Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
4.7
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Fun at Descanso Beach, Catalina Island with rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel equipment, tubes & viewboards. Featuring daily paddle tours and discounted rental packages. Support for kayak campers.
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
69 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
14
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Jenniferscott4
McGregor, TX7 contributions
Apr 2021
We loved the attention the employees gave us as got set up with the Not-So-Early-Earlybird Special. Although we have kayaked and snorkeled before, we appreciated the instructions on how to handle the kayaks and where to snorkel. Everyone was so helpful, and we loved packing a picnic with us to a secluded beach. They even loaned us a cooler to keep our food cool for the outing.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sofia P
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
My husband and I did the kayak tour to Frog Rock and had an incredible time. Donald was a fantastic tour guide - knowledgeable, funny, and well organized. This was my first time kayaking on the ocean and it was easier than I thought it would be. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Catalina Island!
Written August 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian P
Long Beach, California3 contributions
Aug 2021
Aurora worked with us to book a private kayak trip for our family get together after every other kayak tour was booked up. Then at the last minute, Catalina native, Patti, stepped in to lead our eco-tour when the other guide was double-booked. All eleven of us had a memorable time (including the three little guys).
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adj516
Santa Monica, CA3 contributions
Sep 2022
We had an amazing time on the Kayak Tour to Frog Rock! It was a very fun day, and our guide, Donald, was fantastic. Donald was very knowledgeable about the Island's history and wildlife, and was very accommodating for folks of all kayak sill levels. We would definitely do another tour next time we are on the island.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T V
El Granada, CA10 contributions
Nov 2022
Descanso bathroom and changing room facilities were nice and clean. We kayaked to willow cove. Guide and staff were friendly and knowledgeable. A sack lunch was provided inclusive with the tour. We saw lots of garibaldi fish just from walking along shore from ferry to Descanso. Saw lots of fish just from sitting on kayak. Next time, we plan to rent kayak and venture out on our own. It was a very pleasant time.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoCalAdventureSeeker
San Diego, CA535 contributions
Oct 2016
Great spot for water activity rentals located right on the water away from the hustle and bustle of Avalon. Just a short walk from Avalon by way of the Avalon Casino. Very friendly staff. They have a great Early Bird rental offer if you rent by 11am: 4hr Kayak/Snorkel package for $75. You can Kayak to more remote areas of the island and have a picnic and snorkel. The water is very clear and you see lots from the kayak but when you get in the water you see so much more. Highly recommend this!
Written October 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole C
Rota, Spain80 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
If you want a fun day on the water check out the kayak tours! We had a great experience kayaking to Frog Rock from the Descanso Beach. It was about a two hour tour and our guide Brian was great! He was informative and very friendly. The weather was great but it was a bit windy and choppy waters to see much sea life. We did see some Leapord sharks and a bald eagle which was cool! The company provided water proof pants, life jacket, water proof bag for personal belongings and water. You will get wet on the kayak but it was a nice warm day for us so it was great!
Written February 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review Nicole! You just never know what the weather will be like or what you will experience, so glad you enjoyed your tour. I've passed this on to Brian, he'll be stoked too!
Written February 19, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren H
2 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
We signed up for the 9am kayak to fox canyon and loved it! Our guide, Nick, was so friendly and fun to hang out with. The staff are very friendly and provide you with a dry bag for anything you want to bring with you, water shoes, pants, and jackets to help you stay as dry as possible. We were lucky to have only one other couple with us that morning which made for a fun and relaxed experience!
The staff will help you get in the kayak when departing descanso beach and teach you how to paddle, etc.
You will likely see many Garibaldi, we were lucky enough to see a Harbor seal too!
The kayak down to Fox Canyon was fairly easy in a double.
The "hike" is more of a nature walk up to a small grassy space in the canyon.
Overall a great experience and the company and staff were exceptional to work with!
The staff will help you get in the kayak when departing descanso beach and teach you how to paddle, etc.
You will likely see many Garibaldi, we were lucky enough to see a Harbor seal too!
The kayak down to Fox Canyon was fairly easy in a double.
The "hike" is more of a nature walk up to a small grassy space in the canyon.
Overall a great experience and the company and staff were exceptional to work with!
Written March 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KrysMills
Victoria, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
We arrived in Catalina from the Star Princess on October 15 and walked to Descanso Beach from the tender dock, about 15 mins along the shore. We'd booked the kyak trip independently of the cruise line because we'd done it the year before and had picked up the visitors' guide for Catalina which gave us the contact info we needed. Our guide was Amanda who is a member of this family run business. Talk about a wonderful trip! Amanda's family has been on Catalina for 5 generations so she has an in-depth knowledge about the history and ecology of this island. The weather was perfect, the pace in our double kaya was just right, and the sea just before Frog Rock was remarkably clear. We saw lots of fish. Then we pulled up onto the beach and sat around relaxing, eating the cookies Amanda had brought with her. They provide waterproof bags for valuables so we were able to pack our video camera and Amanda obligingly took some film of us paddling away. The journey back was a leisurely 45 mins, with pauses for seals and more fish. We're not youngsters, being 70 years old, but this trip is not taxing as long as you can swing your arms and don't mind getting a bit wet. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and life jacket. There are change rooms at Descanso Beach and maybe showers if they get some rain. Your extra clothes are stored behind the counter while you're away on your trip. To top off a perfect afternoon, the owner gave us a golf cart ride back to town. We'd highly recommend this trip for anyone visiting Catalina.
Written October 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl S
Los Angeles, CA111 contributions
Aug 2016
We rented 2 double kayaks. They were clean and the staff was friendly. We paddled north for a little bit. We stopped at a few beaches so we could swim in the water. It was cool and our kids (8 and 10) really enjoyed it too.
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a place to stash our bags after we check out of hotel, while we are kayaking with you?
Written June 29, 2023
lorrainedelcid
Anaheim, California
Does Descano Beach have free access or is there a fee?
Written April 4, 2019
Mary S
Avalon, California
Hi, yes there is a $2 fee to use the private beach at Descanso Beach. There are restrooms, changing rooms and rinse-off showers. The private beach is operated by the Descanso Beach Club, which is not the same as my kayak, snorkel and tour company which is located on their premises.
Written April 8, 2019
Is there a place to rinse off after going to the beach here ?
Written July 30, 2018
Is there a place to rinse off after going into the beach?
Written July 30, 2018
Mary S
Avalon, California
Our water sports business featuring kayaking, SUP, snorkeling rentals and guided eco tours is located at the Descanso Beach Club in Avalon and yes, the Beach Club has fresh water rinse off showers.
Written July 31, 2018
Mary S
Avalon, California
Hi Denny, I'll assume you're asking how much a double kayak for one hour will set you back - that answer is almost $33. We pro-rate all of hour rental rates, they are less expensive the longer you stay out. (for instance, the same double kayak for 4 hours is $63.80). All of our rates are posted on our website, while you're there check out our not-so-earlybird rental package for two. It includes a double kayak, 2 sets of snorkel gear including wetsuits of the season, a dry bag for your towels and a soft cooler so you can take along your own picnic. Explore the coast, find a spot to go ashore and enjoy the island in private. That package has restrictions about what time you need to leave the beach in the a.m. (not-so-earlybird) which is 10am in the summer - but you have all the equipment for 4 hours for a total of $82.50. Thanks for asking, check out our website, come on out to the island!
Written July 24, 2017
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