Kayak in the Upper Newport Bay

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!

Participant Requirements

Minimum Age: 8 years old

All minors (17 and under) must have a parent/responsible adult present on the water.
All children under 12 must paddle with an adult (18+) in a double kayak.
Children under 8 will not be allowed to ride.

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.

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. View our Introduction to Kayaking video to get a better idea of what to expect before you paddle out!

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!

**Nesting season (March-September) is an especially sensitive time, please use an abundance of caution when recreating outdoors where birds are present.

Have a question? Check out our FAQs below.

Contact the host of Discover Upper Newport Bay Kayak Tour