and landmarks of Santa Barbara Harbor and the spectacular coastline on the ‘American Riviera’ along one of four different routes. Take in views of rugged shoreline cliffs and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and be on the lookout for dolphins and seals. This 1.5- to 2.5-hour tour is led by an experienced kayak guide who points out natural features and customizes the speed of the ride according to your skill level.

We are the most affordable tour company in town (BY FAR) You will be using brand new equipment coupled with an experienced local guide. We take you to some of the most scenic areas of Laguna Beach! Our tours often fully book so we recommend that you book your reservation ahead of time.

Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. Includes use of all kayaking gear.

Our Sonoma Coast Kayak Tour takes you to the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean where we explore the Russian River as it meets the sea. Birds, seals, the occasional passing whale, and relaxing on the river are the highlights of this great day on the water. Expect to spend approximately 3 hours on this tour which includes paddling the river and walking on the beach while gazing out on the Pacific Ocean.

Paddle a kayak along Laguna Beach’s scenic coastline on a guided, 2-hour tour that takes in hidden reefs, swaying kelp forests, sheltered coves and beaches. Watch for bright garibaldi fish and playful dolphins as you explore alongside your experienced guide, learn about the area’s unique ecosystems, then get an up close look at Laguna’s sea lion colonies. Enjoy fresh Pacific breezes while steering your kayak through the gentle swell, and experience California’s vibrant nature and wildlife from the water.

Explore the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe on a 4.5-hour guided kayak tour from Sand Harbor. Paddle past granite boulders to hidden beaches and swimming holes along one of the most pristine alpine lakes in North America. Includes a picnic lunch and the use of all kayaking equipment.

Explore California’s gorgeous coast on a scenic kayak tour. With a knowledgeable, experienced guide leading the way, bring the whole family and navigate Santa Barbara’s picturesque waterfront. Learn about the region's history and wildlife, admire the rugged coastal mountains, and watch for pelicans and egrets, dolphins and sea lions. You may even see a family of gray whales on its annual migration.

Paddle off for some adventure and wildlife spotting during this kayaking trip along the shores of Refugio State Beach near Santa Barbara. Float along the Gaviota Coast, one of the last undeveloped, open sections of the California shore, stopping to look at underwater kelp beds and search for dolphins. You’ll cap it all off with lunch on a secluded beach plus swimming and kayaking games. A guide, lunch and all gear is included.

Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel through the glassy waters of Santa Barbara Harbor. As you move, you’ll pass by the historic wharf and past other boats, keeping your eyes out for marine life. An included lesson in astronomy and ecology from your guide is an added bonus. A guide and all necessary kayaking gear is included.

Grab a paddle and voyage along the scenic west shore of Lake Tahoe on a guided, 2.5-hour morning kayak tour. Experience the full beauty of Tahoe in the summer while gliding through the pristine water, and learn about local history and legends like early settlers, the ill-fated Donner Party, and life on the lake before the advent of ski resorts and casinos.

Take a break from crowded beaches and paddle out to the gray whale migration grounds off the coast of La Jolla. Your guide ensures you visit the best sighting locations, where your kayak affords you a more intimate experience with the ocean and marine life than you could have on any boat. A kayaking tutorial is included to ensure your comfort and safety.

Go whale-watching by kayak from La Jolla Shores on a 3-hour active tour with an experienced naturalist guide. From December to March, gray whales migrate past San Diego while making their way between Alaska and Mexico. Hope to see the magnificent wild mammals on this kayak tour led by an expert guide, who also points out other marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, seals, pelicans, leopard sharks and more. This fun and active tour does not require previous experience, and all kayak gear and instruction is included.

On this small-group kayaking or paddleboard tour, you’ll hit the scenic coastlines of Marina del Ray for a hands-on nature immersion. Learn kayaking or paddleboard techniques from your guide, and get a chance to spot local wildlife like sea lions, dolphins, and different varieties of seabird. Tours are capped at only seven participants for a personalized experience.