Kayaking Spots in California

LARKS operates in the Elysian Valley of the Los Angeles River. Channeling of the river, industrial pollution and street runoff have all had a profoundly negative effect on the riverine ecosystem. It is now protected by the clean waters act. The bend in the river in the Elysian Valley has had a mitigating effect on the damage and the surrounding area is a relative haven for plants, fish and birds. LARKS offers paddling and bike tours in the area, as guides explain the link between river lore and urban culture. The rapids are small and beginners are welcome. Tours last between 2-3 hours and leave at midday and sunset.

LA River Kayak Safari, 2825 Benedict St, 90039 Los Angeles, CA Phone: 213-447-6731

This adventure company is based on the Monterey peninsula. They offer land and sea discovery tours and have been in operation for more than 30 years. They have bases in six locations which offer different services. The kayaking tour that departs from Cannery Row features kelp forests and a raft of otters.

Breakwater, where sea lions, harbor seals and otters can be seen, is the better option for beginners. Lovers Point is a departure point for both kayaking and biking. The company hires out bikes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, four-wheelers, and electric bikes.

Adventures By The Sea, 299 Cannery Row, 93940 Monterey, CA, Phone: 831-648-7235

Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc. is based in San Diego and offers biking, kayaking and snorkeling tours around the La Jolla shore, and hires equipment for self-guided excursions. The expert guides focus on fun and safety and are knowledgeable about the local terrain and wildlife. One kayaking tour explores 7 caves and the area surrounding them. The Leopard Shark Encounter entails kayaking and snorkeling with these gentle creatures. Stingrays, dolphins, sea lions and garibaldi also inhabit the area. The services of a professional photographer are on hand to record the experience. Digital and Go Pro cameras can be hired.

2158 Avenida De La Playa, San Diego, CA 92037, Phone: 858-454-1010

Wild Blue Adventures out of Oxnand, north west of Los Angeles and offers excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Whale sightings are guaranteed between December and April, when the California Grey Whales and their calves migrate. The kayaking tour includes transport by boat to Frenchies Cove on the Anacapa Island with a pick up on the other side of the arch, 4.5 miles away. A 53 foot Sunfish vessel transports passengers to the islands. Sunset cruises can accommodate up to 49 people. Catering can be arranged but passengers need to bring their own beverages.

Wild Blue Adventures, Channel Islands Harbor, Phone: 805-585-5060

Cal Coast Adventures offers kayaking and biking tours, lessons in surfing and stand up paddle boarding, and rental of beach related equipment. They operate in the Santa Barbara area and promise a different view of the city. They stock beach cruiser, electric, mountain and hybrid bikes. Road biking tours start from the locations chosen by customers. The Bike and Beverage Tour is led by a guide who is knowledgeable in the beer and wine market. It includes tastings and behind the scenes tours at two local breweries and two wineries. Group bookings are welcome. Bubble Soccer is another activity offered by the company.

736 Carpinteria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, Phone: 805-628-2444

Central Coast Kayaks was founded in 1993 and operates on the coast, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. They offer tours, rentals, fishing expeditions and introductory lessons on kayaking and stand up boarding. The Avila kayaking tour includes a visit to the bay and the 19th century lighthouse. The naturalist tour is a more moderate 2.5 hour kayaking exercise to see seals, otters and dolphins. The cave excursion focuses on the grottos, arches, rock gardens and kelp forests in the area. Kayak fishing trips are offered between April and December. Salmon, halibut and sea bass are likely to be caught in summer and fall.

1879 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, Phone: 805-931-6348

Channel Islands Kayak Center is situated northwest of Los Angeles. It offers guided island tours with a family friendly approach. The tours include an orientation session, and information on the history of the harbor market. A visit to the island caves, through crystal clear waters will bring seal lions, seals and marine birds into view. The company also rents out kayaks and related equipment and has sales of their old inventories from time to time.

3600 S. Harbor Blvd. Suite 2-108, Channel Islands Harbor, Phone: 805-984-5995

Owner, Jen Kleck, has a level 5 certification in kayak instruction and guiding, the highest possible in California. The kayaking tours operate within a marine ecological reserve with five distinct ecosystems within an area of two square miles. There are sandy beaches, rocky shallows, steep cliffs, kelp forests and deep water canyons, each with its own varieties of fauna and flora species. The sea cave tour takes 1½ hours but it is not always safe to enter the caves. The kayaks are stable but paddlers will more than likely get wet so a change of clothes is advised.

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, 2164 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037, Phone: 858-454-0111

This company operates from Laguna Beach, south of Los Angeles, and focuses on the corporate market, offering team building, retreats and various off-site activities. Programs range from single-day excursions to multi-day adventures as well as ongoing personal and leadership development courses. They also offer day tours, lessons and equipment rentals to the public. The paddle boarding, electric bike, surfing and kayaking tours typically last two hours. Biking tours follow the back streets, parks and gardens of LA. Sea faring tours go to cliffs, hidden beaches, kelp forests and the fisheries. The guides are well versed in local history and biodiversity.

La Vida Laguna, 1121 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, Ca 92651, Phone: 949-275-7544

Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers a range of services, including guiding, tours, lessons and team building. Kayaking tours, surfing and paddle boarding lessons and other beach activities are offered at the mainland coast. Longer kayaking trips to the Channel Islands National Park and Scorpion Anchorage, require a return trip on the ferry. On land, the company leads bike tours, wine country tours and rock climbing excursions. There are overnight and multi-sport packages for corporate, family and youth groups. For schools, tours can be customized according to the curriculum.

32 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, California 93101, Phone: 805-884-WAVE