Take a look around the city of San Diego, and you’re likely to see everyone getting around on bike or by trolley. While it’s true that San Diego is full of sites and attractions, very few people realize that it’s also an ideal location to experience some great kayaking. In fact, some of the best scenery of San Diego is only seen from the water, and kayaking is an excellent way to take in all of the sights and sounds of this “big little city”.

Start your kayaking adventure in San Diego by taking a tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves. While it sounds like it may be an intimidating experience, it’s actually a very pleasant and fun outdoor adventure! Beginning at the La Jolla Shores, you can paddle your way through an outdoor paradise while you view areas of San Diego’s coast. Before reaching the historical sea caves, you’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with sea lions, stingrays, and other aquatic life that reside within these canals. In fact, it’s even said that harbor seals sit perched among the rocks of the water and “wave” at their visitors who pass by!

However, kayaking in San Diego is just as fun in the fall and winter as it is in the summer. Winter is known to be a season of hibernation and mating, and that’s exactly what you’ll find as you explore Baja’s Pacific Coast! During the colder seasons, gray whales leave their homeland of the Arctic Ocean and make their way to the inviting warmth of Baja. In the months of December and January, the whales mate and give birth. Take advantage of a guided tour from La Jolla Shores during this time, and experience the thrill of viewing these amazing animals in person.

If you plan to visit San Diego with small children, there are opportunities for them to experience the fun of kayaking as well. In areas of Monterey and Elkhorn Slough, there are very calm and tranquil waters that are perfect for children and families. Monterey
Bay offers fascinating history and abundant marine life, while Elkhorn Slough is an excellent kayaking route for the nature and wildlife lover. (Often, you can spot several breeds of exotic birds.) The children will love the feeling of paddling through the water on a boat, and adults will enjoy the quiet ride while taking in some sightseeing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of catching the biggest fish among your friends and family, then look into opportunities for kayak fishing around Monterey Bay. While this area is known for its calm and peaceful surroundings, it is also home to some of California’s best fishing. There are several classes offered in the area and guided tours and trips directed towards kayak fishing.

With so many amazing opportunities for kayaking in San Diego, you are sure to find the water adventure that’s right for you and your family!

Kayaking is an activity enjoyed by many people of all ages. It requires little or no experience and nearly anyone of any skill level can participate. It’s most popular as a summertime sport, but is also a great activity during the winter. Kayaking also seems relatively friendly to the environment; more so than speed boating or water skiing. Because a kayak doesn’t create large or frequent waves, require fuel, or disperse hazards into the air, it is indeed a fairly safe activity for humans and wildlife alike.

Kayaking on freshwater lakes and streams creates little turbulence and therefore, does not disturb fish or other aquatic life. Actually, the gentle paddling and movement of the kayak helps to bring kelp and seaweed to the surface, making for convenient snacking to the fish. However, there is a downside to kicking up an all-you-can-buffet for your fishy friends. In addition to bringing food to the surface, kayaking also stirs up litter that’s been lurking beneath the waters. Most fish will not eat the trash that rises to the top, but other aquatic animals will mistake it for food. This could cause the animals to choke on the indigestible litter, leading to death. As hazardous as this sounds, it isn’t very likely for such an event to take place. Most litter in lakes and streams is found along the shoreline and settles in the sand and dirt, and isn’t likely to drift away to the main body of water.

Unlike boats operated by motor and fuel, kayaks pose little or no harm to the fish swimming beneath. Kayaks don’t move at a rapid pace, and the fish swimming below have ample time to move out of the boat’s way. And because kayaks do not have a motor, fish have no risk of getting caught underneath the boat.

One potential hazard that results from kayaking is human waste. This depends solely on where you plan to kayak, and if there are resources available (such as campsites) along the shoreline. When there are no facilities in sight, you’re paddling in the middle of a lake, and nature calls, then often you are given no choice but to expel your waste in the middle of the water. While human waste is considered biodegradable, it can be harmful when ingested by fish. The only preventative measure is to avoid using the water as a restroom, but again, this can’t always be helped. Some public lakes and streams have taken steps to preserve the quality of the water by requiring permits for kayaking. This won’t eliminate a human waste problem, but does help regulate entry into the lake and prevent it from becoming overcrowded.

An important factor to remember when kayaking is that you are a guest in someone else’s home. You may not be greeted by anyone or be able to kick up your feet and watch TV, but the water is home to many aquatic animals and wildlife. Just as you would not throw trash on the floor or destroy the home of another, you shouldn’t do it outdoors either. Keep all trash with you in your kayak and properly dispose of it after you return to shore. Don’t dump anything in the water, and try to avoid expelling human waste if at all possible. By doing your part, you will help keep kayaking a safe and enjoyable activity for yourself and the environment.