Spot seals and coastal birds on a calm Chetco River paddle in Brookings
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1 Hour and 45 Minutes
Paddle the Wild and Scenic Chetco River estuary in Brookings to view seals, pelicans, kingfishers, sloughs, and clean coastal waters.
Enjoy a calm-water introduction in the boat basin while viewing commercial fishing boats, Coast Guard vessels, and pleasure craft.
Taller than 6 ft 4 in may find sit inside kayaks cramped. Weight limits: 250 lb single, 500 lb tandem. Larger people may not want to do this tour.
Full refund for 48 hours notice.
Meet by the boat ramp and bathroom facilities. Look for the rack on the docks with all of the kayaks. We are near Zolas Pizza and Slugs and Stones Ice Cream. 16340 Lower Harbor Rd. Brookings, OR 97415
South Coast Tours delivers consistently excellent kayaking and whale watching adventures along Oregon's stunning coastline, with guides like Mike, Dave, Brian, and Grant earning universal praise for their knowledge and enthusiasm. These aren't just boat rides or paddle trips—the guides share fascinating insights about local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and coastal history while ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable, even first-timers nervous about ocean kayaking. All necessary equipment (wetsuits, life jackets, booties) is provided and well-maintained, so you just show up ready for adventure. The wildlife encounters are genuinely special. Gray whales and even blue whales make regular appearances on boat tours, while kayakers get up close with harbor seals, sea stars, sea urchins, and countless bird species in places like Port Orford and the dramatic sea arches near Brookings. The guides excel at reading conditions and people, offering helpful paddling tips and taking the time for interesting breaks during longer routes. One reviewer wished the whale watching tour lasted longer than its current duration, but that's the only real critique in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record.
We enjoyed our ocean kayak tour with Dave as our guide. We saw a lot of birds and seals while Dave provided insights as our group paddled through the water. They provide everything needed including a wetsuit, booties, life jacket, etc. Their confirmation email a few days before the trip gave us all of the relevant details. We recommend South Coast Tours and will take another trip with them in the future.
Carlos Garcia
September 17, 2025
We enjoyed our ocean kayak tour with Dave as our guide. We saw a lot of birds and seals while Dave provided insights as our group paddled through the water. They provide everything needed including a wetsuit, booties, life jacket, etc. Their confirmation email a few days before the trip gave us all of the relevant details. We recommend South Coast Tours and will take another trip with them in the future.
Carlos Garcia
September 17, 2025