Redondo Beach: Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour

If you’re considering adding a kayak and snorkel adventure to your Southern California trip, the Redondo Beach: Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour is worth a look. Led by Gary Golding, a survivalist and TV personality, this experience promises a combination of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and engaging stories. It’s designed for those who love the idea of getting out on the water and seeing marine life in its natural habitat.

We really appreciate how this tour combines active exploration with a bit of storytelling from someone who lives by survival principles. The chance to paddle through clear waters and meet playful sea lions is genuinely appealing. That said, it’s not perfect—getting wet is part of the fun, so don’t expect a super polished, all-amenities experience. Instead, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some physical activity and who want a personal touch in their outdoor adventures. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or family, this tour can be a memorable addition to your California itinerary.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Playful sea lions and marine life are the highlights.
• Active exploration: Kayaking and snorkeling keep you engaged and moving.
• Scenic views: Expect stunning vistas of the harbor and Pacific Ocean.
• Expert commentary: Gary Golding shares survival tips and stories.
• Cost and duration: At $130 for about 3 hours, it offers a good balance of time and value.
• Small group: Limited to 8, ensuring personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Tour All About?

This tour isn’t just about paddling and snorkeling—it’s about experiencing California’s coast from a different perspective. Led by Gary Golding, who’s known from Naked and Afraid, it offers a chance to see marine wildlife up close while getting some practical survival tips along the way.

The 3-hour experience takes place in the calm, scenic harbor of Redondo Beach. The water is described as crystal-clear, which makes for fantastic views both above and below the surface. Plus, the chance to encounter playful sea lions is a big draw. They’re known for being curious and energetic, often approaching paddlers and snorkelers in a friendly manner.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the tour’s main focus is on the water activity, here’s what you might expect during your time:

Starting Point and Equipment

You’ll meet your guide, Gary, and receive your kayaking and snorkeling gear. Given that the tour is suitable for those with basic swimming skills, you’ll want to be comfortable in the water, but you don’t need to be an expert swimmer. The equipment is supplied, but remember to bring your own essentials like a swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture the moments.

Paddling Through the Harbor

Once on the water, you’ll paddle through calm, scenic areas with incredible views of the harbor and occasional glimpses of the open Pacific. The environment is described as tranquil, perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Many reviews rave about the stunning views, which help make the experience feel special.

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Encountering Marine Wildlife

This is the heart of the tour: meeting playful sea lions and observing other marine animals. Reviewers mention how close you can get, which adds to the excitement. One person noted, “We loved the way the sea lions swam right next to us—so playful and curious.”

Snorkeling Time

After paddling, you’ll have the opportunity to jump into the water for snorkeling. The vibrant underwater life is often praised, with many saying it’s like swimming in an aquarium. However, it’s important to listen to safety instructions—touching marine life is not allowed, and you should be prepared for a wet experience.

Stories and Survival Tips

Throughout the tour, Gary shares fascinating stories and practical survival tips from his TV experience. This personal touch offers a different kind of connection compared to typical guided tours, adding depth and entertainment to your adventure.

The Experience’s Value

At $130 per person, the tour falls into a fair price range considering the inclusion of guiding, equipment, and personalized stories. The small group size (up to 8 participants) ensures a more intimate experience, which can improve safety and make the activity more engaging.

Most travelers find the value quite good, especially because of the chance to see wildlife close-up and enjoy stunning views that are difficult to experience from land. The tour’s duration, three hours, strikes a good balance—long enough to feel immersed but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• What to Bring: Wear your swimwear, bring a towel, apply sunscreen, and pack a waterproof camera. These small items can significantly enhance your comfort and photo opportunities.
• Getting Wet: Be prepared—getting splashed or even dunked is part of the fun. It’s a water-based activity, so if you’re not comfortable with that, this might not be your best choice.
• Physical Requirements: Basic swimming skills are necessary; non-swimmers will find it difficult to participate fully.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but those with mobility issues should check with the provider beforehand to ensure compatibility.
• Timing: Tours are usually available in both the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility around your schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy being active outdoors. It’s particularly suited for those interested in wildlife, scenic views, and stories of survival. Families with children should ensure their kids are comfortable in water and can follow safety instructions; younger children may find the activity challenging.

If you’re a solo traveler or in a small group looking for a personalized, engaging activity that combines wildlife spotting with physical activity, this tour fits the bill. Those who prefer more relaxed, land-based sightseeing might find it less appealing, but for anyone craving a hands-on adventure in nature, it’s a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

The Redondo Beach Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour offers a refreshing and engaging way to experience California’s coast. The combination of active water exploration, playful wildlife, and the stories from Gary Golding makes it a memorable outing. It’s especially attractive if you’re looking for a small-group, personal experience that mixes adventure with education.

The stunning views and close encounters with sea lions are what many travelers end up talking about long after the trip. While it’s not a luxury tour, it delivers value through authentic wildlife interactions and scenic beauty, which are often the real highlights of outdoor adventures.

In the end, it’s perfect for those who want to connect with nature in an active way and enjoy the vibrant California coastline from a different perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Basic swimming skills are required, so non-swimmers might find this activity challenging. It’s best if you’re comfortable in water and can follow safety instructions.

What should I wear?
Wear your swimwear under clothing, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen. Also, pack a waterproof camera if you want to take pictures underwater or from your boat.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, which offers enough time for paddling, snorkeling, and wildlife encounters without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

What is included in the price?
Your kayaking and snorkeling equipment, guided tour with Gary, and stories and survival tips are included. Food and drinks are not.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It can be suitable for families, especially those with children who can swim and follow safety rules. Always check with the provider beforehand.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s helpful to confirm specific needs before booking.

What wildlife might we see?
Most likely, you’ll see playful sea lions and various marine life. The calm waters and clear views make wildlife spotting easier.

If you’re craving a hands-on, wildlife-focused adventure on California’s coast, this tour hits quite a few marks. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or want to add a memorable outdoor activity to your trip, it’s worth considering. Just remember to come prepared to get wet and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: