San Diego County offers a variety of kayaking opportunities. The ones that we have chosen vary from rugged open ocean expeditions to quiet peaceful secluded paddles under the light of the full moon. We also include a kayak tour in our combo package. All of our kayak tours are completed in closed type ocean Kayaks. Each participant is provided with full safety gear including a PFD and a Spray Skirt. The majority of our Kayak trips can be safely enjoyed by novice and experienced paddlers alike. Unless otherwise specified each one is a 4 hour trip. For kayaking in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, see our mexico page.

SOUTH BAY SEA TURTLES
The Chula Vista Wildlife reserve located at the most southerly end of San Diego bay is one of our favorite places and also our most popular tour. In the South Bay there is a resident population of Green Sea Turtles and a wealth of bird life. We often see Green Turtles, Peregrine Falcon, California Least Tern and Osprey. Bird watchers and amateur naturalists are both able to enjoy this very special hidden gem. Morning is usually the very best time to enjoy this tour. We paddle through flat wet-land areas from" J " Street in Chula Vista down the sloughs of Imperial beach to where we get views into Tiajuana and then paddle back in time for a "Viva Mexico" picnic lunch near the small Marina in Chula Vista. Your guide is knowledgeable ornithologist and biologist.

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SHELTER ISLAND SEA LIONS
The wild and rugged headland of Point Loma encloses the western end of San Diego Bay and provides a comfortable and sheltered lee. We take advantage of this in order to do our morning kayak tour from the sandy beach at Shelter Island out to the point. This is a very good site to view the resident population of California Sea Lions. Osprey nest on the cliffs and we feel the deep ocean swells as we reach towards the lonely light house at the end of the point. It is exciting to paddle in company with the commercial traffic that works it's way in and out of San Diego Bay.

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MISSION BAY EXPLORATION
Mission Bay is a man-made outdoor park located just north of Old Town, San Diego. It was built in the 1970s and now has become a MULTI-ACRED playground for summer visitors. We meet at the launch ramp on the south side of the bay and paddle for about 4 hours around the fascinating inlets and bays of Mission Bay. There are opportunities to explore the hidden backwaters of the bay and also the chance to see some of the rare bird life of this place that once was a large area of marsh but has now been turned into a wonderful summer playground with hotels and swimming beaches.

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MOONLIGHT PADDLES
There are days in San Diego when the full moon rises at dusk and because the air can be so clear, at certain times of the year, we take advantage of the opportunity to paddle our boats in our usual places at night, but, under the magical light of a rising full moon. These tours are simply Magical. They are are 2 hours long and finish with a mug of hot chocolate at the launch point.

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POINT LOMA OCEAN TRIP
The route from Mission Bay to San Diego Bay involves an 8 mile paddle, out in the open ocean around Point Loma. It is not an easy trip and requires some work, however, when the weather conditions are right , it makes for a great day of adventure paddling. We take some time to explore and to learn about the rich offshore kelp beds. It can take about 5 hours to make the trip and if the sea is flat then we stop for lunch at a beach near Pt. Loma lighthouse that is only accessible from the sea. The chance to see the wild rugged point is not to be missed. The trip ends up on the Sandy beach at Shelter Island and is a super adventure. During the winter season we have seen California Grey Whales on this trip.

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CORONADO ISLANDS DAY TRIP
11 miles south of Point Loma are the Coronado Islands of Mexico. They are 5 miles from the Mexican coast. They are a rugged beautiful group of 5 small islands set in deep water. The largest is only 1.5 miles long and the smallest is only about half an acre in size. Because of their isolation they are a breeding ground for California Sea-Lions, Harbor Seals and all sorts of ocean Birds. They teem with ocean life. This year there have been several groupings of breeding Elephant seals hauled out on to the beach. When we visit these islands we load our boats onto a 30 Ton 45ft charter boat for the 1 1/2 hour ride down and then launch from the side of the boat. The exposure of these islands to the open sea makes this a trip for the experienced paddler. After a 3 hour morning paddle around the South Island we rendezvous with the charter boat for a hot lunch and again go off for an exploration around the North Island for the afternoon. Here is an opportunity to explore a pristine group of rugged Mexican Islands from the comfort of the deck of your small Kayak. The day may require you to paddle in fairly rough off-shore conditions but the opportunity to explore a miniature set of "Galapagos Islands" is a rare one so close to San Diego. The trip leader is required to carry all the necessary off-shore safety gear and also a VHF marine radio. This trip is for the experienced paddlers who would like an off-shore adventure with a return to San Diego at the end of the day.

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