Marina Discovery Paddle: Learn SUP & Explore Wildlife
Overview
Get face-to-face with California sea lions from your own paddleboard — and learn a skill that lasts a lifetime. This unique 90-minute experience combines expert paddleboard instruction with a guided wildlife tour through LA’s largest marina. No experience needed. Led by LA’s most experienced ASI-accredited SUP instructor with 15 years and 1,000+ students guided.
Includes Pictures!!!
What's Included
- Water safety briefing
- Premium SUP board, adjustable carbon fiber paddle, leash, and safety gear
- Top quality boards, carbon fiber paddles, leash, lifevest or rescue belt
- Wildlife guide and marine ecosystem education
- Parking (free public parking available at Lot #11)
- Personal flotation device (available on request)
- Gratuities (appreciated but not expected)
- Photos (available upon request)
Meeting Location
14110 Palawan Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Start your Discovery Paddle at Mother’s Beach, one of the calmest launch points in Los Angeles. Your instructor, Tim Sanford, will teach you the fundamentals of stand up paddleboarding on the sand before guiding you onto the water. Within minutes, you’ll be standing and paddling with confidence.
From there, explore the marina's hidden waterways and wildlife habitats. Marina del Rey is home to thriving colonies of California sea lions, spotted on nearly every tour. You'll also encounter brown pelicans, great blue herons, cormorants, and occasionally dolphins. Your guide shares insights about the local ecosystem, marine life behavior, and navigation skills as you paddle.
This is not just a wildlife tour — it’s a lesson and an adventure combined. You’ll leave knowing how to paddleboard AND having experienced LA’s coastal wildlife from inches away. Paddle Method has been turning people into paddlers since 2010 and is the only ASI‑accredited SUP school in the Marina del Rey area.
Available 7 days a week, year‑round. The 8:30 AM session offers the calmest water, ideal for first timers and families. The 10:30 AM session suits those wanting a more active paddle with a gentle sea breeze.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- It's a water based activity so comfort swimming is preferred
- Not recommended for paddlers with knee problems
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Marina Discovery Paddle: Learn SUP & Explore Wildlife?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5639861P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Water safety briefing.
- Premium SUP board, adjustable carbon fiber paddle, leash, and safety gear.
- Top quality boards, carbon fiber paddles, leash, lifevest or rescue belt.
- Wildlife guide and marine ecosystem education.
- Parking (free public parking available at Lot #11).
- Personal flotation device (available on request).
- Gratuities (appreciated but not expected).
- Photos (available upon request).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 14. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Marina Discovery Paddle: Learn SUP & Explore Wildlife is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- It's a water based activity so comfort swimming is preferred
- Not recommended for paddlers with knee problems
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Marina Discovery Paddle: Learn SUP & Explore Wildlife will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Water safety briefing
- Premium SUP board, adjustable carbon fiber paddle, leash, and safety gear
- Top quality boards, carbon fiber paddles, leash, lifevest or rescue belt
- Wildlife guide and marine ecosystem education
- Parking (free public parking available at Lot #11)
- Personal flotation device (available on request)
- Gratuities (appreciated but not expected)
- Photos (available upon request)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- It's a water based activity so comfort swimming is preferred
- Not recommended for paddlers with knee problems
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
