Kayaking with Sea Lions in a Calm Beautiful Harbor

If you’re looking to combine outdoor adventure with wildlife watching in a setting that’s both safe and stunning, a kayaking tour in Redondo Beach’s harbor might be just what you need. This trip promises calm waters, close encounters with sea lions, and a chance to learn about local marine life from a passionate guide. With a 5.0-star rating based on 10 reviews, it’s clear that many have found this experience to be worthwhile—and for good reason.

What we really love about this tour is its welcoming nature. No experience? No problem. You don’t even need to swim, which makes it accessible for kids, seniors, and those with mobility challenges. The guide, Gary, is praised for his knowledge and patience, making it perfect for families or anyone new to kayaking. However, the flexibility of the activity — from adding snorkeling to pulling along the little ones — means it caters to a variety of preferences. An important consideration is that the tour is limited to eight travelers, ensuring everyone gets personal attention and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

This experience suits those who want a relaxing yet engaging day on the water, with plenty of wildlife sightings and a touch of education. If you’re a nature lover, curious about marine life, or simply seeking a fun, safe adventure in Southern California, this trip will likely tick all your boxes.

Key Points

• Inclusive for All Skill Levels: No experience or swimming skills needed, making it accessible for everyone.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see sea lions, crabs, starfish, and more, with the guide providing detailed info.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Suitable for children, seniors, and even those with disabilities, with options to pull along kids or assist the elderly.
• Educational and Entertaining: Learn fun facts about local sea life while enjoying the scenic harbor.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (max 8) ensures a more intimate, safe, and engaging outing.
• Great Value: At $160 per person for around 3 hours, it offers a balanced mix of adventure, learning, and wildlife observation.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and Setting

This kayaking tour begins at 280 Marina Way, Redondo Beach, CA, a location known for its peaceful bay and stunning views. From the start, you’ll notice how calm and inviting the waters are—a perfect environment for beginners or those nervous about getting on the water. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving ample time for paddling, wildlife viewing, and photo ops without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Kayaking Tour Special?

The highlight, of course, is the chance to observe sea lions in their natural habitat—a rare treat that reviewers describe as “getting as close as you can to sea lions in the wild.” Gary, the guide, is praised for his expert knowledge and patience, especially when handling groups with children or those with limited experience. He’s been noted for his engaging storytelling, often sharing stories from his TV show, which adds a fun, personal touch.

Wildlife on Display

Expect to see a variety of marine creatures including sand dollars, sea slugs, nudibranchs, octopuses, urchins, and garibaldi fish, as well as birds like pelicans and cormorants. Gary often jumps into the water to retrieve specimens, which he then offers to hold up for close inspection. This hands-on approach helps make the experience memorable, especially for kids. Reviewers pointed out how knowledgeable Gary is about local sea life—”super knowledgeable about the local sea life” and “showed us lots of California wildlife.”

Snorkeling Add-On and Other Options

For those feeling adventurous, Gary even offers to teach snorkel techniques, and supplies are ready for a cold-water session. Several reviewers highlight how the snorkeling added a new dimension to the trip, making it even more immersive. If you’re up for a laid-back lunch afterward, nearby restaurants serve delicious options, from casual tacos to ice cream or local beers—perfect for unwinding after a paddle.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, fostering personal interactions and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Reviewers mention feeling very safe, thanks to Gary’s professionalism and careful guidance. The small group size also means everyone can get closer to the action, whether it’s spotting a sea lion or examining a starfish.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is advertised as suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals or mobility issues. It’s near public transportation, making it easy to reach. Flexible cancellation policies add peace of mind: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is ideal if weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Pricing and Value

At $160 per person, this tour is a well-balanced investment considering the personalized attention, wildlife encounters, and the educational value. The reviews highlight how much families, solo travelers, and even parents with young children enjoy the experience, often calling it a “must-do.” The addition of snorkeling, wildlife guides, and the safe, calm environment makes this a premium yet practical choice for those wanting a memorable day in Southern California.

Why It’s Worth It

Many reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guidance and the opportunity to see wildlife they wouldn’t otherwise encounter so close. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, with Gary often sharing stories and facts that add depth to each sighting. For families or first-timers, this trip offers confidence and fun in a relaxed setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families with kids, beginners, or anyone seeking a peaceful, wildlife-filled adventure on the water. It’s also suited for those who want a personalized experience with a guide who genuinely cares about wildlife and education. If you’re comfortable with a moderate physical activity—paddling a kayak for a few hours—you’ll find this to be a rewarding outing. Conversely, if you’re looking for a high-adrenaline or highly structured tour, this might not be the right fit.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This kayaking tour offers a rare opportunity to come face-to-face with sea lions and a variety of other marine creatures in a beautifully calm harbor. The combination of expert-guided wildlife viewing, relaxed paddling, and interactive educational moments makes for a well-rounded experience. The small group size ensures everyone feels safe and engaged, and the flexible options — including snorkeling — add extra value.

For travelers wanting a fun, family-friendly outing that balances adventure with learning, this trip is a stellar choice. The reviews consistently praise Gary’s knowledge, patience, and personality, which elevates the experience from a simple kayak rental to a memorable highlight of any trip to Southern California.

This experience suits those who prioritize authentic encounters, expert guidance, and a peaceful environment over adrenaline-pumping activities or large crowds. If wildlife, scenic waters, and a relaxed pace appeal to you, this tour will likely exceed expectations.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for all skill levels, and no prior kayaking experience is necessary. The guide will provide instruction, and the calm waters make it safe for first-timers.

Can I bring my children?
Absolutely. The tour is very family-friendly and can even pull along the little ones or accommodate children in the kayak with adults.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No, swimming is not required. The waters are calm and the experience is very safe, especially with the guide’s supervision.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see sea lions, crabs, starfish, hermit crabs, garibaldi fish, pelicans, and cormorants. Gary often interacts with wildlife and shares interesting facts.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts around 3 hours, including paddling, wildlife viewing, and optional activities like snorkeling.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the kayak, safety equipment, guide services, and optional snorkeling gear. Additional costs might include lunch or drinks at nearby restaurants.

How many people are in each tour group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and less crowding.

Is there accessible parking or public transportation nearby?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation and parking options, making it convenient to reach.

Whether you’re craving a peaceful paddle, wildlife encounters, or a fun family outing, this kayaking with sea lions tour in Redondo Beach offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty.