Water Sports in California

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.

Combine fun in the sun with a total body workout on the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. With a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental, you can paddle across the lake at your own pace, using your legs to balance and stopping on the water or pulling up on a beach whenever you need a break. Enjoyable and exciting for water lovers of all ages, SUP-ing is easy to do and a memorable way to experience Lake Tahoe from a different vantage point. When booking, select a 1-hour, 4-hour or 8-hour rental.

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.

Paddle six miles of churning rapids on the South Fork of the American River with a half-day whitewater rafting experience from Lotus, California. Learn river safety and boat handling as you navigate the current with a professional guide, then launch into the famed rapids of the Lower Gorge. Swirl through the big, continuous waves of Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar, then finish your day at Folsom Lake, where the South Fork's whitewater give way to a scenic reservoir.

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.

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.

Escape the glitz of Vegas for a day on the waters of the Colorado River during this rafting tour through Black Canyon. As you float along the calm stretch of the river, admire the cliffs and views of Hoover Dam while an experienced guide tells you about the geology and history of the area. Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas is provided.

Explore Lake Mead on a Jet Ski then visit the Hoover Dam on a 7.5-hour tour from Las Vegas that takes in the desert landscape's most remarkable man-made features. Steer your Jet Ski along the colorful bluffs and hidden beaches that line Lake Mead's dramatic shoreline, take in perfect views of the vast reservoir, and enjoy the warm air and desert sunshine. Pause for lunch in the Lake's marina then get an up-close look at the soaring Hoover Dam before returning to your Las Vegas hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing float down the Russian River on a full- or half-day canoe trip from Healdsburg. Climb aboard a sturdy, inflatable canoe and paddle downstream through the scenic landscapes of Northern California's countryside, stopping to swim at a local beach along the way. Upgrade to include a delicious picnic lunch on the full-day tour, and feel free to bring along your canine companion on the half-day adventure. No canoeing experience is required, and all equipment is provided for a fun and family-friendly day on the water.

Set out from your Las Vegas hotel in a luxury SUV to the Hoover Dam, a remarkable National Historic Landmark. During the ride, learn about several points of interest from your experienced guide as you relax in comfort and style.

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.

If you're looking for a little summertime adventure on the water, a Lake Tahoe parasailing experience is the ideal way to enjoy the natural beauty of this alpine region. Fly high above the lake as you're pulled behind a speedboat, taking in views of the mountains and clear blue water. When booking, you have three height options to choose from - 200 feet, 350 feet or 500 feet (61, 107 or 152 meters).

Splash and paddle your way down the South Fork of the American River with a full-day whitewater rafting experience with a professional river guide. Learn the basics of safety and boat handling, then practice your skills on a stretch of smooth water before launching into the Lower Gorge section, where a series of churning rapids will bounce and toss your boat from wave to wave. Steer through Satan's Cesspool and Haystack Canyon, and make it past Bouncing Rock and Hospital Bar Rapids before you spill into calm, cool Folsom Lake.

Experience Lake Tahoe by Jet Ski, the perfect adrenaline-pumping way to enjoy being out on the water and explore at your own pace. You can cruise leisurely along the shoreline to admire the lakeside scenery, or zoom over to Emerald Bay, one of the lake's most popular and beautiful spots. When booking, select a 1-hour, 4-hour or 8-hour rental period. A maximum of two people per Jet Ski is allowed.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a 30-minute jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers - a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

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.

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.

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.

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.