Sepulveda Basin_Los Angeles River Kayak Tours_2026 SATURDAYS
About this Event
Enjoy the leisurelyu ease of this flatwater, natural section of the river. Paddle through the best wildlife spot in all of LA!
The Supulveda Basin is a tranquil setting and the most untouched part of the river. The group makes stops along the way to educate about the environment, the history, and the controversies that have shaped our much-maligned river.
Kayaking through this iconic waterway is truly a unique experience that every Angelenos should do. Summer 2026 (our 14th season) is your chance to try this indelible, must-do adventure.
WHERE: These guided kayak tours are within the "Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve" area, which is the most natural, wonderfully green part of the river. It's a leisurely, 2.5-mile flat-water paddle, with deeper water and few obstacles (as opposed to sportier river section in the Elysian Valley). Here there are tree-lined, mud-packed riverbanks, and robust bird and fish populations. Not far from neighborhoods like: Encino, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and Reseda.
WHAT: You'll be on the water in your single kayak for nearly 2 hrs., with all basic equipment provided (boat, lifejacket, paddle, helmet), as you learn all about the LA River from our experienced boating staff: the watershed, the wildlife, the history and the politics of our hometown river. You'll pick up paddling skills and learn how to be safer around rivers. Plus, you'll have fun and get some great exercise along the way.
HOW: We run this trip as an "up & back" trip. You'll park near the start (Burbank Blvd. @ Woodley Ave.), take a roughly 3-minute walk over a bridge to the river launch site, then depart and return from the same riverside location.
WHO: LA River Expeditions is the original boating outfit on the LA River and the only one leading tours in both Recreation Zones. We are the group that, in 2008, paddled the 51 miles of the river to help win environmental protections for it under the Clean Water Act. Since then, as a California nonprofit, we've put 20,000+ people on the river in kayaks. We're proud of having contributed to our community's enjoyment and learning.
WHY: We do all this because we are avid kayakers and all-around river enthusiasts. Our experienced guides are the topnotch — they've got decades of collective experience running rivers. They've received professional training in safety and paddling skills, and maintain First Aid/CPR certification. For its river conservation efforts, LA River Expeditions is the recipient of the Green Paddle Award (American Canoe Association), the River Warrior Award (Resource Renewal Institute) and the River Hero award (River Network).
! NOTE These trips are fairly leisurely and relaxed. This is essentially 'flat-water' paddling. There is often 90+ degree heat, so protecting yourself accordingly is important. These trips are okay for boaters of all skill levels; beginners are welcome. (Do not sign up for this trip, however, if you have a medical condition that could be compromised by this activity). The kayaks provided have a weight capacity of roughly 230lbs. Please be aware that there is a strict no-refund policy.
Subject to Change: Event dates, times, and venues are subject to change at the discretion of the organizer without prior notice. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to verify any changes prior to the event.
We hope to see you out on the LA River soon!! Look further below for important FAQs.
See FAQs below to get your questions answered.
FAQs:
* What's the deal with this part of the river? This is the site of the original guided kayak trips. It's the only parts of the river that has no concrete on the bottom or sides. This lush and peaceful section enjoys the river's best wildlife. This vibrant natural resource lends itself well to both kayaking and learning all about the river. You'll come away with a whole new perspective on the nature that's right here within urban Los Angeles, whether you're a resident or tourist.
* Is it hot out there? Yes. It can be very hot during the summer. If you have particular issues with heat, or tenuous medical issues, this just might not be for you.
* Any age limits? This activity is usually doable for people 10 years and up (barring any extraordinary health or physical conditions).
* Any weight limits? Yes, no more than 230 lbs., please, in this section of the river. The kayaks have weight capacity limits. Be sure that each person for whom you're buying a ticket meets this criteria. It's a stability/safety issue, so please respect that.
* How experienced do I have to be? The trip will require that you paddle your own kayak for about 2.5 miles. Beginners are welcome. Our staff will work with you on your paddling and boating skills.
* What about parking in the local neighborhoods? There's really only one place to park and it has plenty of room for vehicles. It's not far from the kayak launch site.
* What if my trip is canceled? The trips are sometimes canceled due to poor weather. If that happens, we will work with you to reschedule you for another tour as soon as possible.
* What's your cancellation policy? Sorry, but once you purchase your tickets there are no refunds. Being late or getting lost is on you. However, if you know ahead of time that you'll be unable to attend your tour for whatever reason, we recommend any of these options: 1) Tickets are 100% transferable, so you could sell them to another person 2) You may use our Facebook page to look for people who are interested in tickets, or post your tickets as available for sale (sometimes it helps to offer a discount) 3) You can always gift your ticket(s) to a friend, family member or work colleague so that someone can enjoy the experience so the tickets don't go to waste.
* How's the water quality? The river is deemed safe for this type of activity by state and city authorities who do weekly water monitoring. LA River Expeditions has not had any notable reported health incidents due to river water since we began running tours in 2011. That's because we take safety seriously. You'll have ample use of supplies, like anti-bacterial sanitizers plus fresh water to wash off with at the end of your tour. If water monitoring ever reveals unusually high levels of bacteria, tours will be canceled. Starting in 2018, the new go-to site for testing safe water quality is the City's LA Sanitation website: https://bit.ly/2IBTqz4. Feel free to check it out if you have any further questions. Heal the Bay recommends kayaking on the river but also to keep an eye out for reports they publish about water quality. Incidental contact with the water (i.e., hand to mouth, ingesting it) is to be avoided; most importantly, use common sense.
Subject to Change: Event dates, times, and venues are subject to change at the discretion of the organizer without prior notice. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to verify any changes prior to the event.
* OK, so how do I get tickets? If you're excited to experience this novel adventure, then we'd love to have you aboard! Use this site to select a Date, then click on Tickets and follow the prompts for payment. If it says "Sold Out" then you simply look for the next available date.
* After I get my tickets, how do find out everything else I'll need to know? You'll be able to download our "Welcome Kit" immediately if you like, so you can be prepared. It contains info like what to bring, exactly where to meet and when, written directions and maps, and also a couple of waivers you'll need to sign and bring with you. Also, we mail out that same our Welcome Kit in an email roughly a week prior to your tour.
We hope to see you out on the LA River soon!!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 53.74
