Kayaking & Canoeing in California

Renting a kayak in Santa Barbara is a fun and active way to explore the harbor without the hassle of bringing your own gear. This rental package includes a high-quality kayak, paddle, and life jacket, plus the option to rent a wetsuit. Though you're free to explore anywhere you'd like around the harbor, your guide suggests a route for optimized wildlife sightings.

Take a break from pushing through crowds on the San Diego footpath and see the city from the sea in a kayak. Kayak in the calm waters of North San Diego Bay and paddle past San Diego's coastal highlights, including the Coronado Bridge, the National Marine Mammal Foundation (frequented by seals or dolphins) and Spanish Landing Park. With staff to help you while you're starting out and all safety equipment provided, this kayaking experience is great for beginners.

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.

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.

Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this 2-hour beginner-friendly kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel 1-2 miles (1.5-3 kilometers) 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.

Enjoy the sublime coastal scenery as you spot abundant marine life during this 2-hour trip kayaking 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. You'll 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.

Get an up close look at Lake Tahoe with a kayak rental, which allows you to paddle across the water at your own pace, admiring the stunning mountain scenery or searching for hidden coves and beaches. With an easy-to-maneuver single kayak, you can paddle as fast or as slow as you wish to enjoy an outdoorsy workout or to simply relax. When booking, select a 1-hour, 4-hour or 8-hour rental period.

Kayak down the Colorado River on this half- or full-day tour from Las Vegas. Since you pick between a 4-mile (6.4-km) trip or a 12-mile (19.3-km) trip, it's up to you how much time to spend on the water. Both options give you amazing sights of the area, and you might even spot wildlife as you paddle along. The main difference is the full-day allows for more stops and also offers lunch "” the half-day experience only offers snacks.

Leave the neon lights of Sin City behind during this relaxing full-day guided kayak excursion on the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River. This paddling trip, which navigates several miles of placid water close to Hoover Dam, is great for kayakers of all experience levels. During your trip you'll stop to explore idyllic riverside beaches, caves, canyons and hot springs. Your kayak guide will also point out local wildlife, hidden inlets, hiking spots and historical sites along the way. The trip also includes all necessary kayaking equipment, river permit and safety lesson, lunch, bottled water, snacks, dry bag for personal items and round-trip hotel transport.

Paddle through Santa Barbara Harbor and the California coast for a day of fun-filled adventure on the water on this 4-hour kayaking trip. Travel out into the calm waters of this aquatic playground, floating past sights like the city's historic pier vast underwater kelp forests. You'll also have time to spot marine life like sea lions (and if you're lucky, whales) before enjoying lunch on a secluded beach. A guide, lunch and all kayaking gear is covered.

Get another perspective on the southern California coast during a leisurely 2-hour 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.

Paddle your way through California's gorgeous wine country on a guided kayak tour. Paddle your way down the Russian River that winds through Sonoma County. Enjoy the leisurely pace that kayaking affords while soaking up the spectacular scenery. No experience is necessary, and you can choose to paddle in a single kayak or ride tandem with a friend or family member. The guided tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch.