Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: If it's raining on the day of my scheduled tour, is the tour automatically cancelled?
A: No. Please call us at (858) 454-1010 if the weather is questionable. Bike tours will NOT necessarily be cancelled if it is raining. Unsafe conditions will, however, result in a cancellation. Kayak tours are subject to lifeguard discretion. Kayak tours may be cancelled during poor weather due to increased wind, unsafe surf conditions, storm drain water pollution or other conditions recommended by Lifeguard Services.
Q: What is the best time of year to take a tour?
A: San Diego's great year round weather make tours fun all year long! However, the water is the warmest, about 72 degrees, in the summer, (July-Sept.) for kayaking. During winter months, wetsuits are advisable on kayak tours. Bike tours are a great activity in San Diego and can be enjoyed all year long also!
Q: What should I wear and bring on the kayak tour?
A: The less, the better! Wear a bathing suit or clothes that can get wet. Do not bring valuables or anything that cannot get wet or lost. Cameras that are not waterproof are highly discouraged. We have complimentary lockers to store small items including expensive sunglasses, wallets, keys, etc. Wetsuits are not necessary, but are available for rent for $5 on cooler days. There are NO storage compartments on the kayaks. Apply sunscreen before the tour. Bring a towel to leave in the locker or on the beach. No shoes are necessary on the kayaks; however, sandals may be worn to walk to the beach and left there. Optional items include hats, cheap sunglasses, water bottles and watershoes.
Q: Is there room on the kayak to store belongings?
A: No. We use stable sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks and there are no compartments. Towels should be left at the shop or on the beach. Water bottles are okay. Waterproof cameras and locker keys (safety pin is securely attached to key) should be attached to life jackets.
Q: What should I wear on the bike tour? What if I am doing both the bike and the kayak tour?
A: Wear comfortable athletic clothes for the bike tour. On cooler days, you may want to bring a jacket. Tour guides carry a backpack and you may store your jacket in there if you get too hot. We want you to be as comfortable as possible. Avoid loose pants so they do not get caught in the spokes; biking pants or shorts are recommended. Sneakers and socks are a must; no sandals or open-toed shoes will be allowed. Bike helmets and water are provided. For the bike/kayak tour, bring a bathing suit and towel; you will have a brief break between the bike tour and the kayak tour to change, eat, go to the car etc. Complimentary lockers and changing rooms are available for your convenience.
Q: What if I need to cancel? Am I going to get charged.
A: Not necessarily. In the event of a cancellation, just give us a courtesy phone call and/or a voicemail message; you will not be charged as long as you call us by 9 a.m. the morning of your tour to cancel. Please visit our "Cancellation Policy" for all details.
In an emergency situation, please call us at (858) 454-1010
Q: What is the minimum age requirement for the tours?
A: Six years old is the minimum age for kayak tours; children must know how to swim and be "water safe." Children ages 13 and under must be in a double kayak with their supervising adult. For bike tours, children should be no younger than 10 years old and have reasonable biking stamina and be familiar with 21 speeds and gear shifting. Private bike tours are recommended for children under the age of 11 years old.
Q: How strenuous are the tours? Do I need to have experience for the kayak or snorkel tours?
A: The tours are designed to be fun and enjoyable. Kayak tours and snorkeling tours do not require any experience; we give you a thorough lesson and paddle instruction prior to the tour. You should be in good health and be able to swim. Bike tours are also meant to be fun and they stop routinely for sight-seeing and pictures. It is NOT non-stop biking the entire time; the ride is mostly flat but there are some small hills. Bike participants should be in reasonable physical shape and in good health. Pregnant women, heart patients, and people will serious health concerns should not participate.
Q: How wet will I get on the kayaks? How likely is it that I will fall out of the kayak? Do you have to know how to swim?
A: Most people do not get entirely wet, unless they choose to jump in the water. Expect to get at least a little bit wet... you will wade into the water about knee deep and most people get a bit splashed on the way out. Our tour guides will swim you out past the waves to keep your kayak stable through the surf. Falling out of the kayak is not likely while paddling around; however, participants are most likely to fall out either entering or returning through the surf. If you do fall out, you will get wet. But, it is very shallow in the surf and you will be able to stand up. We use sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks that enable you to fall right out in such circumstances. It is no big deal if you fall out... in fact, it is quite fun but of course, you do get soaked! All participants should be able to swim.
Q: Where should I park?
A: Locate 2222 Avenida de la Playa. (See directions on "Location" page). We are on the right had side of Avenida De La Playa ( look for the Red awning) and our logo. Parking is available on the side streets, please come early to find parking. Be sure to avoid limited time spots; they are enforced regularly
(except Sundays).
Q: What if I want to go on a kayak tour the same day I call?
A: For same day kayak tours ( only available during July & August), leave a message with the your name, the number of people in your party, and just simply arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled tour.
Q: What if I want to go on a bike tour the same day I call?
A: For same day bike tours, you must call in the morning of the tour, and we will do our best to accommodate your party. However, due to necessary bike sizing and limited availability, it is advised make to reservations a minimum of one day in advance.
Q: What if I want to go on a tour at a time that is not posted?
A: We can open up additional tour times upon request; however, this is subject to scheduling and management approval. Private tours are also available upon request.
Q: How can I pay for my tour? Do I have to give a credit card over the phone?
A: We do take a credit card number to hold your spot for you on the tours. However, you can choose your payment method upon arrival. We accept Visa, Mastercard, traveler's checks, cash, or our gift certificates. No personal checks are accepted. You may pay in advance by phone if you wish.
Q: What are the hours of operation? Are you open all year long for tours? Is it too cold in the winter?
A: Yes, we are open all year for tours. Be sure to make advance reservations to ensure your tour. Is it cooler in the winter, but all tours still go out (conditions permitting). Wetsuits are necessary in the winter.
8am till Sunset!
Q: What if I get lost?
A: Calling our Reservations line at (858) 454-1010 for specific streets you may be lost around. Be sure to print directions off the "Location" page in advance. Allow extra time in case you get lost and for parking.
Q: What if I cannot get through on the Reservations line?
A: Due to increased call volume during seasonal months, tour times are posted on the recording. For advance reservations (not same day), leave a message, and state your first name, call back number with area code, the date, the tour and time you are interested in, and a reservations agent will return your call as soon as possible to confirm your reservation.
Q: Do you really have MORE questions?
A: Feel free to call us during business hours at (858) 454-1010 with additional questions.
