Kayak Adventure: Explore Nature and Culture

Explore Dana Point’s stunning landscapes with a guided kayak and hike adventure. Connect with nature, discover local culture, and enjoy wildlife in a serene setting.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point - Paddle through Dana Point Harbor in a kayak, observing sea lions basking on the docks. Revel in the stunning cliff views of the harbor under the warm California sun. After kayaking, embark on a hike along a rocky coastal path leading to a secluded sea cave. Discover tide pools and awe-inspiring…
What's Included
  • Kayak rental fee
What's Not Included
  • Breakfast
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The activity features a knowledgeable local guide who links adventurers with the natural environment, local culture, history, and distinctive geographical landmarks of the area. In a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, participants can enjoy a stress-free and contemplative experience in a stunning setting, complete with opportunities for wildlife observation and engaging in healthy activities.

Location
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
Golden Lantern
Meet 15 minutes before activity start time. The Guide will be wearing a hat and tshirt with 'Rafiki Tours' on the front and back.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(26 Ratings)
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1 star
221mikar
Feb 22, 2026
We had a great time - He was a wonderful guide ,and we enjoyed kayaking and hiking tours 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexanderlz4331yz
Dec 4, 2025
Kayak and Hike at Dana Point was great! - I went on the Dana Point Kayak and Hike Adventure with Sam, and it was a fantastic experience. Sam is very friendly, and the whole tour felt like going on an outing with good friends. He shared interesting insights about the local area and made sure everything ran smoothly—providing helpful info ahead of time and offering tips on kayaking. The kayaking itself was great. The harbor has calm, wave-free water, making it perfect even for beginners. Along the way you get to see beautiful shoreline views, seals, and plenty of impressive yachts. The hike was also wonderful. Sam took us to a real, secluded cove that wasn’t crowded at all—nothing like the busy, easily accessible spots nearby. Overall, highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1091izrobertp
Nov 3, 2025
Solo tour on beautiful day with an accommodating and personal guide - Due to low tide able to get easy access to 2 caves. Tour was as advertised with a good balance of kayaking and hiking. Saw a variety of wildlife including water fowl, sea lines , and unique white squirrels. Experience was laidback with a guide that makes you feel at ease. Sam is Friendly and knowledgeable. Robert
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coopenstein
Oct 26, 2025
One of the highlights of my life - My sister and I took the kayak/ hike at Dana Point Harbor. We had never kayaked before and Sam gave us a quick lesson and off we went. Sam is an A+ tour guide! He has a great life philosophy and is very knowledgeable about the area. The harbor was beautiful and calm . The hike went to a sea cave ,with unique rock cliffs and rock beach on the way. The cave is very special. I would highly recommend this tour and we plan on checking out Sam's other tours when we come back down.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizawhitaker
Oct 26, 2025
Fantastic time! - This event was really fun! Sam the guide was super friendly and knowledgeable! He has a great background of experiences that come together to make a perfect host! He truly loves what he is doing. Learned about the history of the area too! My sister and I had never kayaked but we got a Quick lesson on land and off we went! We felt super safe with Sam and he gave us just enough space but was there if we needed him. He was very encouraging ! The hike was beautiful . Doing both kayaking and hiking really gives you a feel for the area. We would totally go on another adventure!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
691amrh
Oct 2, 2025
Highly recommended experience in Orange County - I went on the kayaking and hiking experience with Sam and I highly recommend it! He shared fascinating stories about the history of Dana Point, and along the way we spotted playful sea lions and adorable white squirrels. Sam is a well-traveled guide who kept the whole group engaged and made the experience really fun. I’d definitely do it again in Orange County!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Remi
Sep 25, 2025
Fun half-day adventure! - Sam was a great guide! The kayak tour was so scenic and the hike along the rocky shore was a very fun adventure! He also told us a bit about the history of the area, which was super interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christinerk8281pj
Sep 20, 2025
Make sure you go into the cave sister! - Our guide Sam was very accommodating . Our little group enjoyed a half day trip around Dana Point. Sam gave us historical information as well as a lesson in marine life. Good times! I especially enjoyed the hike to the cave. We will be back with water shoes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula_m
Jul 29, 2025
a fabulous day in dana point - Sam was a knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic guide. He had a well-planned itinerary , and gave us the wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. He told us about parking, and storage. It was so convenient having these logistics taken care of, allowing us to focus on enjoying the fabulous day. He challenged us but with lots of support . Go out and do this with Sam. You will feel accomplished and renewed.
Review provided by Viator
Jenifer_h
Aug 21, 2025
do NOT recommend - absolute worst tour experience i’ve ever had. the guide rushed us on the kayaks when he realized our time was almost up..he took my camera to take our picture and he messed it up so I couldn’t use it the rest of the time. AND that hike is not for beginners whatsoever. what the tour description doesn’t tell you is that you need water shoes and a bathing suit and you’ll be trekking through big ole rocks and algae and practically swimming at some points…it was an absolute miserable time and a waste of money.
Review provided by Viator
From $85
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).