Laguna Beach: Open Ocean Kayak Tour & Sea Lion Encounters

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (203 reviews) 100% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/22

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 14

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

1h 30m

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Surf and kayak with Laguna Ethos