Discover Upper Newport Bay Kayak Tour
Description
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.
FAQs
- Where do I park?
Free parking is available on site.
- Are restrooms available?
Public restrooms are located around the back of the Newport Aquatic Center and will be open during business hours. Make sure to use the restroom before launching, there's no restrooms out on the water.
- How many people will be on the tour?
This is a mixed public kayaking tour for up to 20 people.
- 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.
- Can everyone in my group have a single (1-person) kayak?
No. 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. Minimizing the number of boats on the water this way helps ensure our team can provide the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone. All children under 12 must ride with an adult (18+) in a double kayak. At least one parent/responsible adult must be on the water with any minors (17 and under).
- Is there a weight limit on the kayaks?
Our double kayaks have a weight limit of 375 lbs, single kayaks have a weight limit of 325 lbs. If you or a member of your group may be too heavy to share a double kayak, please let us know so we can determine how best to accommodate you.
- Can I bring my own kayak?
You are welcome to bring your own kayak for one of our tours. However, we do not recommend inflatable kayaks as those may not be able to keep up with the pace of the tour. The cost remains $25/person regardless of whether you bring your own kayak or use our equipment. This cost has been kept at this very low rate for many years and covers maintenance of our equipment but also supplements the cost of staff time and volunteer training without which we would not be able to continue to offer these tours.
- Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed on our tours. If you would like to go out paddling with your pup, check out the Newport Aquatic Center to rent a kayak and explore on your own.
- Can I enjoy the beach after the tour?
Yes! Make sure to help put your kayak and equipment away first. Then, if you wish to stay on site to picnic on your own, North Star Beach is located next to the Newport Aquatic Center and is a public beach for your use.
- How can I book a private kayak tour for my group?
We are able to schedule private kayak tours for groups of a minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 people. For details and to book your tour, go to: newportbay.org/explore/schedule-a-program/ and scroll to the bottom for Private Group Programming. Requests are reviewed monthly. We ask that all requests are submitted at least 2 months prior to your requested tour date to ensure we can reply back to you and prepare for your program.
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