Kayaking Catalina Island: Frog Rock paddling adventure

You'll paddle over kelp forests and see harbor seals from the water itself, not from a boat.

Kayaking on Catalina Island in a two-person sit-on-top kayak with a guide who teaches paddling basics and narrates the island's natural history, geology and ecology as you glide past nearshore kelp forests and watch for wildlife. The route passes interesting landmarks and ends at Frog Rock, where you land to swim, stretch and enjoy refreshments. Suitable for ages 5 and up. All fees and taxes included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour around Catalina Island

• Learn paddling basics
• Kayak along coastline
• Observe landmarks and wildlife
• Land at Frog Rock
• Enjoy cookie and water
• Optional swim at Frog Rock

The experience

Two hours on the water means you cover the inaccessible coastline without committing to a full day. Your guide teaches paddling basics before you launch, so beginners start confident in a stable, easy-to-maneuver kayak built for two. Once paddling, the guide points out the island's ancient to modern history, geology and ecology as you glide over nearshore kelp forests where colorful fish move beneath you. Harbor seals may peek from offshore rocks, or a bald eagle may snag a fish nearby: the wildlife shows up on its own schedule, but something wild usually appears.

At Frog Rock you'll land to stretch your legs, take a quick dip in the sea if you want, and enjoy a cookie and bottle of water. The kayak itself handles the work: sit-on-top means stable and forgiving, and the two-person design spreads the paddling effort. Non-strenuous for beginners, though you will get wet and must be able to swim. Life vests are provided.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• a modern sit-on-top kayak for two.
• life vest.
• paddling instruction from a live guide in English.
• water and a cookie at Frog Rock.

Before you book

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

AgesAdult (12 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Santa Catalina Island Company

Is this one for you?The two-hour paddle is steady and non-strenuous, so it suits beginners and families with children from age 5, though you need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim. If you want wildlife and kelp forests without a full-day commitment, this fits the afternoon or morning you have left.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 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. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like around Catalina Island when you're paddling?

The nearshore waters are clear enough to see kelp forests and colorful fish below as you paddle. The ocean is calm enough for beginners in a stable kayak, though you will get wet.

Will I actually see wildlife, or is that just marketing?

Harbor seals and bald eagles live in the area and do appear regularly, but sightings depend on the day and the time. Your guide will point out birds and plants throughout the paddle regardless.

How much paddling experience do I need?

None. Your guide teaches paddling basics before you launch, and the sit-on-top kayak is designed for beginners. The paddle is non-strenuous, though you need to be able to swim and have at least moderate physical fitness.

What happens at Frog Rock?

You land to stretch your legs and have the option to swim in the sea. The guide provides a cookie and bottle of water, and you'll have time to rest before paddling back.