Moonlight Kayaking
Moonlight Kayaking
5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Moonlight Kayaking
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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jonze
Paris, France49 contributions
Jul 2011
We kayaked under the shimmering full moon with expert guide, Danny Hough. The evening begins with a gourmet picnic, then set out into the pink layers of a setting sun over the glassy waters of the Balboa Back Bay in Newport Beach. It's an easy paddle, even for first-timers, and passes through a magnificent bird estuary, over Amsterdam-like canals lined with the quaint and stunning homes on Balboa's Islands. The area's wild life and sites can include birds, sea lions, dolphins and more. We were lucky because no one had to get back, so Danny extended the evening by stopping for hot chocolate or frozen banana on the island. Then we paddled back under tranquil golden moonlit waters.
I believe Danny also privately guides couples and does the picnic also by moonlight - by request. He also does parties.
Weak/concerned/younger or older (we had a 1st-time woman who was 85!) go out on the larger, even more steady, Hawaiian outrigger canoes. Kids 8+ are welcome and some take kayaks, others go in the big canoes. My family LOVED this and called it the highlight of their entire trip. We saw dolphins which was a lovely surprise.
The picnic is optional and I thought it was well-worth the $10. (They had candle light, real silverware and glasses, a gourmet, sandwich, salad, cookie or brownie and beverages – all from a French baker. Even the bread was hand-made.). We brought a bottle of wine. There was one cute couple that wore a backpack and pulled out little cups and a bottle of champagne on the kayak to celebrate their anniversary. (They must've sipped at the breaks because when you are paddling, you are not sipping!)
Last winter we also did the Holiday Lights Paddle, which goes out on the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes where you sit up higher, so it's warmer. That time we stopped for hot chocolate on Balboa Island and also at a house that was particularly decked-out for the holidays with a snow machine and lights I've never seen before. All of the boats are decorated for the local holiday boat parade and the reflection of all of the lights on the water is really pretty. We saw sea lions too, which was fun. What surprised me most about both paddles was how WARM it was on the water compared to the temperature of where we docked from. Even in November when we were literally shivering in snow caps and heavy jackets – we were told to leave some of it in our vehicle because we would be too warm once we got moving and on the water. Reluctantly, we did, and ended up stripping down to just a windbreaker, leggings and T-shirt. ON the water, somehow, it was an entirely warmer temperature.
With the help of the other guides (who are also close at hand on the water if you need anything), we buckled our seats into own kayaks, grabbed our paddles and then got instruction on technique. We were warned that men tend to flip and get totally soaked almost as soon as they got on the water (they let them change clothes and start again). We were told that the kayaks are tippy and men don't use their core, and tend to flip and get wet. Men should be warned not to muscle anything, and remember, they're top-heavy which doesn't help. Both times I did these paddles I also saw people in body types of ALL sizes and non-athletes. And everyone enjoyed themselves and did just fine.
Danny Hough is this very gentle, happy-go-lucky, kind (and easy to look at) guide, and we tipped him 20% ($8) for every person in our group, both times but it is not required. I noticed other people tipped him too however.
You can find more information on Danny's Meetup.com page.
You can also see more photos there, and on Facebook. Just Google:
"Paddle with Danny Hough (Moonlight Kayak, Outrigger & more)" and "LIKE" his page.
The Newport Beach Aquatic Center website also has more information. Call them for the website for summer Moonlight Paddling and winter Holiday Lights Paddling. (Danny also teaches private and group lessons.)
Reservations are required.
Kayaks launch promptly at 7:15
I recommend you arrive an hour early to get your life jacket, glow stick & review of how to paddle most efficiently.
This evening can run late. If you have to get back by 9:30 for kids or something - tell Danny in advance. Expect to finish at 10pm, but you may get in by 9:15, 9:30pm
They say all levels (1st-timers, novice and experts) are welcome, and it's an easy paddle but, if you get winded walking up a flight of stairs -- this probably isn't for you.
What to wear:
FYI: Even on COLD winter evenings, we found it to be WARM once you're on the water.
• Hat (I wore a baseball cap just recently in July, and a very thin fleece one for the holiday paddle)
• Cropped leggings or longer surf shorts (your knees may get dripped on if you're in the kayak - less likely in the canoes, which some people requested)
• T-shirt, or an athletic wicking/poly-T
• Windbreaker or LIGHT jacket (I wore one with no lining, and just a regular, short sleeve T-shirt underneath and I was hot - ended up unzipping it)
• Flip-flops or any shoe that can get dripped on or get wet
• Small dry bag (if you know what that is and have one)
• Cash to tip your guide and for hot chocolate/frozen bananas etc. (yum)
• Headlamp (if you have one)
• An entire set of dry clothes & shoes to change into after (underwear, shoes -- everything)
Dress in layers. There are showers and lockers for changing after.
Needless to say I loved this event and while I'm not a "kayaker" I really enjoyed it.
You can get a little workout in if you want, or you an just chill and glide on the glassy water. It's a beautiful nighttime event.
I believe Danny also privately guides couples and does the picnic also by moonlight - by request. He also does parties.
Weak/concerned/younger or older (we had a 1st-time woman who was 85!) go out on the larger, even more steady, Hawaiian outrigger canoes. Kids 8+ are welcome and some take kayaks, others go in the big canoes. My family LOVED this and called it the highlight of their entire trip. We saw dolphins which was a lovely surprise.
The picnic is optional and I thought it was well-worth the $10. (They had candle light, real silverware and glasses, a gourmet, sandwich, salad, cookie or brownie and beverages – all from a French baker. Even the bread was hand-made.). We brought a bottle of wine. There was one cute couple that wore a backpack and pulled out little cups and a bottle of champagne on the kayak to celebrate their anniversary. (They must've sipped at the breaks because when you are paddling, you are not sipping!)
Last winter we also did the Holiday Lights Paddle, which goes out on the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes where you sit up higher, so it's warmer. That time we stopped for hot chocolate on Balboa Island and also at a house that was particularly decked-out for the holidays with a snow machine and lights I've never seen before. All of the boats are decorated for the local holiday boat parade and the reflection of all of the lights on the water is really pretty. We saw sea lions too, which was fun. What surprised me most about both paddles was how WARM it was on the water compared to the temperature of where we docked from. Even in November when we were literally shivering in snow caps and heavy jackets – we were told to leave some of it in our vehicle because we would be too warm once we got moving and on the water. Reluctantly, we did, and ended up stripping down to just a windbreaker, leggings and T-shirt. ON the water, somehow, it was an entirely warmer temperature.
With the help of the other guides (who are also close at hand on the water if you need anything), we buckled our seats into own kayaks, grabbed our paddles and then got instruction on technique. We were warned that men tend to flip and get totally soaked almost as soon as they got on the water (they let them change clothes and start again). We were told that the kayaks are tippy and men don't use their core, and tend to flip and get wet. Men should be warned not to muscle anything, and remember, they're top-heavy which doesn't help. Both times I did these paddles I also saw people in body types of ALL sizes and non-athletes. And everyone enjoyed themselves and did just fine.
Danny Hough is this very gentle, happy-go-lucky, kind (and easy to look at) guide, and we tipped him 20% ($8) for every person in our group, both times but it is not required. I noticed other people tipped him too however.
You can find more information on Danny's Meetup.com page.
You can also see more photos there, and on Facebook. Just Google:
"Paddle with Danny Hough (Moonlight Kayak, Outrigger & more)" and "LIKE" his page.
The Newport Beach Aquatic Center website also has more information. Call them for the website for summer Moonlight Paddling and winter Holiday Lights Paddling. (Danny also teaches private and group lessons.)
Reservations are required.
Kayaks launch promptly at 7:15
I recommend you arrive an hour early to get your life jacket, glow stick & review of how to paddle most efficiently.
This evening can run late. If you have to get back by 9:30 for kids or something - tell Danny in advance. Expect to finish at 10pm, but you may get in by 9:15, 9:30pm
They say all levels (1st-timers, novice and experts) are welcome, and it's an easy paddle but, if you get winded walking up a flight of stairs -- this probably isn't for you.
What to wear:
FYI: Even on COLD winter evenings, we found it to be WARM once you're on the water.
• Hat (I wore a baseball cap just recently in July, and a very thin fleece one for the holiday paddle)
• Cropped leggings or longer surf shorts (your knees may get dripped on if you're in the kayak - less likely in the canoes, which some people requested)
• T-shirt, or an athletic wicking/poly-T
• Windbreaker or LIGHT jacket (I wore one with no lining, and just a regular, short sleeve T-shirt underneath and I was hot - ended up unzipping it)
• Flip-flops or any shoe that can get dripped on or get wet
• Small dry bag (if you know what that is and have one)
• Cash to tip your guide and for hot chocolate/frozen bananas etc. (yum)
• Headlamp (if you have one)
• An entire set of dry clothes & shoes to change into after (underwear, shoes -- everything)
Dress in layers. There are showers and lockers for changing after.
Needless to say I loved this event and while I'm not a "kayaker" I really enjoyed it.
You can get a little workout in if you want, or you an just chill and glide on the glassy water. It's a beautiful nighttime event.
Written July 12, 2011
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.
ChrisBlank_FNS
Costa Mesa, California, United States65 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This is a wonderful way to see Newport Bay from a different perspective. You gather at the Newport Aquatic Center in the Upper Newport Bay. Guide and trip leader Danny Hough gives some basic instruction and safety information, we gather our life jackets, glow lights and paddles and then down to the shore.
We have a choice of single and tandem kayaks, all in very good condition. In a matter of minutes we're on the water and heading toward Balboa Island. Fish are jumping out of the water making playful splashes. Sun sets while we're on the water and we paddle on as we wait for the moon to rise. About an hour after we launch we land on a beach near Main Street on Balboa Island. A short walk along the boardwalk and we're munching Balboa Bars and Frozen Bananas. Quintessential summer treats.
We meander back to our boats for a 2 mile paddle back to NAC, but taking a different route so we see other views. When we're near home base the entire flotilla stops paddling and just drifts, listening to the sounds of the night and watching the moonlight shimmer on the water. It doesn't get much better than this.
Kudos to Danny and his team of volunteers who keep everyone safely moving along.
We have a choice of single and tandem kayaks, all in very good condition. In a matter of minutes we're on the water and heading toward Balboa Island. Fish are jumping out of the water making playful splashes. Sun sets while we're on the water and we paddle on as we wait for the moon to rise. About an hour after we launch we land on a beach near Main Street on Balboa Island. A short walk along the boardwalk and we're munching Balboa Bars and Frozen Bananas. Quintessential summer treats.
We meander back to our boats for a 2 mile paddle back to NAC, but taking a different route so we see other views. When we're near home base the entire flotilla stops paddling and just drifts, listening to the sounds of the night and watching the moonlight shimmer on the water. It doesn't get much better than this.
Kudos to Danny and his team of volunteers who keep everyone safely moving along.
Written August 26, 2013
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.
Kevin L
Santa Monica, CA14 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
http://trrrip.com/t/34 (Photos of kayaking here)
I went to kayak in the back bay this past weekend. Compared to many of the other places nearby that also rent kayaks, I thought that the aquatic center was as good as it gets. They're very relaxed about the kayak rentals and they're very good with customer service.
They charge $15hr for a single and $20 for a double, which is slightly more expensive than other places, but it's worth it because you're so far in the backbay. Getting here from balboa island would take an hour at least, easily. Here you get to actually explore a lot more of the nature preserve, which is what it's all about.
Anyhow, check out my photos from my link and go here to kayak!
I went to kayak in the back bay this past weekend. Compared to many of the other places nearby that also rent kayaks, I thought that the aquatic center was as good as it gets. They're very relaxed about the kayak rentals and they're very good with customer service.
They charge $15hr for a single and $20 for a double, which is slightly more expensive than other places, but it's worth it because you're so far in the backbay. Getting here from balboa island would take an hour at least, easily. Here you get to actually explore a lot more of the nature preserve, which is what it's all about.
Anyhow, check out my photos from my link and go here to kayak!
Written August 16, 2013
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.
gladys8888
Newport Beach, CA1 contribution
Oct 2011 • Couples
What a great way to spend a Saturday night! Grab a couple of friends and set out for a new adventure. I went Moonlight kayaking with my husband and another couple, and none of us had ever been kayaking before, much less in the moonlight. It was so fun and easy, and the guides were great as we navigated the waters around the back bay, Harbor Island and Balboa Island. We stopped to rest frequently which was great for those of us with very little upper body strength, and we stopped on Balboa Island for a coffee, frozen banana or a cocktail halfway through. Even though I live in Newport, I felt transported to another place, as we paddled under bridges and by houses on the water it felt like Venice in the moonlight. I am definitely going to do this again, especially for the holidays when you can see all of the holiday lights around the harbor. Great experience!
Written October 13, 2011
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.
Britt M
2 contributions
Feb 2015
Danny Huff is a very responsible and knowledgable tour guide! He was beyond friendly and accommodating with my group and even went out of his way to do a last-minute tour for us. The bay was so peaceful and beautiful at night and we saw some adorable sea lions lounging on a boat! My favorite part was getting to stop at Balboa Island for some delicious frozen bananas! This tour is truly a hidden gem and suck a great deal!
Written February 20, 2015
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.
marglo6
17 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
My husband and I had a blast! The 3+ hours tour took us to Balboa Island. The stars and moon shown brightly. It was a magical scene on the water. So much fun. A perfect evening! We picnicked at the aquatic center before getting in the kayak. Our paddle tour stopped on the island for coffee and treats and we headed back to the Back Bay Aquatics Center, little flickering lights from each kayak guiding us under a bridge and through the bay lined by beautiful homes, lit like sets in a theatre. .Danny was and informative and responsible guide. This is a must for out of town guests and locals alike.
Written August 25, 2013
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.
sheila g
Irvine, CA20 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Active, engaging, friendly--my family of 5 adults and 4 children--had fun on the outrigger excursion under the tutelage of Danny Hough and Kevin. No moonlight (our choice when we scheduled the trip). We left the beach in the early evening, saw sunset as we pulled onto Balboa, enjoyed the stars & darkness on our return. Separately two youngsters said, "I don't know about everyone else, but I had a super time." No paddling knowledge nor physical strength were needed, just wanting to share a fun evening.
Written July 26, 2014
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.
petekazanjy
San Francisco7 contributions
May 2013
Danny's tour is excellent. A great event to do on a summer evening, get a little kayaking in before a late dinner or drinks in Balboa / Newport.
A nice two hour kayaking your. Not too short, not too long. Fun sea kayaks that are leisurely and tip-resistant.
Super fun and a nice exercise / outdoor-centric night out.
A nice two hour kayaking your. Not too short, not too long. Fun sea kayaks that are leisurely and tip-resistant.
Super fun and a nice exercise / outdoor-centric night out.
Written May 26, 2013
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.
kgrom2009
California45 contributions
Had a fantastic time with Danny and the Newport aquatic center's volunteers!
I have lived in Newport for 10+ years and can't believe it took me this long to really experience Newport on the water.
Would highly recommend this adventure to anyone. Note it can get cold and you will get wet so plan accordingly!
I have lived in Newport for 10+ years and can't believe it took me this long to really experience Newport on the water.
Would highly recommend this adventure to anyone. Note it can get cold and you will get wet so plan accordingly!
Written January 7, 2013
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.
Steph-Mpls
Mpls36 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
Wow, don't miss this fun adventure in an Hawaiian outrigger canoe. It is a great way to see the holiday lights on Balboa island. We left from the Newport Aquatic Center, heading first to Newport Dunes to see the light show with beautifully lit Christmas trees on the water and Santa on a stand up paddle board, then headed out and around Balboa Island to see all the decorated houses. We stopped on Balboa Island and had an hour to explore the charming main street on foot, and more beautiful Christmas lights. The guides were terrific, fun, safe, and couldn't be nicer. If I lived here, I would do it all the time. Again, don't miss a fun way to see Neport with great people. It will be the most memorable part of your trip. Families are welcome.
Written December 8, 2012
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.
Jessica G
Wildomar, CA316 contributions
I will be in Newport this weekend and want to know if this tour is available.
Are your tours year round? We are planning to visit Newport Beach next weekend (Feb 28-march 2). What times are the tours? Is a one year old allowed to ride in the kayak with us?
Thanks!
Brenda