Kayaking in Marina del Rey: Sea Lions & Wildlife

Paddle past working boats and watch for sea lions in the marina's protected channel

Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Marina del Rey with a guide who covers safety and technique before you launch from Mother's Beach. You'll paddle the main channel spotting sea lions, dolphins and birds. The small group size means four SUPs, two single kayaks and two double kayaks shared on a first-come basis, so you pick your equipment at booking.

The experience

You start at Mother's Beach, a mellow sandy launch point where the guide covers local marine life, paddling technique and safety before anyone gets on the water. Then you board your kayak or SUP and paddle into Marina del Rey's main channel, where the working boats (sail and power) fill the view. The guide navigates the route, and you watch for sea lions, dolphins and the variety of birds that live here. Wildlife sightings happen most of the time, though they're wild animals and not guaranteed.

The activity runs two hours total. The fleet is small by design: four stand-up paddleboards, two single kayaks and two double kayaks available on a first-come, first-served basis. You choose your equipment when you book, which secures it for your departure. Life jackets are included. The guide speaks English and leads the whole group together, keeping the pace manageable and the focus on what's actually in the water and moored around you.

What’s included

• Kayak or stand-up paddleboard (your choice at booking, secured on first-come basis).
• life jacket.
• guide instruction on technique, safety and local marine life.
• two hours on the water with the guide leading the group through the marina channel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

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

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Fun Surf LA

Is this one for you?The two-hour paddle is steady but not strenuous, and you launch from a sandy beach with no difficult entry. Pick this if you want to move under your own power and spot wildlife from the water rather than from a boat, and if you're comfortable with a small group and basic paddling instruction.

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Top questions

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 kayaking and paddleboarding on this activity?

Both kayaks and SUPs launch from the same beach and follow the same route through the marina channel. Kayaks are lower to the water and propelled with a double-bladed paddle. Stand-up paddleboards are wider platforms where you stand and use a single-bladed paddle. The guide leads both together, so the choice is comfort and what you've done before.

Can I pick a single kayak or double kayak when I book?

Yes, you choose your equipment type at reservation to secure it: single kayak, double kayak, or SUP. The fleet runs on first-come, first-served, so booking ahead locks in your preference.

What wildlife might I actually see in Marina del Rey?

Sea lions are the main draw and show up most departures. Dolphins and a variety of birds are common too. The guide knows where to paddle to increase your chances, but these are wild animals and sightings aren't guaranteed.

Is this activity suitable if I've never paddled before?

The guide covers paddling technique and safety before you launch, so beginners can join. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and should be comfortable in the water. The minimum age is 12.

Where do I meet the guide and how do I get there?

You meet at Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving.

What happens if the weather is bad or the water is rough?

The activity depends on conditions safe enough to paddle. Check with the operator about their weather policy when you book.