Join South Coast Tours on a two-hour snorkeling journey off Oregon's southern coast. Explore kelp forests, reefs, and caves, then enjoy fresh fish and chips in Port Orford!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic swimming ability and be comfortable in open water environments.
Wildlife
History
Port Orford has been a fishing and marine hub since the 1800s, with a rich local indigenous heritage.
Conservation
South Coast Tours supports local marine conservation efforts by promoting responsible snorkeling and minimizing ecological impact.
South Coast Tours
Join South Coast Tours on a two-hour snorkeling journey off Oregon's southern coast. Explore kelp forests, reefs, and caves, then enjoy fresh fish and chips in Port Orford!
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.
Bring a wetsuit for cool water
Water temperatures off Port Orford can be chilly even in summer, so a wetsuit is essential for comfort underwater.
Arrive early to the dock
Arriving 30 minutes before departure gives you time to get settled and receive snorkeling gear instructions.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect marine life by applying biodegradable sunscreen recommended for snorkeling activities.
Secure personal belongings
Keep your valuables onshore or secured; the boat has limited storage space and no lockers.
Wetsuit
Wetsuits keep you warm and comfortable in Oregon’s cool coastal waters, especially in spring and fall.
spring
Mask and snorkel
A high-quality mask and snorkel allow clear underwater vision and easy breathing during the tour.
Waterproof camera
Capture stunning marine life and scenery with a camera designed for underwater use.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the environment with biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen.
summer