moderate
3 hours to multi-day
Suitable for intermediate fitness; stamina recommended for longer tours and camping trips.
From kayak tours to fly fishing charters, Arawak Expeditions leads you into the best water adventures near San Jose. Discover guided paddle trips and multi-day excursions that bring the Pacific Coast marine environment to life.
San Jose, California, provides a dynamic launch point for Arawak Expeditions, a company specializing in paddle-based water adventures and fly fishing charters that harness the region’s diverse waterways. Situated along the Pacific Coast, the area offers access to coastal bays, estuaries, and inland waters that become playgrounds for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and snorkeling. Arawak Expeditions crafts multi-day journeys such as circumnavigation of St. John and inn-to-inn tours that immerse paddlers in the natural beauty and serenity of the surrounding marine environments.
The North Shore Kayak and Snorkel Guided Tours expertly combine aquatic exploration with wildlife encounters, providing guests with rental gear and expert guidance. These day trips showcase local marine geology, vibrant kelp forests, and sea caves sculpted by ocean currents. Snorkeling rentals complement these trips, allowing independent adventurers to engage with underwater habitats teeming with species like garibaldi and leopard sharks.
Fly fishing charters offer another layer of adventure for those eager to test skills in coastal and bay settings, targeting species such as striped bass and halibut. For backcountry enthusiasts, the VI Kayak and Camp and the Spanish Virgin Islands Adventure traverse rugged coastlines and remote campsites, blending paddling with overnight wilderness experiences.
What sets Arawak Expeditions apart is its comprehensive approach—offering rentals, guided tours, and multi-day trips that fit different experience levels. The company is deeply connected to the area’s outdoors scene, emphasizing safety, environmental respect, and authentic immersion. For visitors seeking to combine physical challenge, marine wildlife viewing, and cultural perspectives on California’s Pacific coast, Arawak Expeditions offers access and knowledge that transform a simple paddle into a lasting adventure.
Understanding local tides is crucial for safe and enjoyable paddling and fishing in the San Jose coastal area.
Protect your skin and the marine ecosystem by using environmentally safe sunscreen during all water activities.
Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, a properly fitted PFD enhances safety on all kayak and paddleboard trips.
Keep phones, cameras, and other essentials dry while on the water with dependable waterproof storage.
The San Jose area has a rich maritime heritage, once a hub for coastal trade and fishing in the 19th century.
Arawak Expeditions emphasizes low-impact practices, including reef-safe products and educating guests on marine habitat preservation.
Keep your essentials dry while paddling or snorkeling.
Regulate body temperature in variable coastal weather.
fall|winter|spring specific
Protect skin and marine life during sunny summer outings.
summer specific
Ideal for onshore exploration during inn-to-inn tours or camping stops.