Upper Newport Bay Kayak Tour

with the Newport Bay Conservancy

Saturday October 24, 2026 at 10am

Newport Aquatic Center

1 Whitecliffs Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

$25 plus $2.27 fee

Join a public group to kayak through the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and learn about what makes this place unique! Tours are guided by certified volunteer naturalists.

This area is protected, and it is special to be able to enter into such a sensitive nature area. As you gently paddle along, you will have the opportunity to see wetland wildlife while your naturalist guide stops occasionally to rest and talk about the ecology/natural history of the Bay. Feel free to ask questions at any time during your tour!

Purchase tickets here

Be sure to select October 24th at 10am when registering

A liability waiver must be completed after payment

Fitness Level

• All participants are expected to help carry kayaks a short distance to/from the water before and after the tour.

• It is expected that all participants can swim.

What to Expect

Location: Newport Aquatic Center (see map & full address below)

Equipment: All necessary equipment is provided, including...

• Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's/lifejackets). PFD's must be worn while on the water.

• Kayaks & Paddles. All participants will be paired with friends/family in double kayaks (2-person). Single kayaks are very limited and are reserved for odd-numbered parties. Participants will never be paired with an unknown member of the public.

  Safety: Kayaking is a very safe outdoor sport, however, the conditions will be the biggest risk to your safety. Bring sun protection, hat and/or sunglasses, and water (even in the winter), and be prepared to get wet from the knees down as kayaks are pushed off into the water from the shore. Tours will cancel/reschedule for excessive wind, heavy rain, or lightning.

No experience necessary: Your volunteer naturalist guide will begin with a quick Intro to Kayaking safety lesson for the group and show you all the skills needed to explore again on your own. 

Amenities: Free parking and public restrooms available on shore.

Why You Should Join Us

Kayaking is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the Upper Newport Bay and to see skimmers, terns, and egrets flying by you. If your eyes are quick, catch a glimpse of a silver mullet (fish) jumping out of the water or a stingray gliding beneath you. Each tour is unique with startling differences in the birds and other wildlife depending on the season and the state of the tide. In summer, black skimmers and terns that come here to nest predominate. In winter, there is an abundance and diversity of shorebirds, ducks, and grebes that migrate from Canada and Alaska. Most participants think that the winter kayak tours are actually the best!

How long is the tour?

Tour time of 2 hours includes set up, intro lesson, paddling the Bay, and putting away equipment. You can expect at least 1 hour on the water.

Click Here for Informative Video on Kayaking the Upper Newport Bay

Get Directions

Option

We can grab lunch afterwards at a nearby eatery if anyone is interested.

If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Event Leader:

Richard Norman

[email protected]

626-319-4740