5 Wonderful Family Water Adventures in Beautiful Orange County

If you love going to the beach with your family but are looking for a little different spin on things, we’ve got you covered! In today’s blog, we’re giving you some fun family water-based activities the whole family will enjoy. And they’re all conveniently located either in or close to Huntington Beach so you spend less time driving, and more time having fun!

Family Surfing Lessons

Everyone can learn how to “hang 10” at the Banzai Surf School in Huntington Beach. Here you can opt for group lessons or private lessons for the whole family.

Image: yelp.com/Banzai Surf School

There are as many instructors provided as needed to keep everyone safe, and anyone under the age of 8 will have their own personal instructor. If you are planning on taking a lesson, opt for the morning over the afternoon as the afternoon can become too windy. The Banzai Surf School is available for lessons year-round and can even be booked the same day. The school prides itself on having ninety percent of students standing up on the surfboard during their first lesson.

Kayaking Huntington Harbor (OEX)

Kayaking is a great family water adventure. You can rent a kayak from OEX Sunset Beach and start paddling your way across Huntington Harbor.

Image: yelp.com/Mardy S.

The typical rental here is a 2-hour kayak rental to paddle through the canals of Huntington Harbor. There are five islands and approximately nine canals to get through so a two-hour ride is usually recommended. You can choose to kayak the old fashioned way or try one of the kayaks that are powered by a foot pedal system. Take a break by picnicking in one of the parks you pass or stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. OEX Sunset Beach is open daily from 9a.m.-5: 30 p.m. for rentals.

Kids Paddle Camp (Pirate Coast Paddle Company)

If you’re looking for a fun activity for your kids, why not paddleboard camp? Pirate Coast Paddle Company in Newport Beach offers a 5-day camp that teaches kids the basics of paddle boarding.

Image: yelp.com/Chris K.

Each day of the camp focuses on a new skill so that by the end of the week the kids will be knowledgeable paddle boarders. There are several sessions held throughout the summer. Pirate Coast Paddle Company also offers kayak rentals for the whole family as well as paddleboard rentals for adults.

Rent a Duffy Boat and tour Newport Bay

A great way to spend some quality family time out on the water is to rent a Duffy boat at Duffy Electric Boat Rentals of Newport Beach and tour Newport Bay.

Image: yelp.com/A.M.

Each Duffy electric boat can fit ten people comfortably, with a maximum of twelve per boat. The boats are touring speed and are as easy to drive as a golf cart. Each boat has a full canopy top to shelter you and your family from the sun. You can bring food and beverage along with you for your trip or choose to tie up your boat and dine at one of several excellent restaurants along the way. Boat rentals range from two to four hours.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Planning a whale and dolphin watching trip with your family is well worth it when you’re visiting Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari.

Image: yelp.com/captain dave’s dolphin & whale safari

Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari is located in Dana Point, where you’ll see plenty of dolphins and whales without having to go too far out into the ocean. Seeing magnificent whales and playful dolphins up close are memories your family will remember for a lifetime!

Captain Dave’s boats have unique underwater viewing pods that make you feel as though you’re swimming with the ocean wildlife; if for some reason you don’t see any whales or dolphins while you’re out on your trip (which is highly unlikely) you can return for free within one year to give it a second try.

From kayaking to Duffy boats to whale watching, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy in Orange County. The next time you’re looking for a family water adventure give one of these activities a try!