Quick Summary:

  • What makes California a great kayaking destination?
    • California offers a rich variety of kayaking experiences, featuring a long coastline, large harbors, numerous inland waterways, and a diverse range of riverine habitats to explore.
  • What types of scenery can kayakers experience in California?
    • The scenery is equally varied, ranging from beaches to forests and even city lights.
  • What wildlife can kayakers encounter?
    • Kayakers may see spectacular wildlife, including migrating gray whales, large gatherings of leopard sharks, and urbanized seals sharing the waters.
  • When can kayaking trips take place?
    • Kayaking trips are available at any time of day or night, in all seasons, and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks.
  • What other adventure sports are available for kayakers?
    • On land, associated adventure sports include hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
  • Are there professional guides for kayaking in California?
    • Across the state, there are passionate kayaking professionals helping visitors create unforgettable memories.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. LA River Kayak Safari ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
LA River Kayak Safari | Kayaking Spots in California
© MIRACLE MOMENTS/stock.adobe.com

2. Adventures By The Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tours
Adventures By The Sea | Kayaking Spots in California
© yossarian6/stock.adobe.com

3. Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc.

Tours
Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc. | Kayaking Spots in California
© Kzenon/stock.adobe.com

4. Wild Blue Adventures

Tours
Wild Blue Adventures | Kayaking Spots in California
© digidreamgrafix/stock.adobe.com

5. Cal Coast Adventures

Tours
Cal Coast Adventures | Kayaking Spots in California
© ftlaudgirl/stock.adobe.com

6. Central Coast Kayaks

Central Coast Kayaks | Kayaking Spots in California
© auremar/stock.adobe.com

7. Channel Islands Kayak Center

Category: Attractions
Channel Islands Kayak Center | Kayaking Spots in California
© Drobot Dean/stock.adobe.com

8. La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks | Kayaking Spots in California
© gaborsieto/stock.adobe.com

9. La Vida Laguna

La Vida Laguna | Kayaking Spots in California
© Erica Smit/stock.adobe.com

10. Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Tours
Santa Barbara Adventure Company | Kayaking Spots in California
© StockphotoVideo/stock.adobe.com

11. Whitewater Voyages

Whitewater Voyages | Kayaking Spots in California
© Mike Eikenberry/stock.adobe.com

12. Central Coast Outdoors

Central Coast Outdoors | Kayaking Spots in California
© Photo-maxx/stock.adobe.com

13. Everyday California Adventures

Tours
Everyday California Adventures | Kayaking Spots in California
© Viacheslav Iakobchuk/stock.adobe.com

14. Kayak Trinidad

Kayak Trinidad | Kayaking Spots in California
© serguastock/stock.adobe.com

15. Liquid Fusion Kayaking (LFK)

Liquid Fusion Kayaking (LFK) | Kayaking Spots in California
© ftlaudgirl/stock.adobe.com

16. River's Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips

Category: Activities
River's Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips | Kayaking Spots in California
© vit/stock.adobe.com

17. Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Center

Tours
Sea Trek Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Center | Kayaking Spots in California
© serguastock/stock.adobe.com

18. Southwind Kayak Center Rental Base

Category: Attractions
Southwind Kayak Center Rental Base | Kayaking Spots in California
© micromonkey/stock.adobe.com

19. Balboa Kayaks and Paddleboards

Tours
Balboa Kayaks and Paddleboards | Kayaking Spots in California
© 6okean/stock.adobe.com

20. Descanso Beach Ocean Sports (DBOS)

Category: Beaches
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports (DBOS) | Kayaking Spots in California
© vit/stock.adobe.com

21. Margarita Adventures

Tours
Margarita Adventures | Kayaking Spots in California
© auremar/stock.adobe.com

22. Eagle Rafting

Tours
Eagle Rafting | Kayaking Spots in California
© Ammit/stock.adobe.com

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