Coastal Charters & Water Adventures with New Horizons in San Jose - San Jose, CA

Coastal Charters & Water Adventures with New Horizons in San Jose

San Jose, CAeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with basic swimming skills and moderate fitness; no advanced training required.

Overview

Discover unique coastal adventures with New Horizons and Breakaway Charters in San Jose, California. From night kayaking to snorkel tours, their marine-focused trips bring you close to the Pacific’s remarkable waters.

Details

Located in San Jose, California, New Horizons and Breakaway Charters offers a distinctive blend of coastal and marine adventures that bring the Pacific coastline vividly to life. Operating primarily out of well-known resort hubs like Margaritaville and Elysian Resort, these tours spotlight an intimate connection with the ocean through a variety of water-based activities. From daylight snorkel excursions to illuminated night kayaking, their offerings extend beyond conventional trips to highlight the marine ecosystem's natural beauty and evening bioluminescence.

San Jose’s proximity to the Northern California coast places it near stunning marine environments characterized by rocky shorelines, kelp forests, and diverse ocean wildlife, making it a prime location for water tours. New Horizons and Breakaway Charters capitalize on this by providing personalized experiences such as half-day snorkel tours, snorkel trips around St John, and Hobie Cat rides that give adventurers a hands-on connection with the sea.

Their illuminated night kayaking tour at the Elysian Resort is a standout adventure, where paddlers glide through dark waters that sparkle with bioluminescent plankton—a rare and thrilling phenomenon. Meanwhile, the Champagne Sunset Sail from Margaritaville offers a perfect blend of relaxation and scenic views, where guests can savor the changing hues of the sky as the sun dips below the coast.

This company fits seamlessly into the local outdoor recreation scene by offering both active and leisurely water experiences that showcase San Jose’s marine environment in unique ways. Their focus on safe, well-guided trips enables visitors to access hidden coastal pockets and reef formations teeming with marine life such as colorful fish and sea stars. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-time snorkeler, New Horizons and Breakaway Charters provide an engaging gateway to California's coastal waters that few other providers match.

Adventure Tips

Book in advance for night kayaking

Illuminated night kayak trips are popular; reserve early to ensure a spot.

Stay hydrated and protect your skin

Bring water and reef-safe sunscreen to stay comfortable during daytime tours.

Wear quick-dry clothing

Quick-dry fabrics make a big difference in comfort during and after water activities.

Skill level awareness

Most tours are beginner-friendly, but a basic comfort in the water is recommended.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Remote kelp forest patches near the Elysian Resort
  • Secluded coves visible on the Jost Van Dyke-BVI Tour

Wildlife

  • Colorful Garibaldi fish
  • Harbor seals

History

San Jose’s coastal areas have long been central to California’s maritime culture, once supporting local fishing and sea trade.

Conservation

These tours emphasize minimizing impact on marine habitats by promoting reef-friendly sunscreen and respecting wildlife distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Sunset
Nighttime for bioluminescence

Best Viewpoints

  • From a Hobie Cat during open water rides
  • Lookouts along the margarita sunset sail
  • Paddling routes near kelp beds

What to Photograph

Bioluminescent waters
Coastal marine life
Sunset-lit waves

Recommended Gear

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin without harming ocean life during sunny tours.

summer specific

Water shoes

Useful for rocky shore entries or slippery boat decks.

summer specific

Light, quick-dry clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable during wet activities and changing weather.

summer|spring|fall specific

Waterproof camera or phone case

Allows capturing clear shots without risking equipment damage.