Ocean Kayak Tour + Wildlife Viewing

The magic of kayaking is you are partnered, and share the paddling. The person in the front (bow) sets the rhythm or pace, and the paddler behind (stern) follows the rhythm so you paddle in unison and don’t clash. The stern paddler is in charge of steering, so it should generally be the more experienced or confident paddler. 

At La Vida Laguna, we launch our kayaks at a secret cove in North Laguna. It’s in a residential area, so you’ll need to arrive early to secure parking (which is all on the street, and plentiful). There is a nearby bathroom that you should use before launch, as there are no toilets on kayaks. When you reach the beach you’ll see why we launch there; it’s reef-protected and almost always calm – which makes for a smooth launch and landing. Because that’s the hardest part of the sport. Especially if you are launching into waves. But at our secret beach there are rarely waves. In fact, there’s a perfect corridor to safely paddle out and back, and we are there every stroke of the way, assisting you with getting in and out of the boat at launch. 

And once you’ve paddled 50 feet and cleared the surf zone, it’s smooth sailing from there. And what an experience it is. Kayaking in Laguna Beach is one of the most breathtaking and beautiful experience you can have. Gliding smoothly along the coastline you will see the hidden golden cliffs, coves and beaches that make Laguna famous – and a haven for artists. You’ll glide effortlessly in serene silence, with only the sound of your paddle gently raking the water. Pelicans and seagulls will fly over, dolphins, sea lions and whales might cruise by (we have more dolphins in these waters than Alaska, Florida and Hawaii combined), and what a mighty vision that is. We always say you don’t have to fly to Africa to see big game. It’s all here, in the 7-mile Marine Reserve known as Laguna Beach.   

Our guides are passionate water people who will regale you with stories of the local ecology and delicate ecosystem. You’ll learn about our native kelp (our “underwater rain forests”) and how they sustain marine life. You’ll learn about the many species of whales, dolphins and pinnipeds that make their home here. And the underwater life of kelp beds, sea grass, reefs and native fishes as well. You’ll see Catalina (26 miles offshore), Newport Beach to the north, and Dana Point to the south. And you’ll stop at Seal Rock, where a colony of sea lions resides. 

But the best part of all is doing something so beautiful and unique with family and friends. It’s great to engage your senses in the fresh, salty sea air, the cool breeze off the Pacific, the myriad colors on land and sea, and the gorgeous silhouette of mountainous Laguna and the amazing homes perched along her shores.  Kayaking in Laguna Beach is an exceptional experience of splendor, laughter, and exhilaration. At La Vida Laguna, we’ve been delighting people with ocean kayak tours for over 20 years. And the adventure continues and rewards us every day.