Combine kayaking and snorkeling on Oregon’s wild southern coast with this unique 3-hour trip at Orford Heads and Nellies Cove—an ideal way to see vibrant marine life and stunning coastal rock formations.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; comfortable paddling and swimming skills recommended
Wildlife
History
Port Orford, established in the mid-19th century, is Oregon's oldest town with rich maritime history.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes eco-conscious practices to minimize impact on fragile coastal ecosystems.
South Coast Tours
Combine kayaking and snorkeling on Oregon’s wild southern coast with this unique 3-hour trip at Orford Heads and Nellies Cove—an ideal way to see vibrant marine life and stunning coastal rock formations.
South Coast Tours operates out of Brookings, Oregon, offering guided kayak and boat excursions along the southern Oregon coast. The company runs a range of trips including ocean kayak fishing tours in Port Orford and Brookings, wildlife viewing paddles on the Chetco River estuary and coastal kelp beds, a whales and wildlife boat tour from Dolley Dock in Port Orford, snorkeling combined with kayaking at Orford Heads and Nellies Cove, and convenient boat shuttles between Bullards Beach State Park Campground and Old Town Bandon.
Trips feature Hobie kayaks for several ocean fishing and wildlife tours and include a boat-based option aboard the nearly unsinkable Black Pearl for Redfish Rocks and whale viewing. The Arches Territory inflatable paddle experience notes over 15 years of guiding in Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Tours target local species such as Blue and Black rockfish, Ling Cod, gray whales, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, kingfishers, and a variety of seabirds, plus kelp and tidepool life.
South Coast Tours serves families, anglers, hikers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts, with outings ranging from short estuary paddles to multi-hour fishing and snorkeling adventures. Departure points include Brookings and Port Orford, and specialized services include boat shuttles for Oregon Coast Trail hikers. Information provided in tour descriptions outlines durations, activities, and highlights for each trip. South Coast Tours offers coastal exploration options that connect visitors to the marine environment and local landmarks while showcasing southern Oregon’s natural diversity. Booking details, pricing, and seasonal availability are listed on their tour pages.
Base Location
Brookings, OR
Coastal access to southern Oregon
Vessels
Hobie kayaks & Black Pearl
Kayaks and motorboat adventures
Arches Experience
15+ years guiding
Samuel Boardman expertise
Tours Offered
11 distinct trips
Fishing, wildlife, snorkeling, shuttles
Reserve kayak, fishing, snorkeling or shuttle trips from Brookings and Port Orford today.
Dress in layers
The weather near the coast can change quickly, so wear layers to stay comfortable on both kayak and snorkeling portions.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the delicate marine environment by using eco-friendly sunscreen before your trip.
Check tide charts
Higher tides generally provide safer kayaking and better snorkeling visibility at Nellies Cove.
Bring a waterproof camera
Capture underwater life and coastal views without risking your phone or camera damage.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in chilly Pacific waters during spring trips.
spring
Dry bag
Protects belongings from water exposure while kayaking.
Snorkel gear
Masks, fins, and snorkels are necessary to enjoy underwater exploration.
summer
Water shoes
Provide grip and protection for rocky entry points and beach walks.
summer