Tour
Overview: In the late fall and
winter, one of the animal kingdom's most
impressive migrations takes place as the
gray whales leave their feeding grounds
in the Arctic Ocean and head for the warm
lagoons along Baja's Pacific coast, where
they mate and give birth. The migration
path hugs the coastline from Alaska to
Baja, providing an excellent opportunity
for close encounters by kayak! Gray whales
pass by San Diego most reliably from December
through January, and during this time,
we offer guided whale watching excursions
by kayak from La Jolla Shores. We only
need to paddle a mile or so off shore
to find ourselves in the path of these
magnificent creatures. We use stable sit-on-top
kayaks that are very user friendly and
no previous experience is required.
These
seasonal tours are held daily Dec.
15 - Feb. 28 and are approximately
3 hours long.
Daily
Tour Times: 9:00am (please
arrive 20 minutes before the start time)
Cost:
$50 for a single kayak. $80 for a tandem
(2 person) kayak
What to Bring and Wear:
- shoes that can get wet (sport sandals,
tennis shoes, 'river shoes' or flip
flops)
- bathing suit and/or quick-dry shorts/shirt
to wear under the wetsuit (cotton clothing
is not permitted)
- hat
- water and snacks
- sun screen (available for purchase
at our shop)
- If you wear glasses, it is VERY IMPORTANT
to have a retainer strap! You can purchase
these at our store.
- You can leave a towel and dry clothes
at our shop along with anything that
can't get wet such as cell phones, pagers,
electronic car keys, non-waterproof
watches, and non-waterproof cameras.
PLEASE be sure to leave them with us
for safe keeping or purchase a waterproof
container for them at our shop.
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. We are
often able to accommodate people with
disabilities. Our minimum age requirement
is 10 years. Children under 14 must be
on a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.
Children under 18 must be able to swim
and adults must be comfortable floating
in a PFD (life jacket) in deep water.
PFD's must be worn at all times.
What
to Expect: Be prepared to get
a bit wet. We launch through small surf
and paddle 2-4 miles round trip. 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. If you are susceptible to sea
sickness, please take the following precautions:
avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before
your tour, drink plenty of water, try
dried or candied ginger as snacks, and/or
purchase motion sickness wrist bands at
our shop. 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
restrooms at our shop. We will outfit
you with a life jacket, paddle, and wetsuit.
There are secure facilities to leave your
personal belongings in our shop during
your tour. After a brief paddle instruction
and safety talk, you will walk 3 blocks
to the beach where your guide and kayak
will be waiting. Here are driving directions
and a map to our shop. Free parking is
available on the side streets around the
shop. The spots marked ‘two-hour” parking
are not recommended because they don't
allow enough time.
Reservations:
Reservations are strongly suggested. Many
tours are fully booked in advance, especially
on weekends. Call (858) 454-0111 for availability
and reservations. Tour times and meeting
locations are subject to change without
notice. Up-to-date information is always
provided with your reservation.
