TOUR SPECIALS
Complimentary lockers (12' x 36" large!) - ALWAYS
Booking fees and taxes included - ALWAYS
Our prices are inclusive of fees, permits, taxes and are often LOWER than that hard-to-redeem Groupon deal you found. With us, there are never surprises like surcharges for locker rentals or coupon redemption fees. Optional add-ons include wetsuit rental ($15), tour accessories purchases (eyeglass retainers, waterproof phone cases, etc) and tips for your guides.
CURRENT TOUR SPECIALS: (Online reservations only). Discount is applied automatically when you enter the promo code.
SAVE 10% on weekday tours through June 12 (Memorial Day excluded). Enter promo code "spring10" at check out
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for all tours. We are unable to provide refunds, or reschedule for cancellations made less than 24 hours before your tour time.
Check-in is 1 HOUR prior to tour time.
Participant Requirements
Kayaking is fun and easy! Almost anybody in reasonable health can enjoy kayaking. If you have doubts about your ability to participate, ask you doctor or give us a call.
Our kayaks have weight limits. We can accomodate 2 people on a tandem kayak at a combined total of 475 lbs. We can accommodate a single person on a kayak to 450 lbs.
We believe that outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone and we will make every effort to to accomodate any disability that does not interfere with safe participation in this activity. Please call us to discuss necessary accommodations. For safe participation, guests must be able to maintain a seated position on the floor with moderate lower back support for an extended period of time. If you need a little extra help to accomplish this due to a spinal cord injury, please call us as we may be able to make suitable modifications. Please note that it is unsafe to seat-belt or strap a person to a kayak. Specific issues: Deaf: all pertinent information is provided in writing. Blind: bring your own tandem paddling partner, or call us to arrange for one to be provided. Amputations: modifications available with advance notice - call us!
Our minimum age requirement is 6 years, although not all 6 year-olds will enjoy the activity, especially on days where the waves are a bit bigger. Every kid is different, so if you are in doubt, don't hesitate to call us about current conditions and what your little one might expect. We want your kids to love their adventure on the ocean!
Children under 14 must be on a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian. Children 14-16 yrs must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian (but may paddle their own kayak). Children 16-18 yrs may participate unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, but a parent or legal guardian must sign a liability waiver on behalf of the minor.
Children under 18 must be able to swim and adults must be comfortable floating in a PFD (life jacket) in deep water without panic.
PFD's must be worn at all times.
Essential Eligibility Criteria for Tour Participants:
- Be at least 6 years old (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
- Not exceed the weight limit of the kayak (450lbs solo, and combined tandem weight)
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
- Independently hold torso, neck and head upright with no more than 14” of lower back support
- Manage personal care independently, or with assistance of a companion
- Manage personal mobility independently, or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Follow written or spoken instructions and effectively communicate in writing or orally either independently or with assistance of a companion
- Independently turn from face-down to face-up in deep water, and remain floating face-up without panic while wearing a properly fitted PFD
- Get in/out of a kayak independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Independently get out and from under a capsized kayak
- Re-enter the kayak following deep-water capsize with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues, as well as have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given the participant’s personal situation
What to Expect
Be prepared to get wet!
We launch through small surf and paddle 2-3 miles. You will exert about as much effort as walking the same distance. If you paddle a two person kayak, you will share some of the effort. You will be on the water for 90 minutes.
We will meet at our La Jolla Shores shop where you will check in, sign waivers (no one will be permitted on the tour without signing our liability waiver), and change clothes if needed. There are changing rooms and a restroom at our shop. We will outfit you with a life jacket, paddle, and helmet. If you would like a wetsuit, we have those available for rent as well. We provide complimentary lockers to leave your personal belongings in our shop during your tour. You will be happy to have a towel and dry clothes waiting for you when you return.
After a brief introduction, you will walk with your guide(s) 3 blocks to the beach where your kayak will be waiting. There you will have a brief paddle instruction and safety talk before launching. Aside from providing lots of interesting information about this incredible Marine Protected Area, your knowledgeable guides are trained to assess the ever-changing hazards of the dynamic Pacific Ocean with the objective of keeping you safe. We'll say it again here: we cannot guarantee your entry into the sea caves as sometimes they are simply too dangerous. What we can guarantee is that the beauty of one of California's most diverse coastlines will be all around you. So look up at the nesting peregrine falcons and cormorantts on the cliffs, the sea lions hauled out on the stunning rock formations, the geological history recorded in them;,and scan the waters for our resident sea turtle, leopard sharks, and visiting dolphins. You won't be disappointed!
Free parking is available on the side streets around the shop. The spots marked “90 minutes” on Avenida de la Playa do not allow enough time.
What to Bring and Wear
- bathing suit and/or quick-dry shorts/shirt/rash guard (spandex, nylon, polyester, "sport" blends, etc). If it's cool, a windbreaker will keep you warm, or you can rent a wetsuit ($15). We have changing rooms and a restroom in our shop and complimentory lockers for your belongings
- Cotton clothing is discouraged (it is heavy and cold when wet) and jeans are never permitted.
- shoes - most people choose to kayak barefoot and you can leave your footwear at our launch site. Wearing water shoes or "river" sandals is also a good choice
- hat - optional. You will be wearing a helmet, so not all hats will fit underneath, but ball caps and floppy sun hats usually do.
- water - it's not necessary to take it on your tour, but be sure you're well hydrated beforehand!
- sun screen (available for purchase at our shop). The tops of your feet and shins are often overlooked - they will be very exposed while paddling a sit-on-top kayak.
- If you wear glasses, it is VERY IMPORTANT to have a retainer strap! You can purchase these at our store.
- If you are prone to sea sickness, consider taking precautions. Over the counter medications need to be taken well in advance of your adventure. Ginger candy may also be an effective preventative
- You will be happy to have a towel and dry clothes waiting at our shop when you return. We provide complimentary lockers for your personal belongings. Please leave behind anything that can't get wet or might sink to the sea floor (cell phones, pagers, wallets, car keys, non-waterproof watches, loose jewelry, non-waterproof cameras, etc). We have waterproof cases for purchase for your cell phone if you would like to take pictures of your adventure.