Back Bay Guided Kayak Tours

So called today to see about reservation and was informed they no longer do them. Major bummer, just wanted to put this info out there.

Took a 2 hour which turned into a 2 ½– 3 hr tour, b/​c the volunteer couldn’t stop talking, even after his assitant, Danny, advised everyone that it was 10 till 12. The tour was 10 – 12, and i told both leaders that I had a hard stop at noon, and the both said no problem. Danny, thank you!, alerted me to the time, and i paddled back on my
own, arriving at 12:15.
He gave way too much info to the point where a teenager and i were both nodding off! I did it before with Danny, and he is awesome! This guy whose name I can’t remember-​no way! He is knowledgeable and a volunteer, but i paid $ 25 for it. Not worth it. Go out with Danny or on your own.

Signed up for the holiday lights paddle. Was $ 35 per person. Very reasonable for a 2 hour unique tour of Balboa island and Newport harbor. Danny makes for a great guide. Gives us interesting facts and history about the area we paddle around and he takes the time to show us some of the more well known houses and their holiday decorations. We got to stop at Balboa island for 45 mins and get some coffee and dessert.
Would definitely recommend this for a date night or if you have friends visiting from out of town and want to experience the OC lifestyle.

This place is awesome! You can either paddleboard or kayak here. Prices aren’t too bad, they charge by the hour.
I decided to sign up for the Moonlight Kayaking and it was really great! Definitely a great experience! The instructor kept everyone all in a loop, making sure we were all together. We got to stop by Balboa to take a small break and walk around. I would definitely do this again!

Something great & new, to try solo or on a date.
Heard about this a couple years back and just never got around to it until now. I gotta say, it’s a pretty cool experience.
After you get there & get situated with your gear, the head instructor Danny, goes over a brief but adequate safety and technique once over. You quickly get launched out, and off you go. (They have singles and doubles if you want to do it with a fiend or as a unique date idea.) You travel with a group about 30, though once it gets dark, you don’t really notice a lot of things around you except for the amazing scenery, and romantic moon light.
It’s a bit of a work out, but not a tough one. I recommend some board shorts for the guys (your butt will get wet). For the ladies, a decent pair of capris, and something light & long sleeved. It’s actually decently warm out there, considering you’re on the water. Towards the end of the trip, what ever part of you that’s wet will make things a little chilly. Flip flops are recommended, and if you have long legs, you can dip your toes in the warm bay.
The instructor Danny, seems like a great guy, and gives you some fun facts about the scenic bay. He even brings his camera along to snap photos of everyone that asks, so you can have something to remember the trip by. Though they are allowed, I’d recommend leaving electronics on dry land, unless they’re water resistant.
Great experience all together, and I will be recommending this.
Pros:
1. Great views
2. Unique Experience
3. Fun for most
Con: (barely cons)
1. Can get a little wet.
2. A little bit of a work out

We had an amazing night under the stars with Danny. Our group were novice kayakers, and had an incredibly fun evening going through the harbor area. We saw all kinds of birds, glow worms, and even got to stop for Starbucks half way on the island. Our party cannot wait to go back an do another kayaking adventure… for just a few bucks too! Cannot recommend this enough to locals and vacationers.

Thank you for the great experience! Now we’re looking into buying our own kayak.

All I can say is wow, wow, wow! I can’t believe I have missed doing this until now. Danny was a wonderful guide and the volunteers truly all love what they do sharing this hidden gem of OC with us. The evening was warm and so was the water. There were the mysterious glow worms in the water… i had never even heard of these!
I almost don’t want to review and keep it a secret from the populous at large, but it is truly too good to be missed. Can’t wait to go back!

I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying many full moon Back Bay Guided Kayak Tours over the last few years and couldn’t wait to have my husband join me last Sunday for the SUPER MOON, since I did the «Paddle with Danny Hough (Moonlight Kayak, Outrigger & more)» SUPER MOON trip last year.
This trip was FANTASTIC even though the moon chose to stay hidden behind the clouds all night.
The trips are led by Danny Hough and a bunch of awesome volunteers who paddle out of the Newport Aquatic Center

VENUE
The Parking is ample, and FREE!
There are bathrooms, showers, and a changing area, which is convenient if you’ve decided to wear civilized clothing while having dinner before arriving for the trip, or want to change into warm dry clothes afterwards. NOTE, this is an aquatic center, not a 5 star resort, so expect sand and a very «nautical» feel.
THE TRIP
The trips start at the Newport Aquatic Center. They have everyone arrive at 7pm to get checked in.
They provide the kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and glow sticks.
When everyone has shown up on time, they’ve gotten us on the water by 7:30; leaving us ample time to get comfy in our kayaks to enjoy the sunset.
Danny also gives a brief lesson on how to paddle, stop, and steer the kayaks, and how to keep couples paddling in tandem kayaks from breaking up.
We haven’t always gone to the same place because Danny will adjust course depending on the tide, and he also takes into consideration the average ability of everyone involved.
THE CLIENTELE
I’ve had a blast every time I’ve joined a trip, and it’s mainly because everyone who shows up is awesome and ready to have a great time on the water (with the exception of one very grumpy lady last year who was really rude, even to several of the volunteers… oh well)
Lots of first-​timers, as well as many experienced paddlers, who are usually in a mellow mood and want to enjoy a relaxed time on the water.
A couple of times last year, large families with kids arranged to paddle in dragon boats alongside the kayakers… that was really neat!
THE STAFF
I think Danny is the only formal staff member, but he makes sure there are enough experienced volunteers to make sure the faster paddlers have escorts and that none of the more mellow folks feel left behind. The group always makes sure that all the guest stay close enough together or have an experienced paddler close by.
BONUS
Danny and some of his volunteers try to take pics along the way and they’ve recently started to add them to their Facebook page
within a few days of a trip! AWESOME for anyone who forgets a camera.
I cannot wait to head out for the next full moon.
OH, AND
I did the Christmas Light tour last year! WOW! Now that is one fun time!!!
Enjoy!