Elysian Valley

Near Frogtown + Glendale, Downtown

Top rated by 100+ clients

★★★★★

Sporty, some light rapids and rocks, cuts right through a vibrant urban section of LA as the river approaches Dodger Stadium. Basic kayaking skills are recommended.

Sepulveda Basin

Near Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley

Top rated by 100+ clients

★★★★★

Peaceful, the best nature on the river, low-no concrete, large trees, looks like a traditional river. Best for beginning kayakers and eager environmentalists.

Private Tours

Got a group you'd like to paddle with, either just for fun or to mark a special occasion? Birthday parties on the river, a team-building experience with work colleagues, or perhaps an outing with neighbors or a community group... it's all possible. Just speak to one of our staff members and reserve your own tour (guides & equipment provided).

Birthdays, Reunions, and other celebrations

Community Organizations (bond with your people)

Corporate events (team up and paddle on)

Gift Certificates

Looking to gift a special person an unforgettable experience? An LA River tour is the perfect surprise for adventure-lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. Gift certificates can be used to book a spot on a kayak tour on an available date of their choosing.

If you have questions, reach out to us on our Contact Form, or call us at (747) 465-0496.

FAQs

I hear you do two different expeditions. How do I know which is right for my kayaking skill level or interests? If you want a calm, tranquil, nature-filled experience, do Sepulveda Basin; for a sporty, gritty experience, Elysian Valley.

What wildlife or nature can we expect to see? More than you'd expect! The LA River corridor is home to herons, egrets, red-tailed hawks, turtles, frogs, carp, bass, catfish, and even the occasional coyote. In some stretches you'll find lush riparian vegetation that feels worlds away from the city.

What happens if it rains or there's a heat advisory warning? We take weather seriously and work with partner organizations to inform and advise. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule or offer a full refund. We'll communicate with you ahead of time so you're never left guessing.

Do I need any prior kayaking experience? And is there an age limit? Our expeditions are designed for complete beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike. We'll walk you through what you need to know before we go. Having said that, the Sepulveda Basin tours are the place to go if you've never paddled before. Regarding age, the sweet spot is between 10 and 90 years old.

What gear is provided? All essential gear (kayak, paddle, life jacket, helmet). We recommend you bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and clothes you don't mind getting wet. Closed-toe shoes are a must. Basically, just show up ready to have fun.

What's the minimum/maximum group size? For the Sepulveda Basin, expeditions can be as large as with as 20 participants. For Elysian Valley, 12 is the max per tour.

How physically fit do I need to be? A reasonable baseline fitness level is helpful, but you don't need to be an athlete. If you can walk for a couple of hours or paddle at a leisurely pace, and you have some degree of patience, you should be fine.

How long are the tours, and where do they start/end? Most of our expeditions run between 1.5-2 hours. Specific start and end points vary by route — check each expedition listing for details, or contact us.

What about water conditions? Safety is our top priority. Water conditions on the LA River vary by season and location. Water testing is done weekly by city authorities—if it's not up to their safety standards, tours are canceled and participants must reschedule.

Are there discounts for youth, students, or larger groups? Yes — we frequently offer discounts for youth and larger groups. Inquire with us for details.

What's your cancellation/refund policy? Cancellations made 72 hours or more before your expedition receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours may be eligible for a credit toward a future trip. We'll do our best to work with you.

How do I book, and how far in advance? You can book directly through the link on our website. We recommend booking at least a week in advance, though last-minute spots are sometimes available. Why wait and miss out?

Is it even legal to be on the LA River? Do you have permits? Yes and yes. Recreational zones on the LA River are managed each summer by the MRCA (Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority), in association with the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of LA.

Is it safe? Who leads these tours? Yes, very safe. We've been running tours since 2011, without any major incidents. All expeditions are led by experienced, certified river guides who know the river well—they'll tell you all sorts of information about the river's history, ecology, and wildlife.