Redondo Beach: Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour

If you’re searching for a memorable way to connect with marine wildlife and enjoy California’s scenic coastline, the Redondo Beach Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour offers a compelling option. Led by Gary Golding, a survivalist and TV personality known from Naked and Afraid, this 3-hour adventure combines active water sports with the chance to see playful sea lions up close — all in a small, intimate group setting.

What makes this experience interesting isn’t just the chance to paddle through crystal-clear waters or snorkel in vibrant underwater habitats; it’s also the opportunity to hear from Gary himself, who shares survival tips and stories that add a unique, personal touch to the tour. We love that it’s a balanced blend of adventure and education, perfect for travelers eager to explore nature authentically. One thing to consider is that you’ll need to be comfortable getting wet and have basic swimming skills — this isn’t a tour for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues.

This tour appeals most to families, friends, or solo travelers looking for a fun, active outdoor experience that combines wildlife encounters with scenic views. If your goal is to see California from the water while learning some survival tricks along the way, it’s a solid pick. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters with playful sea lions, marine life, and scenic coves
• Scenic kayaking through clear waters with ample opportunities for snorkeling
• Insider stories and survival tips from a TV survivalist, adding a personal touch
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Value for money considering the inclusion of gear, guide, and educational content

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point and Itinerary

The tour begins in Redondo Beach, a lively Southern California coastal town known for its bustling pier and charming harbor. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide, Gary Golding, who brings a laid-back yet engaging energy that immediately puts you at ease. The tour lasts roughly 3 hours and runs in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability, making it flexible for different travel plans.

You’ll start with a brief safety overview and gear check, where your kayaking equipment and snorkeling gear are provided. Expect lightweight, easy-to-handle kayaks designed for stability, even if you’re new to paddling. The small group size (limited to 8) ensures you get plenty of guidance, and the setting offers some of the best coastal views in the area.

Kayaking in the Scenic Harbor

Once on the water, we loved the way the harbor’s crystal-clear waters reveal the underwater world beneath us. The calmness of the harbor provides a perfect environment for beginners, but even experienced paddlers will appreciate the peaceful scenery. The views of the Pacific Ocean are stunning, with distant hills and bustling boats creating a lively backdrop.

As we paddled along, Gary shared stories about the local marine ecosystem and offered practical tips on staying safe while enjoying the water. The chance to glide through hidden coves and observe marine life from a kayak makes this segment particularly enjoyable. Keep in mind, though, that you should be prepared to get wet—water splashes are inevitable, especially when catching the current or when spotting marine creatures.

Encountering Playful Sea Lions and Marine Wildlife

The highlight? Seeing the sea lions up close. These charismatic creatures are often seen lounging on buoys or swimming alongside the kayaks. We heard from reviews that this part of the tour is truly magical; one participant mentioned, “We loved the way the sea lions played around us, and it felt like we were in their domain.” The tour offers a rare chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them, providing a genuine wildlife encounter.

Beyond sea lions, you might catch glimpses of other marine animals, like dolphins or seabirds, depending on the day’s conditions. The tranquility of the harbor enhances the experience, making it easier to connect with nature.

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Snorkeling in Vibrant Underwater Environments

After paddling, it’s time to hop out and don your snorkeling gear. The underwater environment is surprisingly vibrant, with colorful fish and interesting sea plants. We appreciated that the tour emphasizes respect for marine life, including clear instructions not to touch or disturb creatures — a rule that helps maintain the ecosystem’s health.

For those who enjoy exploring underwater scenes, the snorkeling offers a different perspective than kayaking, revealing details that aren’t visible from above water. Even if you’re a beginner, Gary’s guidance ensures you feel comfortable, making the underwater part accessible and enjoyable.

The Personal Touch: Stories and Survival Tips

Gary Golding’s storytelling adds an extra dimension to the tour. He shares stories from his survivalist background, offering tips that are both practical and entertaining. His approach adds authenticity, making the experience more than just a water adventure — it’s a window into living in harmony with nature.

Guests have remarked that Gary’s anecdotes are engaging and contribute to a deeper appreciation of the wilderness, even if you’re just on a short coastal trip. His philosophy of “giving back more than he takes” resonates and leaves many participants inspired.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $130 per person, the tour offers good value when you consider the gear, guide, and educational component included. Small-group sizes make for a more personalized experience, and the opportunity to see seals, marine life, and scenic views all in one outing is quite appealing.

While the price doesn’t include food or drinks, the experience itself justifies the cost for many travelers seeking something active and wildlife-focused. The flexible cancellation policy — cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund — also adds peace of mind, especially if your plans change.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera to capture the moment.
• Be prepared to get wet, and wear appropriate attire.
• Make sure you have basic swimming skills — this isn’t an experience suited for non-swimmers.
• Follow the guide’s instructions carefully to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families with children, friends looking for a shared adventure, or solo travelers wanting to combine wildlife viewing with active water sports. It suits people who like engaging with nature in a respectful manner and enjoy storytelling with a personal touch.

However, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those who are not comfortable in the water. The physical aspect — paddling and snorkeling — requires a basic level of comfort in aquatic environments.

Final Thoughts

The Redondo Beach Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour offers a refreshing, hands-on way to explore Southern California’s coast. You’ll enjoy stunning views, encounter playful marine wildlife, and benefit from the personal stories of Gary Golding, a guide who genuinely cares about connecting people with nature.

For those eager to combine outdoor activity with wildlife watching, this experience hits the mark. It’s a chance to see the ocean’s lively inhabitants in their natural setting — an authentic, engaging adventure that’s well worth the modest investment.

This tour is especially suitable for travelers who value small groups, expert guidance, and an active approach to exploring. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or curious traveler, you’ll likely leave feeling inspired and with great stories to tell.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
You should have basic swimming skills to participate comfortably, as you’ll be snorkeling and possibly getting wet. It’s not recommended for non-swimmers.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable outing that fits easily into a day of sightseeing.

What equipment is included?
All kayaking and snorkeling gear is provided. Just bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and waterproof camera.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes booking flexible and low risk.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider beforehand to discuss specific needs.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Wear swimwear and bring a towel. Be sure to apply sunscreen beforehand.

What wildlife will I see?
Most likely, you’ll see playful sea lions, and depending on the day, other marine wildlife like dolphins or seabirds.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s a water-based tour, so plan to bring snacks or water if needed.

If you’re up for a fun, active way to experience California’s marine life and coastal scenery, the Redondo Beach Kayak & Snorkel with Sea Lions Tour is a fantastic choice — authentic, engaging, and full of those special moments that make travel memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: