Laguna Beach: Open Ocean Kayak Tour & Sea Lion Encounters

Laguna Beach kayak tour with sea lions and kelp forest views

You’ll paddle right off Laguna Beach into open Pacific waters with a local guide, gliding above kelp forests and pausing to watch sea lions up close. All equipment’s provided. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe a dry bag). Expect salty air, real laughter, and a view most locals never get.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak Laguna Beach coastline

• Meet expert local guide
• Use brand new kayaking equipment
• Glide above kelp forests and reefs
• Spot dolphins and harbor seals

The experience

I signed up for this Laguna Beach open ocean kayaking tour mostly because I’d never actually seen the coastline from the water. Just those classic views from the sand. The first few minutes paddling out, I was honestly a bit nervous (the ocean looked bigger from down low), but our guide, Ben, kept chatting about local tides and pointed to where the kelp forests started. The air smelled salty and sharp, like sunscreen and seaweed mixed together. I could hear gulls somewhere behind us but mostly it was just the sound of paddles hitting water.

We drifted above these thick ribbons of kelp. You could see little fish darting below if you looked down long enough without getting dizzy. At one point Ben stopped us to spot a group of sea lions lounging on rocks. They barked at each other and flopped around in that way only sea lions can. Someone tried to get a photo and nearly tipped their kayak (we all laughed, including Ben). Dolphins didn’t show up for us this time, but apparently they’re regulars on this route. Still, just floating there with the sun on my arms and watching the sea lions felt… kind of peaceful. Not what I expected from open ocean kayaking near LA.

The whole thing lasted maybe two hours? Hard to keep track when you’re out there: time moves differently when you’re focused on balancing or trying not to drop your paddle (which I did once). They gave us new gear and life vests before we started, so nothing felt sketchy or old. There were families with kids in double kayaks too. Everyone seemed welcome. I still think about how quiet it got once we stopped paddling for a second. Just water slapping gently against plastic. If you’ve never done a day trip Laguna Beach style, this is probably one of the more honest ways to see it.

What’s included

Your day includes brand new kayaks and paddles, safety gear like life vests sized for everyone (even infants), plus bottled water before heading out onto the water with your local guide leading the way through Laguna’s marine preserve.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:30, from US$ 95 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 54 years) · Senior (55 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Surf and kayak with Laguna Ethos

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years). Children under 3 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.

How long does the Laguna Beach kayak tour last?

The tour lasts about two hours from start to finish.

Are sea lion sightings guaranteed on this kayak tour?

No wildlife is guaranteed but sea lions are commonly seen along this route.

Is equipment included in the Laguna Beach kayaking experience?

Yes, kayaks, paddles, life vests, and water are all included in your booking.

Is pickup included for this Laguna Beach kayak trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Public transport options are nearby though.

Do I need previous kayaking experience for this tour?

No prior experience is required but moderate physical fitness is recommended.