Stand Up Paddle Board in Malibu: Protected Coves & Coastal Views

Paddle up the Malibu coast and watch the hills roll down to meet the ocean.

Stand up paddle board in Malibu's protected coves on a 90-minute guided activity with board, paddle and wetsuit included. You'll start with a 15-minute beach lesson if you're new to paddling, then paddle up the coast spotting seals and dolphins. The guide leads in English and children from age 7 are welcome.

The experience

Malibu's coves and protected beaches are built for paddle boarding: the water stays calmer than the open coast, which means you can focus on paddling instead of fighting the swell. The guide meets you on the beach and spends the first 15 minutes walking you through the basics if you've never stood on a board before: how to hold the paddle, how to shift your weight, how to get back on if you fall. Then you're out on the water for the rest of the hour and a half, paddling north along the shoreline while the hills rise up behind you. The board, paddle and wetsuit are all there waiting. You bring nothing but yourself.

What makes Malibu different from other paddle spots is the geography. The terrain doesn't flatten out at the water's edge the way it does on most California beaches. Instead the hillsides roll straight down to the ocean, so you're paddling past cliffs and coves instead of a flat beach. On the water you're close enough to spot seals hauled out on the rocks and dolphins moving through the swells. The guide knows where to look and when to slow down so you can watch.

What’s included

• Paddle board, paddle and wetsuit.
• 90-minute guided paddle with a live English-speaking guide.
• 15-minute beach lesson for beginners before paddling out.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 17:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Hana Paddle Boards

Is this one for you?The 90-minute window leaves the rest of your day open for other plans, and the protected coves mean you're paddling in calmer water even if you've never stood on a board before. The guide's beach lesson gets you comfortable in the first 15 minutes, then you paddle the rest of the time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 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 water like for someone who's never paddle boarded before?

The protected coves keep the water calmer than the open ocean, and the guide gives you 15 minutes of instruction on the beach before you paddle out, so you'll know how to balance and move the paddle before you leave the shallows.

Will I see wildlife on the paddle?

Seals and dolphins are often spotted along the Malibu coast during the paddle, though sightings aren't guaranteed. The guide will point them out when they appear and give you time to watch.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. The board, paddle and wetsuit are all included, so you don't need to own or rent gear separately.

How long is the whole activity, and when does it start?

The paddle lasts 90 minutes total, including the beach lesson. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point if you're coming from elsewhere in the area.