Top California Kayaking Tours

See Lake Tahoe from a whole new perspective on a small-group guided tour in clear kayaks. Follow your lifeguard-certified guide and paddle around Lake Tahoe's scenic East Shore from Sand Harbor to hidden coves and highlights such as Bonsai Rock. On hot days, you can even take a dip in the waters to cool off while you soak up the scenery.

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. You won't have to worry about equipment rentals since kayaking gear is included.

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

Embark on a thrilling adventure to La Jolla’s mystical sea caves and be at one with the ocean on board a single kayak during this small-group excursion. Soak up remarkable scenery and discover wildlife species unique to San Diego in the ecological reserve with an expert naturalist/biologist guide leading the way.

The seven beautiful sea caves along La Jolla Ecological Reserve can be difficult to explore, even for experienced kayakers. This small-group kayaking tour offers a guide to help small groups glide through the water and take the best routes to the caves. Paddle to all seven caves while keeping an eye out for sea lions, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

Our Santa Barbara Kayak Tour can be a private tour or group tour experience. You choose your adventure! If you're looking for a more intimate Santa Barbara kayaking experience then our private kayak tour will be a perfect fit. If you're hoping to kayak Santa Barbara with other travelers and enjoy the sights with new friends then the group kayak tour is the way to go! Whichever kayaking tour you choose you'll be in the very capable hands of our friendly and experienced tour guides. Your local kayaking guide will show you the stunning boats in our harbor as well as introduce you to some cute and cuddly sea lions and seals! Prepare to take in views of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins! Your expert guide will share information about Santa Barbara's top attractions and customize the speed of the ride to suit your needs. Our goal is that kayaking Santa Barbara will be the highlight of your trip!

Discover the joy of kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this fun and rewarding sport in a relaxed and supportive setting. Your safety is our top priority; all of our guides are certified in First Aid and CPR. Take in breathtaking alpine views as you glide across the lake, capturing unforgettable moments surrounded by Tahoe’s natural beauty. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich natural and human history. This adventure is the perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones, embrace the tranquility of the mountains, and truly unwind. All necessary gear is provided, including kayak, paddle, and life jacket, as well as knowledgeable guides and permit fees. If you are a single traveler, please call the office to see if there is a group to join!

This activity is for everyone of all skill levels. You don't need any experience. You don’t even have to know how to swim. It's very welcoming for Beginners and Advanced. We can also pull the little ones behind us or put them in the kayak with us. We can pull the elderly or handicapped. I can even teach you to snorkel if you feel brave. I can share some stories from the TV show I'm on. This tour is very educational and informative as well.

Kayaking the lake at dusk is always a magical experience. Imagine yourself gliding across the clear waters of Lake Tahoe as they change from emerald blue to pink and purple. As you look up into the sky, you will see the sun slowly sinking behind the majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. This is one unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the clear, vibrant waters of Lake Tahoe in a fully transparent kayak. Glide over colorful rock formations, schools of fish, and shimmering sandbars, all visible through your kayak's crystal-clear base. Choose from morning, midday, or sunset tours for a completely different vibe each time. Our experienced guides lead you along the most scenic parts of the lake, sharing fun facts about Tahoe’s history, ecology, and hidden gems along the shoreline. This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and photographers looking for an epic and unique view of Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. No previous kayaking experience needed — we’ll provide all the training and safety gear you need for a fun, worry-free day on the water! Please be advised that weight limits on a single kayak are 250 lbs and a tandem is 375 lbs.

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 harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

San Diego’s La Jolla Ecological Reserve is one of the best spots on the West Coast to kayak and snorkel. On this two-activity tour—all gear provided—you and your crew will take turns between floating above water and snorkeling in it, hanging out with garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, sea lions, and tons of other fascinating marine life.

Paddle away on a two-hour adventure through the shimmering waters of Mission Bay in San Diego aboard your unique, clear illuminated kayaks. With expert local guides leading the way, explore the enchanting beauty of the bay as the sun sets, casting magical reflections around you. This exclusive kayaking tour provides an unforgettable perspective of the stunning city skyline and tranquil surroundings, creating cherished memories under the stars.

Kayak La Jolla and the 7 Caves!  This 90 minute guided tour in La Jolla is a favorite of both locals and San Diego visitors. Explore beautiful sea cliffs and caves as you glide through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve filled with marine life. Paddle to Sunny Jim’s Cave, the Arch Cave, the Clams’ Cave and other sea caves for amazing close-ups of sandstone formations. Witness sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish (rock on, man) and even the occasional dolphin on this sought-after La Jolla kayak tour. Ages 5 and up.

This guided kayak fishing tour stands out by focusing on sunrise or sunset—when fishing is best and the lake is at its calmest. With a direct beach launch, small groups, and hands-on instruction, guests spend more time fishing and less time waiting, all while enjoying some of the most scenic conditions Lake Tahoe has to offer.

See the Pacific from a whole new perspective on this kayak tour on the Sonoma Coast. Adventure on the water and make memories with your closest friends. Mingle with local wildlife including birds and seals. Paddle alongside a whale, if you're lucky. Admire the rugged coastline from an oceanic vantage point.

Grab a paddle and voyage along the scenic west shore of Lake Tahoe on a guided morning kayak tour, perfect for anyone wanting to kayak while hearing insider tales of the area. Glide through the pristine water and learn about local history and legends such as the early settlers, the ill-fated Donner Party, and life on the lake before the advent of ski resorts and casinos.

Explore one of California’s last undeveloped coastlines on this small-group, half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle through pristine kelp beds, look out for marine wildlife including dolphins and sea lions, and take in stunning coastal views. All necessary kayaking gear, including wetsuits and helmets, is provided. Swim and relax during breaks to make the most of this scenic journey along the Gaviota Coast.

Explore the western shore of Lake Tahoe independently with a half-day kayak rental from Tahoe City. Booking a rental ahead of time makes it super easy to enjoy a day on the lake without having to bring and launch your own equipment. Soak in the views of forest and granite as you paddle across the crystal-clear waters of this enormous lake, which is surrounded by 12,000-foot-tall (3,660-meter) mountains.

Activity Highlights: - Tahoe’s Most Premium & Unique Kayak Experience - Scenic Water Shuttle to a secluded launch point — far from the crowds - 1.5-Hour Guided Activity in completely clear kayaks - Breathtaking Views of the Sierra Nevada mountains - Crystal-Clear Waters with visibility up to 75 feet deep - Perfect Photo Opportunities in pristine, peaceful locations

SDBK is the top ranked kayak operator by the City of San Diego for kayak operations. This ranking is based on meaningful criteria including the extensiveness and quality of our training programs, our proprietary guide certification process and stringent guidelines, our operating procedures, the quality and content of our opperations, our Water Safety Plan and Emergency Response Plan. Additionally, we are the closest operator to the beach in La Jolla and we also have the most available tours as the top ranked largest operator. Cave entry is not permitted on a rental; however, you can book one of our guided tours. If conditions do permit entry into the largest sea cave we access on our guided tours. Our priority is guest safety and we are unable to enter the Clam's Cave is ocean conditions do not permit.

Paddle into the night on this bucket list experience! Explore nature along the shoreline as you paddle out onto Lake Tahoe with the moonlight on the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Relax and enjoy the bright stars up above with the illumination of colorful LED lights below!

SCENIC AND WILD GUIDED KAYAK TOUR FOR TWO PEOPLE (1 DOUBLE/TANDEM KAYAK INCLUDED) SEATS TWO PEOPLE *** FOR SINGLE KAYAK BOOKINGS PLEASE USE OUR OTHER LISTING. Discover the stunning landscapes of Lake Tahoe on a guided kayak tour designed for two. Paddle from El Dorado Beach, gliding over crystal-clear waters while our knowledgeable guides share captivating stories about the lake and its landmarks. This tour offers a unique chance to view the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe from both California and Nevada sides, enhancing your experience. Perfect for couples or friends looking to bond while exploring the great outdoors. - Paddle a tandem kayak from El Dorado Beach at 9:30 am - Learn about Lake Tahoe's history and landmarks from expert guides - Enjoy views of wildlife and the Upper Truckee River - Return to Lakeview Commons by 12:00pm for a memorable morning