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What could be finer
than exploring Catalina Island by kayak?
Beginners will learn quickly, experienced paddlers will love our gear! |
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Most of our guided kayak tours are suitable for first-time
kayakers.
If
you’ve never paddled before, you’re guide will teach you - it’s
easy. Experienced paddlers will also enjoy the trips using more
advanced gear. Children 11 yrs. and younger receive a 25% discount,
while the youngest (our staff & friends take their babies) are not
charged. All taxes are included. Two persons are all we need to book
one of our daily kayak tours.
All trips highlight the island’s
natural history.
Plants, animals, birds, fish, sea mammals- never expecting to see,
but always surprised by whatever flies or swims by while we are on
the water. History of the island: past inhabitants & their culture;
modern activity including the Catalina Island Conservancy and it’s
restoration and education projects are presented by your guide.
All necessary equipment is
provided.
If you don’t have your own water sandals, we do. Windbreaker jackets
are sent on every trip. Dry bags are provided for your own towels.
Some trips include snorkeling, and we provide shorty wetsuits in
summer and full length suits when the water is cooler, with beanie
hoods to keep your head & ears warm. For cooler paddling weather, we
provide paddle pants, which pull on over your clothes. Otherwise,
summer paddlers should paddle in bathing suits or shorts that can
get wet.
Safety considerations / our
staff.
Guides are CPR/First-aid current. We take along both VHF marine
radios and cell phones on all our trips. All of our staff are
kayak-trained by industry professionals, many are also SCUBA
Instructors or DiveMasters. We are proud of our friendly and skilled
crew, and know that you will be treated as one of the family when
you arrive for your tour.
Our location is Avalon,
Santa Catalina Island, California.
We're located on the premises of the Descanso Beach Club, just a 3
minute walk past the famous Casino Building- keep the ocean on your
right and you'll walk right to us! The Beach Club is open to the
public and features a seasonal outdoor restaurant & full bar,
outdoor beach rinse-off showers, changing rooms & lockers.
Call for reservations.
Daily guided tours can be booked ahead or while you are on the
island- Call 310-510-1226. Custom guided tours require a few days to
a week advance reservation and can be arranged by calling
310-510-1588.
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Imagine exploring the inaccessible coastline |
of the Catalina
Island of five hundred years ago in a modern, easy to maneuver &
stable sit-on-top kayak for two! Your instructor/guide will teach
the basics of paddling and you’ll find how simple and fun kayaking
on Catalina’s clear ocean waters can be. Once on the water, your
guide will point out landmarks, birds & plants, discuss the
island’s ancient to modern history, geology and ecology as you
glide over nearshore kelp forests above colorful fishes. At Frog
Rock, you’ll land to stretch your legs, have a yummy snack and
bottle of water, take a quick dip in the sea if you desire.
Suitable for all ages, non-strenuous for beginners. Advanced gear
available for experienced paddlers.
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Duration:
Departures:
Cost: |
Two hour
excursion. (Up to 30 min. paddling each way - at your pace) Daily
at 10 am, 1 pm, also 3 pm in summer. Call to reserve 310-510-1226.
$ 38 per person (min. 2). Kids under 11 - 25% off. Children under
18 need parents' signatures on waiver. |
What to wear/bring:
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Paddle in
bathing suit or shorts. Wear surf shoes or water sandals, hat
& sunscreen. Bring a towel. |
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Provided: |
Instruction,
dry bag for your own towels, homemade snack (baked daily at
Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky) and bottled water. Protective
paddle pants & windbreakers provided for winter tours. |
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Discover the wild side of Catalina Island |
The perfect
combination tour for natural history-minded explorers. Your
instructor/guide will show you how easy it is to paddle a
streamlined sit-on-top kayak (your choice of double or single) and
you’ll be on your way in minutes along the inaccessible lee
coastline of Catalina Island. There are no roads to this stretch
of the shore where coastal bluff plant communities abound. At Fox
Canyon, an easy 30-40 minute paddle, you’ll land to rest a bit,
enjoy an energy snack and bottle of water before accessing the
interior of the island along a dry streambed- up into the native
grove of Catalina Cherry, Elderberry, Currant and fragrant Black
Sage. You never know what will fly by or trot away as you make the
leisurely walk into the canyon and back. Enjoyable for first-time
kayakers, advanced gear available to experienced paddlers.
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Duration:
Departures:
Cost: |
Three hour
excursion. (Up to 45 min. paddling each way - at your pace)
9 am daily, year ‘round. Enjoy the calm and quiet of the morning.
$ 50 per person (min. 2). Kids under 11 - 25% off.
Kids under 18 yrs. need parents' signatures on waiver. |
What to
wear/bring:
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Paddle in
bathing suit or shorts. Wear surf shoes or water sandals, hat
& sunscreen. Bring a towel. |
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Provided: |
Instruction,
dry bag for your own towels, homemade snack (baked daily at
Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky) and bottled water. Protective
paddle pants & windbreakers provided for winter tours. |
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KAYAK
SNORKEL
PICNIC
RELAX
ESCAPE
REVITALIZE |
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Half-day Guided Paddle Expedition |
Naturalist / guide will
give kayak instruction & safety orientation before leading the
2.75 mile paddle along Catalina’s scenic coastline to Willow cove,
where you’ll enjoy a picnic on the beach and the fine snorkeling
at ‘Mike Nelson Rock’ , or hiking, or just sunbathe - it’s up to
you. Suitable for all ages, non-strenuous for beginners. Advanced
gear available for experienced paddlers.
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Duration:
Departures:
Cost: |
Four hour
excursion. (Up to 1 hr. paddling each way - at your pace)
11:30 am daily, year ‘round. Snorkeling at the warmest time of
day.
$78 per person (min. 2). Kids under 11 - 25% off.
Kids under 18 yrs. need parents' signatures on waiver. |
What to
wear/bring:
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Paddle in
bathing suit or shorts. Wear surf shoes or water sandals, hat
& sunscreen. Bring a towel, hiking shoes if desired, a book . .
.prepare to relax. |
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Provided: |
Double or
single kayaks, instruction, lunch, snacks & bottled water, snorkel
gear including wetsuits. Dry bags to store your towels,
sweatshirts, shoes, etc... |
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DAILY GUIDED KAYAK TOURS: Frog Rock; Fox Canyon;
and Willow Cove may be reserved by calling:
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(Daily Guided Tours Only)
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Fun and Fundamentals for Ocean Kayaking
Adventure
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Minimum class size 4. Mom & Dad can be kids too! |
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Class includes: Warm-up exercises; Safety instruction; |
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Dry-land paddling practice; Water techniques; |
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Self-rescue practice; Environmental awareness; |
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Games; and a short, Guided natural history paddle tour. |
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What to wear and bring: |
Bathing suit or
shorts (you will get wet in the seat); surf shoes or sandals, old
tennis shoes or wetsuit booties (your feet will be wet and our
beach is smooth, cobble rocks with little sand at the waterline -
we have sandals for you if you don’t). Wear sunscreen and a hat.
We will be practicing the self-rescue, kids will get all wet, so
bring a towel and change of clothes (if desired). Lockers
available at Descanso Beach Club. Bring signed parent permission
waiver, or sign at time of class.
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What we provide: |
See our
"Groups" page for
youth group specials
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Single
kayaks and instruction. Souvenir certificate and sticker awarded.
Sign up the day before, then mom & dad can take the morning off! |
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Price and scheduling: |
$18 per kid, based on
minimum class size of four (private and semi-private rates
available). Available daily, at 9 am and 3:30 pm. except for
Tuesday & Wednesday mornings.
Allow one and 1/2 hours total time for activity +sign-up time
beforehand. |
Experience the island coming alive...
the colors of dawn, the birds & sealife |
Your
guide will show you the quiet side of Catalina as you greet the
new day from your kayak. Nesting ravens, fishing cormorants,
herons and bald eagles are likely to be seen depending on the
season. Fish and sea mammals such as dolphins & yellowtail are
more active in the early morning as well!
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Great Blue
Heron |
What to wear and bring: |
| Summer:
Bathing suit or shorts. Winter: Shorts or pants that you are able
to roll up above your ankles. Wear beach shoes or watersports-type
sandals if you have them. (Provided if you do not). |
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What we provide: |
| Double
or single kayaks and instruction. Paddle pants and windbreakers to
wear over your shorts or bathing suits. Dry bags for your own
towels, binoculars, etc. |
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Price and scheduling: |
MEET the MORNING PADDLE
is available year ‘round, weather permitting. Leaves from Descanso
Beach, by reservation only, at 6:30 or 7 am. Duration of tour is
one and one-half hours.
COST - $32 each (two persons minimum). |
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The Quietude of the ocean from dusk to
dark |
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ONE & ONE-HALF HOURS
OF SERENITY
the sound of your paddles dipping, and flying fish zipping...
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What to wear and bring: |
Shorts or pants that you
are able to roll up above your ankles.
Wear beach shoes or watersports-type sandals if you have them.
(Provided if you do not). Bring a towel & change of clothes plus a
warm jacket or sweatshirt to change into after you return. |
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What we provide: |
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Double kayaks and
instruction. Paddle pants and windbreakers to wear over your
clothes or bathing suits. Storage for your bags during your paddle
trip. |
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Price and scheduling: |
EVENING PADDLE is
available year ‘round, weather permitting. Leaves from Descanso
Beach, by reservation only, at dusk (time varies per the season).
Duration of tour is one and one-half hours.
COST - $32 each (two persons minimum). |
Stars, Constellations, Mythology,
Planets...
Watch out for Flying Fish! |
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Your Guide:
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An avid kayaker and
passionate amateur astronomer, Kathleen Hill Zeller will direct
you down the coast away from the lights of the "big city" of
Avalon so you can really experience the night sky. Back on shore,
enjoy a hot beverage while Kathleen sets up her 8" reflector
telescope to get a closer look at the moon and/or planets. |
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What to wear and bring: |
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Shorts or pants that you
are able to roll up above your ankles. Wear beach shoes or
watersports-type sandals if you have them (provided if you do
not). Bring a towel and change of clothes and warm jacket or
sweatshirt for the telescope session. |
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What we provide: |
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Double kayaks and
instruction. Sandals if you don't have your own. Paddle pants and
windbreakers to wear over your clothes. Hot beverage back on the
beach |
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Price and scheduling: |
ASTRONOMY PADDLE is
available year ‘round, weather permitting. Leaves from Descanso
Beach, by reservation only, at a time determined by the setting
sun. Duration of tour is two hours or a bit longer. Cloudy skies
may force cancelling of trip at last minute.
COST - $45 each (two persons minimum) and is designed for adults. |
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Coastal Cruise / Hike / Picnic
/ Snorkel / Kayak |
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If you only have one
day to spend, and want to see and experience our pristine
coastline, this is the tour for you!
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NARRATED boat
ride past Little Gibraltar Pt. to volcanic cave area (approx. 9
miles from Avalon) on our vessel "Ama".
PADDLE into cave (tides/weather permitting) & continue along the
coastline to picnic spot.
ENJOY lunch on a secluded beach OR hike inland - your guide knows
the way.
COOL off with a swim, relax on the beach, or snorkel - wetsuits &
hoods included.
PADDLE back to Descanso Beach the easy direction with the wind at
your back. (usual weather pattern)
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Your Guide:
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Your trip begins on the
"Ama" with Captain Randy, who's knowledge of Catalina's coastline
and marine life is unparalleled. Your personal guide for the
remainder of the trip, an expert kayaker and experienced Catalina
Island hiking guide with current First Aid & CPR certification is
equally at home on the sea or shore and will introduce you to the
island's stories - from sea, land, and sky. You'll be learning,
working-out and having fun. |
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What to wear and bring: |
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For paddling - bathing
suit or shorts (because your seat will be wet), wear beach shoes
or watersports sandals. For hiking - bring clothing suitable for
the season, versatile layers are best. Bring your hiking shoes.
Wear sun protection including sunscreen, hat sunglasses with
retainers. Bring a towel, wear swimsuit under your shorts. |
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What we provide: |
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Transportation along the
coastline aboard the 25' twin engine vessel "Ama". Gourmet picnic
lunch (your choice) and plenty of snacks and bottled water.
Complete snorkel gear including wetsuits. Windbreakers and paddle
pants as the weather dictates. Open-deck (or sit-on-top) single or
double kayaks depending on your experience level. Dry bags for
your towels and change of clothes/shoes. |
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Price and scheduling: |
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EXPERIENCE CATALINA DAY
TRIP leaves from Descanso Beach at 9 am by advance reservation
only. Plan for a seven hour day, but allow an extra hour just in
case. You should be paddling back to Descanso Beach by 4 pm but
may take a little longer. We paddle at a comfortable pace, with
stops along the way. Cost for single to four people for the entire
day is only $540, all taxes are included. |
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CUSTOM GUIDED KAYAK TOURS:
Kayak Kids; Meet the Morning; Evening; Astronomy;
and Experience Catalina may be reserved by calling:
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310-510-1588
(groups and custom tours phone) |
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(Leave message after hours) |
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All Kayak Rentals also include supportive backrests
&
comfortable paddling pfd's designed by kayakers.
All applicable taxes are included in rentals.
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports is open every day of the year at 9 am
(weather permitting)
No reservations are needed for parties of less than 10 persons.
However, we do appreciate any advance notice you can give us if you
have a larger group coming out.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Please call the company directly to verify current prices.
Rental Prices
Kayak Rentals
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Single Kayak |
Double Kayak |
| 1 hour |
1/2 Day |
All Day |
1 hour |
1/2 Day |
All Day |
| $16.00 |
$35.00 |
$48.00 |
$24.00 |
$52.00 |
$64.00 |
Snorkeling and Beach Fun
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Mask and Snorkel |
Swim Fins |
Wetsuits |
PDF |
Boogie Board |
View Board |
| 1 hour |
$3.00 |
$3.00 |
$6.00 |
$2.00 |
$5.00 |
$6.00 |
| 2 hour |
$4.00 |
$4.00 |
$8.00 |
$3.00 |
$7.00 |
$8.00 |
| Add Day or 24 hours |
$6.00 |
$6.00 |
$11.00 |
$5.00 |
$10.00 |
$11.00 |
Prices are subject to change without notice. Please call
the company directly to verify current prices.
Kayak Rental Packages
"not-so-EARLY
BIRD" SPECIALS
SAVE $40
Half-day
rentals COMPLETE for two persons only $64
(All applicable taxes are included)
Choice of two options: Snorkel Package or Cool Weather
Package
Reservations suggested for groups of 6 or more, so that we may
serve you better.
What's "not-so-early"?...rent by 11:30 am in winter, rent by 10
am in summer. |
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SNORKEL Package - $64 for four hours includes:
double kayak & instruction
2 sets of snorkel gear with wetsuits (shorty in summer, full in
winter)
1 dry bag for your own towels, supplies
1 soft cooler (no ice) for carrying own picnic lunch |
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COOL WEATHER Package - $64 for four hours
includes:
double kayak & instruction
2 sets of paddle wear (pants and windbreakers)
1 dry bag for your own towels, supplies
2 pairs of water sandals
1 soft cooler (no ice) for carrying own picnic lunch |
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WITH ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ONLY! ...
CALL 310-510-1588 |
Quick
transportation to remote sites for you and your kayak.
No more than 5 passengers and 5 kayaks (double or single) per
run.
Paddle back to Avalon the "downhill" direction.
Morning departures only. Narrated Coastal tour by Captain Randy.
Base price $150, plus mileage and stand-by time. Rates subject
to change.
See our Kayaker's Map in our "Kayak Camping on your own"
pages. |
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(Leave message
after hours) |
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Please call the company directly to verify current prices.
Use the valuable coupon
. Pay for one (1) hour of kayaking and get a 2nd hour free, or buy
one (1) guided tour and get 10% off the second.
| Region |
PriceRange |
| Southern California |
$3-$540 |
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Contact:
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
& Catalina Island Kayak Expeditions
Box 386
Avalon, CA 90704-
Phone: (310) 510-1226 (Rentals & Guided Tours
or (310) 510-1588 (Group Sales and Kayak Camping)
Click here for map
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Help us help you! For specific answers to
questions about this adventure, please Email to the company directly using the email
address above.
CalAdventures.com seeks to offer you the highest quality
adventures throughout the state. Comments about how you liked (or disliked)
this company, we'd like to know! Thank you!
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