Paddle to coastal caves and arches with a guide
3 Hours
Guide, gear, snacks
Explore sea caves, arches, and rock gardens by kayak on a guided 3-hour tour to the Dinosaur Caves in Shell Beach. This trip can be strenuous at times, with instruction and support from your guide.
You must be able to swim. Minimum age is 12+, and anyone under 16 must paddle with an 18+ adult in a tandem kayak.
Full refund up to 7 days before your reservation. No refunds for cancellations less than 7 days before booking or for no-shows. Tours require at least two participants; if only one participates, you will be contacted with alternatives and/or offered a full refund.
Yes. Everyone must have the ability to swim.
Wear your bathing suit if you’d like. Bring a set of dry clothes or a towel for after the tour, and bring a reusable water bottle.
Arrive 15 minutes before your tour so you have time to get into your paddling gear.
Dinosaur Caves, Shell Beach, CA
Tom and his team have built something special here. This is a full-service operation, meaning you show up and they handle everything from gear to kayak transport down to the beach. Guides like Caroline, John, and Heather consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious. They'll lead you through stunning sea caves where you're likely to spot harbor seals, sea otters, dolphins, and pelicans along the dramatic coastline. The tours feel well-organized and thoughtfully run, with quality equipment including wetsuits, helmets, and dry bags provided. First-timers appreciate how confident the guides make them feel on the water, while experienced kayakers enjoy the local expertise that takes them to the best spots. They also sell kayaks and fishing gear, with several reviewers mentioning successful rockfish catches. One person noted difficulty receiving their tour photos afterward, but otherwise the operation runs smoothly. The location in Shell Beach makes for an easy walk to the launch point, and the overall vibe is professional yet genuinely passionate about sharing this beautiful stretch of coast.
We had such a wonderful time on the sea cave kayaking excursion! One key to a good experience is a good guide. We had not one but TWO excellent guides in Christian and Caroline. They gave excellent instruction and coaching while keeping a sense of humor. Highly recommend this kayaking tour!
John Kennedy Tannous
April 29, 2026
We had such a wonderful time on the sea cave kayaking excursion! One key to a good experience is a good guide. We had not one but TWO excellent guides in Christian and Caroline. They gave excellent instruction and coaching while keeping a sense of humor. Highly recommend this kayaking tour!
John Kennedy Tannous
April 29, 2026