San Francisco’s beautiful coastline and sheltered bays make it an ideal spot for canoe and kayak adventures. You can paddle past iconic landmarks like the Bay Bridge, Oracle Park, and the Chase Center, or explore quieter, wildlife-rich waters near Point Reyes and Tomales Bay. Among the standout options is the Learn to Paddle Board on the San Francisco Bay experience, which offers beginners a chance to get comfortable on the water with expert guidance. For those seeking a more adventurous outing, the San Francisco Bay kayak tour to the Bay Bridge delivers up-close views of the city’s skyline and engineering marvels. Meanwhile, the Point Reyes sea kayak excursions promise encounters with seals, otters, and striking seascapes. We love how these options cater to different interests and skill levels—whether you’re just starting out or want to explore the bay’s wildlife and waterways with a seasoned guide.
If you’re new to paddling, the Learn to Paddle Board on the San Francisco Bay is a perfect introduction, offering a small-group setting and all necessary gear. For experienced paddlers craving a scenic challenge, the San Francisco kayak tour to the Bay Bridge provides a thrilling course past some of the city’s most famous sights. And if wildlife is your focus, the Explore Point Reyes by Sea Kayak immerses you in untouched nature. Below, we breakdown each of these top San Francisco canoe and kayak experiences to help you choose the perfect trip.
1. Learn to Paddle Board on the San Francisco Bay!
Perfect for absolute beginners, this stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson is a fantastic way to get started on the water. The tour provides all the gear you need—board, paddle, leash, and dry bag—and takes place near Crane Cove Park and the Dogpatch neighborhood. Over approximately 1.5 hours, an experienced instructor guides small groups through basic techniques, route planning, and how to interpret currents, tides, and wind factors.
What sets this lesson apart is its focus on safety and personal attention, reflected in the high praise for instructors like Jillian, who makes beginners feel comfortable and confident. The small group size ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd and can get plenty of feedback. This tour is ideal if you’re new to paddleboarding or want a relaxed, fun introduction to the sport with a scenic waterfront backdrop. It’s completely free, which makes it a fantastic, low-stakes way to try something new.
Bottom Line: A beginner-friendly introduction offering personalized coaching and a chance to explore the shoreline at a relaxed pace. Great for those new to paddleboarding or with limited time.
2. Kayak Or Paddle Board Tour on the San Francisco Bay
For paddlers with some experience looking to see San Francisco from the water, this kayak or paddleboard tour offers a lively 1.5-hour adventure around Crane Cove Park. The tour launches from the central waterfront and explores the busy waters near Chase Center, Pier 54, and beyond, depending on currents and wind conditions.
What makes this tour stand out is the possibility of wildlife sightings—seals often lounge on the rocks, and you’ll get impressive views of the city skyline. The route varies, sometimes heading north past Pier 54 or south toward Pier 70, giving a different perspective on familiar sights. The guide shares insights into local history and natural features, making it both a scenic and educational experience.
This tour is ideal for paddlers comfortable on the water who want to cover more ground and enjoy a bit of an adventure. It is priced at $131.44 per person, reflecting its slightly more involved nature and the chance to see seals and other marine life up close. If you’re after a memorable, wildlife-rich paddle, this is a good pick.
Bottom Line: An engaging tour for experienced paddlers who want to combine city views with wildlife encounters in a manageable 1.5-hour session.
$131.44 per person
3. Sick Day Midweek Kayak Tour on Tomales Bay
Escape the hustle and bustle with this Midweek Kayak Tour based at Point Reyes. Starting with 20-30 minutes of shore activities, history, and gear familiarization, the tour then spends around three hours exploring the calm, protected waters of Tomales Bay. Your guides will take you past pristine seascapes, with opportunities to spot harbor seals, bat rays, and even leopard sharks.
What makes this trip special is its focus on natural history and wildlife in a peaceful setting, away from the crowds. The tour is suitable for paddlers of intermediate skill who want a relaxed, in-depth experience. Since the tour length is about three hours, it offers plenty of time to soak in the scenery and spot diverse marine life. The tour’s private option makes it flexible for different groups or special occasions.
This outing is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy quiet waters, wildlife viewing, and a slower pace. At $135 per person, it provides an authentic, immersive experience that combines physical activity with learning about the area’s ecology.
Bottom Line: A serene, wildlife-rich paddle ideal for those wanting a midweek escape into nature with plenty of time to observe local marine life.
$135.00 per person
4. San Francisco: Kayak or SUP Tour to the Bay Bridge!
If you crave high-impact water views and a dose of urban excitement, this Bay Bridge tour offers a bucket-list experience. Paddling along the waterfront, you’ll pass by the Chase Center, Oracle Park, and South Beach Marina, ultimately gliding under the dramatic towers of the Bay Bridge. It’s the most thrilling of the listed trips, suitable for paddlers who want a more intense and scenic adventure.
The tour’s focus is on close-up views of San Francisco’s skyline, bridge architecture, and city life, making it perfect for photography and sightseeing. The route is dictated by conditions, but the highlight is definitely the under-bridge experience, which feels like paddling through a city’s arteries. Guides share interesting tidbits about local landmarks, adding cultural context to the stunning scenery.
This experience is best suited for intermediate or advanced paddlers comfortable with longer sessions and potentially choppier waters. The $134 price reflects its exclusive urban vantage points, making it a worthwhile splurge for lovers of cityscapes and engineering marvels.
Bottom Line: An exciting, picture-perfect journey for paddlers wanting to combine urban scenery with an active outdoor challenge.
$134 per person
5. Tour the San Francisco Bay by Kayak or Paddle Board!
Offering a similar experience to the Bay Bridge tour but slightly shorter, this 1.5-hour tour is designed for paddlers who want a quick yet rewarding outing. Launching from Crane Cove Park, you’ll explore the central waterfront and the Dogpatch neighborhood, enjoying sweeping views of the bay and city skyline.
This tour provides basic technique instruction, making it accessible for paddlers with some experience but welcoming to newcomers willing to learn. Along the way, you’ll encounter notable wildlife and appreciate the scenic shoreline. It’s a good option for travelers short on time but eager to experience San Francisco’s waters.
At $131 per person, it’s priced competitively and offers a straightforward, enjoyable paddle with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s ideal for those who want a quick taste of bay paddling without committing to a longer or more complex trip.
Bottom Line: A practical, scenic paddle for those wanting a half-day adventure with instruction and wildlife viewing.
$131 per person
6. Explore Point Reyes by Sea Kayak
This Point Reyes sea kayak trip takes you into some of California’s most untouched coastlines. Over 3 to 4 hours, you will paddle through secluded coves, inlets, and beaches teeming with wildlife, including harbor seals, otters, and even tule elk. The tour offers a closer look at the rugged, pristine shoreline of Tomales Bay, part of the National Seashore.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on natural beauty and wildlife encounters in a wilderness setting. Your guides will explain the ecological significance of the area and help you navigate the geological features like White Gulch and the famous Hog Island. With several stops for exploration, you’ll get a comprehensive view of this remote coastal environment.
This tour is best suited for experienced paddlers or those with moderate fitness levels who like to explore more remote areas and enjoy wildlife viewing. The price is $129, which balances the length and exclusivity of this experience.
Bottom Line: A longer, wilderness-focused adventure ideal for paddlers eager to see California’s untouched coast and wildlife.
$129.00 per person
How to Choose Your San Francisco Canoe & Kayak Experience
When selecting the right paddling trip, consider your fitness level, interest in wildlife or city views, and time constraints. If you’re a beginner or want a low-pressure intro, the Learn to Paddle Board is unbeatable for ease and affordability. More experienced paddlers or those craving cityscape photos will appreciate the Bay Bridge tour, which offers a thrilling urban perspective. Nature lovers should look at the Point Reyes kayak for wilderness and wildlife sightings, while those with more time might opt for the Tomales Bay trip for a peaceful escape.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, to secure spots on these popular tours. Also, check the specific skill requirements and weather conditions, as some trips may involve choppier waters or more physical activity.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco offers a diverse range of canoe and kayak experiences. Whether you’re a first-timer looking for a gentle introduction, a wildlife enthusiast eager to see harbor seals and otters, or a cityscape lover wanting to paddle under the iconic Bay Bridge, there’s something for all. The learn-to paddle classes are perfect for beginners, while the more advanced tours provide a deeper, more scenic immersion into the area’s natural and urban beauty.
Consider your interests and skill level when choosing, and don’t forget to book early—these adventures tend to fill up fast. Whatever your choice, paddling around San Francisco is a memorable way to see the city and its surroundings from a fresh perspective.