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Wildlife Kayaking

Wildlife Kayaking

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Be an Ocean Connector and join us on a Wildlife Kayaking adventure!

Did you know that San Diego Bay provides foraging habitat for the Eastern Pacific green sea turtle? This small feeding population consists of about 60 individuals, and we will be on the lookout for these beautiful creatures on our Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour while paddling through the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve. Our naturalist guide will point out local wildlife and teach you about the turtles in our bay, as well as local ecology and conservation efforts.

Best of all, proceeds of your Eco Tour ticket go to our nonprofit environmental education programs. Which directly supports youth in underserved Pacific coastal communities.

Duration 2.5 Hours 
Group Size Maximum 12
Ticket Cost $35-60 
Season Year Round 

Wildlife Kayaking Highlights

  • Our Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour offers a unique experience showcasing the South San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the many species that inhabit this biodiversity hotspot.
  • You will learn about the population of green sea turtles that live in San Diego Bay. As well as, threats and challenges facing native and migratory species, and what we can do to ensure our region’s environmental health. Be sure to be on the lookout for the endangered green sea turtles that live in the bay!
  • Tickets directly support our free educational programs for local students!

We just had the best vacation experience ever, Wildlife Kayaking Eco-Tour with Ocean Connectors! Of all of our San Diego activities, this was our favorite. We learned so much, saw incredible birds, and had a blast!

Hilary P.

Featured Wildlife

Whats Included

  • Two-hour naturalist-guided kayaking excursion inside South San Diego Bay through the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve.
  • All equipment needed: kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and even sunscreen.

What You Need to Know – Wildlife Kayaking

  • This tour is recommended for ages 6 and up and it is a great option for beginner kayakers, as well as seasoned kayakers.
  • Our kayaks can accommodate a maximum weight of 275 pounds (if you exceed this weight or have any physical limitations, please let us know in advance).
  • Children under the age of 12 must ride in a kayak with an accompanying adult.
  • All participants must submit a signed liability waiver and photo release form, and participants under the age of 18 must have the waiver and form signed by a parent or guardian.
  • All participants must wear life a jacket (provided) and stay with the group (pace is based on the slowest paddlers in the group).

FAQs Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour

I have never kayaked before; can I still join this tour?

You do not need any prior kayaking experience to join this trip! Our marine biologist guide will provide a short tutorial before the tour starts to ensure all participants are comfortable with maneuvering the kayaks. We use sturdy ocean kayaks that are inspected regularly, and everyone is provided with a life vest for safety. Our guide is also trained in Wilderness First Aid and Water Rescue. Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tours always depart in the morning, when the bay is at its calmest ensuring perfect kayaking conditions even for first-timers!

Are we guaranteed to see sea turtles?

Wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed. The Eastern Pacific green sea turtle population in San Diego is relatively small and our bay is large, so sightings are never certain. However, you won’t be disappointed as there is plenty of other wildlife to observe. The birdlife in the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve is prolific and we often spot juvenile round stingrays and bat rays that are using the wetlands as nursing grounds.

Can I bring my own kayak?

Due to our insurance policy, you are not able to bring your own kayak. However, we offer both double and single kayaks that are in excellent condition. All of the equipment we provide has been sanitized right before your trip for hygiene and safety.

What fitness level is required?

Since this is a wildlife viewing tour we will paddle slowly to be able to enjoy nature and wildlife. There is no minimum required fitness level to participate in this tour. Should you for some reason lose steam halfway through our guide always carries a towline! If you have any physical limitations, please let us know in advance.

What makes this an “eco” tour?

Ocean Connectors is a nonprofit program with a mission to educate, inspire, and connect youth in underserved Pacific coastal communities through the study of migratory marine life. When you purchase your Eco Tour ticket proceeds go directly back to our youth education programs. All of our tours also focus on environmental education and conservation and align with our mission to educate, inspire, and connect. We hope to inspire guests to get involved in protecting our oceans!

 How does my ticket purchase support youth education?

Ocean Connectors provides presentations and field trips for all public elementary and middle schools in National City, as well as 27 schools in Nayarit, Mexico. Our vison is to cultivate a future generation of passionate, globally-aware, and empowered coastal residents who take active steps to enjoy and protect ocean health. All proceeds of your ticket price goes directly toward these free youth education programs. All our 4th-grade students use sea turtles as a case study and attend a field trip to Living Coast Discovery Center where they have a chance to observe these beautiful animals!

Planning a special occasion or team-building event?

Don’t see the date/time/ tour you are looking for?

Contact info@oceanconnectors.org for requests about additional dates, private tours, and group bookings. 

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