Explore the natural beauty of the Mendocino Sea Caves

Enjoy a professionally guided sea cave tour and more from Van Damme State Park in Mendocino, while sitting on top of an Ocean Kayak! For the next hour and a half, your life will take on that of a Marine Mammal, joining the harbor seals, sea stars, algae, and shorebirds in this incredibly rich and diverse habitat.

Leaving Van Damme cove, your first 2 caves are filled with sea stars and vibrant algae. The paddling is smooth and easy, and the naturally formed channels allow us to stay well out of the wind and surf. Next, you will round the corner and see the Harbor Seals, viewing them in their pure and natural state.

Heading north and hugging the sandstone cliffs, the black oyster catchers screech and call each other to announce your arrival and their meal for the day. Narrow coves and passageways lead over the clear blue-green shallow water as you make your way towards your last cave.

Two dark chambers stretch eastward and will let you savor different views of the openings. Colorful invertebrates make their home here and the dripping fresh water offers a cooling rinse. One more cove and channel, and you will turn around and paddle and float easily back with the current!

About Your Tour:
All tours are easily paddled by beginners and require no prior experience, as Van Damme is a special place offering protection and channels in either direction. You will stay within these areas to insure a smooth ride, while still being able to observe wave action on outer reefs. These tours are time tested and have been safely and happily paddled by thousands of people for over 16 years.

About Your Guides:
It is the mission of your guides to give each guest a unique, safe and special experience on the water, by showing the magic that the Mendocino Coast has to offer. To open up others eyes, hearts and minds to the beauty that surrounds them and the role that nature plays in a healthy planet for all. By empowering each guest to realize their full potential and let them explore new areas of confidence and sense of adventure. Their love for the Ocean, nature and safety will shine through on each tour taken to sea.

About the Kayaks:
Stable, open-top kayaks are used (also called sit-on-top kayaks). No experience is required!

Includes:

• Kayaks (single or tandem)
• Paddles
• Life Jackets
• Helmets
• Wetsuit
• Dive Shoes
• Guide

What To Bring:

• Bathing suit or drip dry shorts & T-shirt
• Hat
• Sun screen
• Leash for valuable glasses

Do NOT Bring:

• Valuables
• Cell phones
• Pagers
• Car keys
• Non-waterproof watches
• Non-waterproof cameras
• Anything else you don't want to get wet

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take this tour?
This tour is open to everyone. All ages welcome, and no experience is necessary.

Do your tour guides accept tips?
Tips are gratefully received by the tour guides, but are not required.

What if it rains?
It is so protected in Little River, that kayak tours will go out on days where it looks windy or rough elsewhere. You will not go through breaking waves, and for over 16 years your guides have made guests trips to the Mendocino coast an incredible experience. Inclement weather does not guarantee that a tour will be canceled; however, should this be the case, we will contact you via telephone and e-mail to inform you of the cancellation and provide you with the alternative options available to you. In the event of the cancellation of a tour by the tour operator you may either reschedule to a different date or submit a request for a refund pending investigation of the circumstances which prompted the tour not to operate as scheduled. Please be advised that no refund will be issued if you decide not to take the tour at your discretion, but the tour departs as scheduled.

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Tour does not include hotel pick up. Tour departs from Van Damme State Park; details provided on your E-Ticket. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-208-4421.