Huntington Harbour Stand Up Paddleboard Guided Tour

Paddle through man-made islands and scenic canals without fighting waves or currents.

A stand up paddleboarding activity in Huntington Harbour that begins with a land-based lesson on technique and water safety, then moves into a 90-minute guided paddle through peaceful canals, low-clearance bridges and islands. The harbor's protected waters stay warmer than the ocean and calmer than the open coast, making it one of Southern California's safest paddling spots. Children from age 5 are welcome. The guide shares stories of the harbor's history and points out egrets, herons, sea lions and occasional dolphins.

The experience

What makes Huntington Harbour different from paddling at Huntington Beach is the absence of waves and the maze of man-made islands and scenic canals that replace open water. Before you launch, an experienced guide teaches the essentials of stand up paddle boarding and water safety on land, so you start the 90-minute tour feeling confident whether you're brand new to the sport or brushing up on technique. Once you're ready, you paddle past yachts, waterfront homes, parks and small beaches tucked into the harbor's network of protected waterways.

The guide navigates you underneath low-clearance bridges and shares stories of how the harbor transformed from natural wetlands into a mid-century marina community. Wildlife sightings are common: egrets and herons are regular, sea lions appear often, and dolphins show up on rare occasions. The water stays warmer than the ocean, and the calm conditions make this a low-stress paddle ideal for families and groups.

What’s included

• Stand up paddleboard and all equipment.
• experienced guide leading the 90-minute paddle.
• land-based instruction on paddling technique and water safety before the tour.
• guide commentary on the harbor's history and local wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Everyday California

Is this one for you?This tour suits anyone who wants to paddleboard without fighting waves or currents, or who is new to the sport and needs instruction before heading out. The calm harbor and protected canals make it ideal for families with children from age 5, groups, and paddleboarders seeking a relaxed, low-stress experience rather than a workout or technical challenge.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between paddling Huntington Harbour and Huntington Beach?

Huntington Harbour is a protected network of canals and man-made islands with no waves, while Huntington Beach is the open coastline. The harbour offers a calm, sheltered paddle through scenic waterways. The beach is wave-heavy and better suited to surfing or experienced paddleboarders seeking more challenge.

Do I need paddleboarding experience to book this tour?

No. The guide teaches the basics of stand up paddle boarding and water safety on land before the tour starts, so beginners and experienced paddleboarders both start the 90-minute paddle feeling ready. The calm harbor conditions make it forgiving for first-timers.

What wildlife might I see while paddling?

Egrets, herons and sea lions are common sightings in Huntington Harbour. Dolphins appear occasionally, though less frequently. The guide keeps watch and points out animals as you paddle past.

How long is the actual paddling part of the tour?

The guided paddle lasts 90 minutes. The land-based lesson on technique and water safety happens before you launch, so plan for additional time before and after the paddle itself.