Paddle Port Orford’s coves and kelp beds on a 2.25-hour wildlife-viewing kayak tour
2 Hour and 15 Minute Tour
Kayak, Wetsuit, Booties
Explore a headland protected by Oregon State Parks as you paddle past secret coves, kelp beds, and views toward Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve. Watch for seabirds, harbor seals, and seasonal whale sightings along the Port Orford coastline.
Single kayaks have a 250 lb weight limit; tandem kayaks have a 500 lb limit. Taller guests above 6'4" may find sit-inside kayaks cramped.
Full refund for 48 hours notice.
Arrive dressed to paddle in synthetic layers (leggings, swim trunks, water pants, fleece, windbreakers) and avoid cotton. You will wear provided farmer john wetsuits (no sleeves), so bring a windbreaker or fleece for your upper body.
Yes. Your tour includes a wetsuit and booties.
Yes. Single kayaks have a 250 lb weight limit, and tandem kayaks have a 500 lb weight limit. If you are over 6'4", sit-inside kayaks may feel cramped.
300 Dock rd. Port Orford, OR 97465
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.
So many good things to say. We originally booked a tour out of Secret Beach to Arches caves. My wife and I decided to test out the hike the day before. We parked at Spruce Island and made our way down, then hit a pretty exposed section right above Secret Beach and decided that this trip wasn't for us. We come from elevation and I am very comfortable with 30+ pack, but I cannot do an exposed cliff. On a holiday, we called to cancel our next-day trip. Within a few hours, Dave with SCT called and talked through our issues. He said hey, instead of canceling, are you interested in going out of Port Orford for a more chill trip? Our bit of refund was received immediately and the next morning we paddled with Mike out of Port Orford. Our group was experienced paddlers but this was still super fun, informative, and just overall cool. Mike was great with our group and we even got some fresh uni! Can't recommend enough because I called with a problem and they found a better solution than I knew. That's awesome.
Laura Harp Wadas [Rancho HS]
July 6, 2026
So many good things to say. We originally booked a tour out of Secret Beach to Arches caves. My wife and I decided to test out the hike the day before. We parked at Spruce Island and made our way down, then hit a pretty exposed section right above Secret Beach and decided that this trip wasn't for us. We come from elevation and I am very comfortable with 30+ pack, but I cannot do an exposed cliff. On a holiday, we called to cancel our next-day trip. Within a few hours, Dave with SCT called and talked through our issues. He said hey, instead of canceling, are you interested in going out of Port Orford for a more chill trip? Our bit of refund was received immediately and the next morning we paddled with Mike out of Port Orford. Our group was experienced paddlers but this was still super fun, informative, and just overall cool. Mike was great with our group and we even got some fresh uni! Can't recommend enough because I called with a problem and they found a better solution than I knew. That's awesome.
Laura Harp Wadas [Rancho HS]
July 6, 2026
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